VETERAN GOLFER

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21912, 22 September 1934, Page 10

VETERAN GOLFER

GRANDMOTHER PLAYING OTAGO LADY CHAMPION COURSES IN EARLIER DAYS One of the most interesting personalities at Titirangi in connection with the New Zealand ladies' coif championship meeting is Mrs. W. D. McCarthy, a member of the Balmacewan Ladies' Club in Otago. Mrs. McCarthy played in her first New Zealand tournament as long ago as 1906, and evidence of the fact that she retains her form marvellously was her extendinE of Miss O. Stevens, holder of the Auckland ladies' title, in the first round of the Dominion championship yesterday. <ll ?es, I'm a grandmother," said Mrs. McCarthy yesterday, "but I don't feel aged a bit, and I hope to take part in many more championships. We are all golfers, my husband, son and daughter, and 1 am hoping my grand-daughter will also play. This seems certain, as my son, who is in the East, has laid down a private course." Between 1906 and 1924, with the exception of a break of five years. Mrs. McCarthy took part in gvery New Zealand championship. Family illness caused her absence on a few occasions since then. She won the Otago championship in 1927, and is present champion of the Otago Ladies' Club, while for 11 years she was champion of tho

St, Clare Club. Mrs. McCarthy recalled some interesting facts concerning her earlier days of golf. "Really, I don't know how we played in those days," she said. "We had skirts down to our very feet, as feet were then not allowed to be seen, and our broad hats were tied on with

motor veils. I often make my friends scream with laughter when I take my old photographs to the clubhouse." When Mrs. McCarthy first played in the Dominion championship it was decided by two rounds of medal play, but this system was altered a few years later, following the formation of the Ladies' Golf Union in England. Match play and handicapping were the outcome of adopting the rules of the English body. Mrs. McCarthy was a four handicap player for 12 years, and she is now on six, a distinctly creditable figure for one of her years. In her match with Miss Stevens yesterday, Mrs. McCarthy was one down going to the last green. Here she was unlucky with a 9ft. putt for a win, the ball going in and out again. The veteran returned a card similar to that of the winner. Both were out in 44, and came home in 41. No fewer than 11 of the 18 holes were halved. "It is rather funny that Miss Stevens learned her golf with us at St. Clair," said Mrs. McCarthy. "I used to take her out with me and so our meeting here was a great pleasure to both of us."