KIRK-WINDEYER CUP

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21731, 21 February 1934, Page 15

KIRK-WINDEYER CUP

DOMINION TEAM CRITICISED PROMINENT PLAYERS OMITTED A Wellington correspondent, " Perplexed Player," writes: " Ever since the inauguration of the Kirk-Windeyer Cup golf matches between Australia and New Zealand. 1 and many other players have wondered what system has been adopted by the New Zealand Golf Council in its selection of the teams to represent New Zealand. Each year the team selected has been subjected to considerable adverse criticism by players from all parts of New Zealand. " This year's team proves conclusively that performances or form of the players is not considered by the powers that be; neither can it be said that youth must be given the chance, as the youngest contender for a place, who, by the way, was runner-up in last year's amateur championships—l refer to J. Young—has evidently not been considered.

"Golfers are entitled to know how and why Brian Silk and J. P. Hornabrook were given pride of place over suc-h fine exponents of match play as liana Wagg, Jack Black, Harold Brinsden and many others I could name. The records of \\ agg and Black over the vast, few years are such that they themselves should bo entitled to know why they are overlooked. The New Zealand team which visited Australia in 1932 gave a very poor account of itself 111 the cup matches, the leading pair in the foursomes, Silk and Hornabrook, being defeated to the tune of 11 down. Surely a record defeat in international golf. Not being content with this defeat in the foursomes, Silk and Hornabrook were given pride of places in the singles which followed, the result of which is well known to all followers of the game.

" Bana Vt agg, .the New Zealand amatour champion at the time, did not participate in the games. Returning to New Zealand, however, he proved his worth by winning the New Zealand championship for the second year in succession, a feat not accomplished since A. 1). S. Duncan was in his prime. It may be worthy of note that Wagg defeated Silk by 9 and 7 in the second round this year, and .\. I). S. Duncan, in the nest round, by a similar margin. " J. I>. Black's record is such that one wonders how he can be persistently overlooked. His golf at present is better than ever it was. his best performances during the past few months being the winning of four championship titles. He has been within an ace of winning both the New Zealand amateur and open championships several times; does he have to win either of these titles to receive consideration r

''Silk and Hornabrook are both capable of good golf on their day, but the facts are they both had their chance and neither has ever looked like winning a New Zealand national event. Why, then, their selection 1-

Have Aueklanders not sonic reason to ask why ,1. Young and 11. lijinsden Jiavo not received consideration? Brinsden, although he lias not produced anything outstanding during the past year, had the host performances of the team that visited -Australia in 19. J. Young at his first appearance in a national event finished runner-up *in the amateur championship—surely a unique performance' " Perhaps the Golf Council could enlighten us on their method of selection, and the reason why Young, Wagg, .7. Black and Brinsden were not given consideration."