GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21763, 31 March 1934, Page 9

GOLF CHAMPIONSHIPS

PROVINCIAL TOURNAMENT QUALIFYING ROUNDS TO-DAY SOME SURPRISES ANTICIPATED Competitors in the Auckland provincial golf championships at Titirangi will commence the 36 holes qualifying test this morning. The first pair wiil hit off at 8.32 a.m. and it will take the starter three hours to get the big field away. The entry is a very strong one containing, apart from the New South W : ales Kirk-Windeyer Cup team, almost all the best North Island players.. B. V. Wright, Dominion champion, A. D. S. Duncan, Dr. Ross and the Black brothers are notable absentees. Most cf the competitors have practised over the course during the week.

Tuesday's welcome rain benefited tho greens greatly and made scoring easier than has been the case for some time. Although many good cards were returned in practice, the 72 recorded by W. R. Dobson, the Australian, remains the best effort. Cards of 74 and 75 were fairly common. In such a strong field it should require an aggregate score of under 160 to qualify in the first 16. The Australians will undoubtedly take a prominent part in the proceedings, as all are sound and very experienced players. B. M. Silk, holder of the title, is hitting his shots very nicely and "will be a serious contender. M. Moore, the scratch man from Titahi, was credited with a round of 73, and he should do well in the match play. W. R. Dale played his usual finished golf and T. H. Horton handled the softer conditions with confidence.

Local aspirants, with their knowledge of the conditions, should make their presence felt. B. H. Blfenzies, H. D. Brinsden, R. M. George, W. S. Ralph and J. H. Young have t.'l returned good cards. There will be many surprises in the qualifying rounds to-day and possibly several more in the match play, which extends over only 18 holes. Mr. G. 0. Sutton, secretary of the New Zealand Golf Council, arrived in Auckland yesterday and is staying at the Station Hotel. Sir Alexander Roberts, chairman of-the council, and .Mr. W. E. A. Gill, a member, are expected to arrive in Auckland on Thursday next to see the Kirk-Windeyer Cup matches.