GOLF

Otago Daily Times, Issue 21300, 2 April 1931, Page 4

GOLF

By Divot. FIXTURES April 3,4, and s.—Otago Championship Tournament at Balmacewen. Easter week to golfers all over the Dominion has a great appeal,_ as in practically every centre there is a tournament. The Easter tournament at Balmacewen has always been a popular event, and although there may be a slight decrease in the number of competitors this year, a contingency that is only to be expected in the circumstances, there is every prospect that the meeting will be as successful as in the past. The entries Mready received include some from as wide afield as Wellington. As there are local tournaments in both Christchurch and Invercargill, there are not_ a great number of visitors from these cities, but Oamaru is well represented Noel Hay, the present holder of the championship, will be defending bis title against a field which includes players of no mean standing, and, although it is invidious to prophesy that the title will change bands, one can safely say that Hay will have to play up to his best form if he hopes to retain the cup. Among the most likely contenders this, year are G. B. Wight, W. Clayton, D. H. Butcher, and J. Spence, while there are many other players of calibre who can be relied upon to extend these players to the utmost. A notable absentee this year is Dr K. Ross, who has surrendered ; to the lures ot another sport. One of golf s mam attractions is its independence of weather conditions. Admittedly good weather will enhance the pleasure to be derived from the competitions at Easter, but even u the weather is unfavourable everyone will have a most enjoyable three-days sport. Very favourable conditions prevailed on Saturday and the cards returned in the Bogey Competition, which was held by the St. Clair Club, showed a very high standard of golf. H. J. Aitken, who had the winning score of 6 up, is to be congratulated on bis fine performance. Aitken has a good, natural style, and his progress during the short time which he has been playing would appear to indicate a successful future. A very enjoyable campetition in tne form of a medal foursome handicap was played at Balmacewen on Tuesday for trophies presented by Miss Kyle. There were some good cards returned, and it was generally stated that the competition was a complete success. The winning pair, Mrs Aspinall and Mrs Russell, combined distinctly well to finish with a net score of 78 from a handicap of 26. * Tbe rarity of foursomes competitions in New Zealand can be regarded only as a distinct disadvantage. In Englanu and America foursomes are very popular, and are regarded as very helpful competitions to brine about improved golf. P, H. Rodgers, the professional of bt. Anne’s old links, has been invited to fill the vacancy in the 24 nominees of the British Ryder Cup team caused by Henry Cotten’s defection. G. Faulkner, the Surrey champion, will be a bkmy contender for the Ryder Cup team if he coutinues to play up to the form shown in recent competitions. He is not one of too 24 chosen nominees, but with many others he will have opportunities of showing his worth against them in the several open competitions before the final selection ot the team. His latest exploit of winning the Guildford and West Surrey Alliance Tournament has helped to bring his name before the public. In that competition was the only competitor who seemed toße able to retain control of the ball in the howling gale which swept the course.