GOLFER'S VISIT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21968, 27 November 1934, Page 11

GOLFER'S VISIT

GENE SARAZEN ARRIVES THREE WEEKS IN DOMINION PRAISE FOR TITIRANGI [bv telegraph—own correspondent] WELLINGTON, Monday The noted American golfer, , Gene Sarazen, arrived at Wellington by the Maunganui from Sydney to-day to spend about three weeks in the Dominion. He is accompanied by his wife and A. J. Keane and also has with him what must appeal to the average individual as an over-size in golf bags. It arrived at the hotel during the course of the interview. The bag, Sarazen explained, holds about 16 clubs. Sarazen said he was disappointed that some of the other American competitors in the recent golf matches in Melbourne had not decided to return to the United States via New Zealand, but after lie had completed his tour he would bo able to tell them what they had missed. J. H, Kirkwood had not come over because he felt the country was not big enough for two players and he had decided to return via Perth, Java and Borneo. "I told him I would rather come here instead," said Sarazen. "My wife has been very enthusiastic about coming to see this country. I expect to meet Kirkwood again in Japan in March." The reason A.' J. Shaw, the New Zealander, had not played so well in the open championship at Melbourne, Sarazen continued, was that he had a very bad cold. Just about everybody had a cold. The weather was terrible. The standard of play among the Australian golfers was very good. 1 he reason that they were not threatening the Americans, as yet, was due to their lack of experience. In his opinion they should get out and play more competitions and Australia should send her players to big championships. "I want to see what golf in New Zealand is like," said Sarazen. "I have heard a lot about it." He added that when he was passing through Auckland on his way io Melbourne he played on the Titirangi course. He was surprised to find it such a beautiful course, one of 'the most beautiful lie had seen on the trip, but he had heard that there were other courses in New Zealand equally as good as Titirangi. Sarazen said he had had a marvellous time so far on the trip. ,He had travelled about 6000 miles through Australia and had enjoyed it very much. "I am a great globe-trotter, but I haven't been to Siberia yet," he concluded with a laugh. A. J. SHAW'S ILL-LUCK PRIZE LOST ON TECHNICALITY [BY. TELKGRAI'H —OWN CORRESPONDENT] "WELLINGTON, Monday The non-payment, through a misunderstanding, of the entrance fee of ,5s for the Empire returned soldiers golt tournament at the Melbourne Centenary celebrations cost A. J. Shaw, the New Zealand open, and professional champion, first place and a bronze trophy valued at £SO. He Avon the competition with a 73, but was disqualified Shaw returned from Sydney to-day by the Maunganui. He said 540 returned soldiers from all parts of the Empire had taken part in the tournament. which was played on the Royal Melbourne links. One medal round was played and he finished two strokes better than the next man. The disqualification had surprised him as he had believed that his entry was in order, but of course he had no complaint to make. Speaking of the big Centenary tournameiit, which was played on the Metropolitan course, Shaw said he had started off with a 74 and had then contracted influenza, which prevented him from striking form. The course was in magnificent order and his only criticism was against the weather which had been extremely bad. With the Americans competing the standard of golf was high, but as stylists, the Americans, with the exception of the winner, Thompson, were disappointing. Their golf, however, was very effective. There were many others hitting just as well but somehow the Americans always did a shade better. Shaw added that he had gained valuable experience from the trip. The big tournament had been conducted in a marvellously efficient manner and the officials had earned every bit of the praise they had received.