GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21329, 2 November 1932, Page 12

GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS

PLAYERS AT PRACTICE TWO BRILLIANT ROUNDS E. J. MOSS AND SHAW BY J. Tj. BLACK "WELLINGTON. Tuesday The Tlerelaunga links to-day presented an animated appearance, when nearly all entrants for tho New Zealand golf titles played their preliminary practice rounds. The day was typical of tho conditions that will probably be met on most days of the tournament, which commences on Thursday. A high blustery northerly wind swept down from the hills and across the course. Tho course is playing very easily and, unliko Middleinoro and Titirangi, gives scope for good scoring from mediocre shots to the green. Shallow bunkers hasten the call for tho putter, as -shots with this club aro easily played. The penalty for being off tho fairway is not severe, as good lies arc the rule in the rough, practically tho same distance being obtainable. Indications point to Shaw's 67 at Hokowhitu being beaten. Yesterday under ideal conditions Shaw and Moss each completed tho course in the amazing figures of 66. Shaw is playing as well as when be lifted the open title last year. Shaw's card read: — Out ;44343455 3—35. In: 3 4 4 4 3 2 3 4 4—31. Moss' Chances of Title On tho form displayed Moss appears to bo a serious rival for Shaw in the open event. After the completion of his round yestorday afternoon Moss considered that with any luck on the greens his chance of again capturing the open titlo was within hig power. His card read: — Out: 4 4 4 4 3 5 4 5 3-36. In: 3 3 4 4 3 3 4 3 3—30. Thcso figures show that, given favourable weather conditions-, another Australian and New Zealand record may bo signalled. Among the professionals Butters, Branch, Mcintosh and Rutter appear to have mastered tho course, as all have produced figures in the low seventies. Among the amateurs tho national champion is hard to sort out of tho big field. A good putter on Heretaunga with no demand for exceptional length from the tco will be a match for any of our top rank players. As an instance of this, playing to-day ip tho high wind, and not timing his tee shots, John Duncan, of the local club, completed the last nine holes in 32, many one-putt greens being in evidence. Condition of the Greens Tho greens are putting very trnly, there being on most of them the Onehunga Weed, which gives a very holding surface. Dry weather will affect these, but indications point to tho greens being much Blower than those at Shirley last year. Basil Smith, jun. (Akarana), is having difficulty in controlling his tee shots, but is getting the figures. Wright (Dunedin) on this course is controlling his shots admirably, and bis figures in the open contest should keep him up with the leaders. These two players appear to have the best chance of the younger brigade. To date Mortland (Taihape), Silk (Wanganui), and Ralph and Bartleet (Auckland) have not yet had a preliminary round, and as the course is closed from 11.30 to-morrow morning they will have difficulty in gauging distances. The present New Zealand champion,, Rana Wagg, has not had much play of late, and his game in consequence ha 3 suffered to some extent. Arthur Duncan is putting badly, and his chance of adding another open title to his already long list of victories appears slight. Dr. Ross is playing mediocre golf and was noticed in many bunkers this morning. Harold Black, after his victory in the Ilutt open tournament., is playing soundly, and should again have a chance for the amateur title.