FERRIER'S GOLF

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23202, 23 November 1938, Page 24

FERRIER'S GOLF

NOT A GOOD EXPONENT It will come as a great surprise that Bobby Locke does not consider Jim Ferrier, the Australian open and amateur champion, a good golfer, says a Arriter in the Sydney Mail. This will stagger the Australian golf world. But Locke is most definite on the subject. Locke has the greatest admiration for Ferrier as a scorer and great putter, but not for him as a golfer. He agrees that the Australian's short game is his strength, but he frankly admits that he would not call Ferrier a great golfer, and is even dubious about his ability to hold his game for a few more years. He considers that, unless Ferrier's style is radically changed, ho will lose all liis skill. At the moment he is relying too ! much upon the strength and suppleness i of youtn. As he matures these assets will desert him, leaving him but a shadow of his former self—unless he changes his methods. ' It is revealing to know that Locke is supported in his remarks by such world-famed players as Gene Sarazen, Walter Hagen, and J. H. Kirkwood. Sarazen, although ho lacked the polish and grace of Locke and Hagen, always maintained that Ferrier was a wonderful putter, with a short game that saved him shots. But he could not see him as a sound golfer. There was a time when Ferrier may have been tempted to join the professional ranks, but Sarazen used all the means at his disposal to dissuade him from such a step. Hagen, too, was doubtful whether Ferrier's game would last, whjle Kirkwood considered the Australian a slogger." This was four years ago, but terrier has improved since then, and is mucn more of a swinger than was the case when Kirkwood made his remarks. English critic? were more imP, r ?,f Australian's putting skill than his long game.