GOLF TOPICS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23130, 31 August 1938, Page 21

GOLF TOPICS

IMPROVED CONDITIONS

the caddie problem INCIDENT, AT TITIRANGI NEED FOR CORRECT TUITION BY THE ROVKR Conditions for golf were unfavourable during the week-end, as a strong wind was accompanied by frequent showers, A spell of line weather had had a beneficial effect on local courses, wfiich generally were in much better order than has been the case for some time.

One of the main topics in golfing circles this week has been tlio incident on the 6th green in tlio final of the Titirangi Club's Taylor Bowl contest. The action of the caddie in picking up C. Robinson's ball was due to a misunderstanding, but J. 11. Young cannot be absolved, from ail blame in the matter.

In order to obviate such an occurence it is a player's duty to instruct n caddie in the rules of the game before commencing a match. The majority oF' caddies to-day are merely club carriers and, until such time as the playors themselves take some interest in the boys, first-class caddies will he rare. An attempt to train caddies was made at one of the clubs last year, when a member and the professional gave a practical demonstration of the duties of a caddie. For. a short time'there was a marked improvement, but these lessons should be given fairly frequently and the employers themselves could give great assistance. It is of little use instructing a caddie to do a certain thing unless some reason is given. A common occurrence is for a caddie, when holding the flagstick, to be told to stand on the other side of the hole. Seldom does the player point out to bint that the object is to see that his shadow is not thrown across the line of the putt. At a club where there is a caddie-master It should not be difficult to produce good caddies, but in any case the co-operation of the pljiyers themselves is essential.

In discussing the caddie problem, which arose as a result of the incident at Titirangi, the win of C. Robinson must not be overlooked. Whenever this year's Taylor Bowl final is being discussed. there i;, certain to be some argument as to what might have liap--pem?d. However the fact remains that Jxobinsoti won and he is to be congratulated on his success.

DRIER FAIRWAYS CLEANING RULE SUSPENDED ELLIFFE CUP FINALISTS The practice of cleaning and placing the ball on the fairways has been discontinued on the One Tree Hill links for the remainder of the season. Apart from the 16th fairway, little fault could be found with tho lies on Saturday, and the greens were of more uniform pace than previously this season. Indications are, tlmt- under spring conditions, the course will be ideal for the Auckland ladies' provincial championship meeting in October. 'ln the 36-holcs final of the Elliffe Cup competition, N. J. Kidd made full use of his allowance of three stiokes per round to defeat J. McOwan at the 3lth hole. McOwan commenced strongly in the morning round, and at the Bth

hole was 3 .up. Kidd came home ex- -- cellcntlv in 37 and conimenced the afternoon round 1 up, a lead which lie increased to three at the 27th. Although McOwan played the last nine holes in scratch figures lie was unable to overhaul his opponent. Twice winner of the Veterans' Cup matchplay event at his club, X. J. Kidd has, ■ by his latest success, added considerably to his laurels. l'"ew players hit the ball further from the tee, but his success in this contest was due more to his resourcefulness round the greens. McOwan has an excellent touch on fast greens and there is little doubt that the cold, ivet conditions troubled him more than they did Kidd, who putted excellently and played exactly to his handicap* when accurate scoring was extremely difficult. DISAPPOINTING SCORES NORTH SHORE CHAMPIONSHIPS Scoring in the first qualifying round of the championships at North Shore was disappointing, as not one player succeeded in breaking SO. L. 3. Johnston, who has been playing consistently recently, was responsible for the best round of the day, and he led the seniors by three strokes. A. -E. Browne was hitting his shots well, but he was not putting as well as usual, and he struck serious trouble at one hole. At ■ the eighth he hit two drives out of bounds and, playing his fifth stroke from the tee, lie eventually carded a nine. K. C. Stevens struck a day on which nothing would go right, and he returned a score approaching a century. However, ho is certain to make his presence felt when tho match-play commences.

To win the Stableford bogey event at 'Middlemore, R. A. Wilson, after a lapse following his success in the captain's prize tourney, again struck form. He failed to score any points at the ninth hole, but his inward half of 35 gave him a medal of 68 for 17 holes. Jt was a splendid round under the conditions, and excellent putting was the main factor. J. \Y. Giuin and Warwick Wilson each played well, particularly over tho last nine, and V. W. Wilson bad a good round, apart from lapses at three holes. Of chief interest at Akarana was the final for the Edwards trophy, which was played over 3G holes, and J. C. Mitchell was responsible for excellent golf to defeat H. E. Bridgens by a big margin. Mitchell, who was conceding foiupstrokes in each round, commenced with a three and ho had a medal score of 76 to be 4 up. Ho played the first ci-dit holes in the afternoon in two under fours and he gave a demonstration of his power when ho reached the long sixth in two. Owing to his partner being indisposed, C Swallow decided to play his Houoy Walker trophy match and, although the odds were against him. lie managed to clef oat C. Shonkin and C. .J. Wallers on the last green. Bridgens and Mitchell had a narrow win. the other successful pairs being C. R. Taylor and J. I!. Hiss and E. Thompson and E. York.