GOLF AT ROTORUA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23130, 31 August 1938, Page 20

GOLF AT ROTORUA

R. GLADING'S SOUND DISPLAY BRILLIANT IRON SHOTS BY THE ROVEB The performance of R. Glading in winning the Rotoru.i open amateur golf championship on the first occasion on which he has competed away from his own course indicates that lie has a promising future iu New Zealand golf. On the form he displayed throughout the qualifying rounds and in the ensuing match-play stages, he thoroughly deserved his success. Glading possesses an excellent temperament for the game I and his unassuming demeanour made ! him a favourite with the galleiy. j While his play with wooden clubs I is sound, it was the manner in which he executed the iron shots which impressed most. His early training on the Hamilton course has made him a master of the pitch and run shot, which he plays with remarkable accuracy and judgment. Almost invariably he elected to play this type of shot and the manner in which the bail narrowly carried the bunkers and ran neatly up to the pin showed that Glading has a control over his clubs which is possessed by few players. On the greens his approach putting was outstanding and he seldom left, himself difficult putts. Although definitely outplayed by Glading in the iinal, the veteran H. B. Lusk might well look back with pride on his achievements at the tournament. Few of the contestants played as accurately and none made as few tactical errors. Two of his matches were won on the 19th green and doubtless the strain of his earlier rounds affected his play in the filial. Lusk'.s success as a shot-maker is the result of careful concentration on his follow through. The manner in which he brings his hands through to the pin should be an inspiration to all young players who hope to excel at the game. Youth was also to the fore in the Thermal Cup event, and K. M. Wilson, of the Auckland Club, is to he congratulated on his success. It was interesting to study the styles of (Jlading and Wilson, as each had a different method of hitting the ball. They have one thing in common, and that is Llial both have their hands high at the top of the swing, thus ensuring a wide arc. Glading is an upright swinger of the Sara/,en type., while Wilson is a disciple of the "inside-out' method. His pivot is much more pronounced and be obtains great length with little apparent effort. Naturally Wilson hits a much higher flighted hall than Glading, who favours the long running ball.