AMAZING GOLF

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22712, 26 October 1935, Page 3

AMAZING GOLF

72 HOLES IN 266 STROKES PERRIER'S BRILLIANCY (From Odb Own Correspondent) SYDNEY, October 16. The amateur golf champion of Australia, James Forrier, playing at Killam, a Sydney suburban course of 0150 yards, Won the close championship of New South Wales, returning cards of 07, 05, 70 and 04, an aggregate of 206. This w T as 10 strokes less than the par of the course and 22 strokes under “ fours ” for the 72 holes. Ferrier is not yet 20 years of age. Although his 200 is probably a world’s record for 72 holes medal play, it is difficult to compare the score with those in other parts of the- world. Lay-outs and distances of courses vary greatly, and playing conditions must also be considered. It is certain, however, that Perrier’s 200 will make golfers talk wherever golfers congregate. In championships a score of 283 standing to the credit of Gene Sarazen (United States), T. 11. Cotton (Great Britain) and W. J. Bolgcr (Australia) is considered to be the world’s best. In America there have been a few occasions when scores of 274 for 72 holes have been recorded. Perrier’s aggregate was made on a fast course, as wore Sarazon’s and Cotton’s, though the distances of the courses on which they played were greater. During his four rounds in the close championship Perrier did not have a 0 on his cards. He had seven s’s, 40 4’s, 21 3’s, and four 2’s. He did not require three putts on any of the 72 greens. He rarely played a faulty shot, and when he did his powers of recovery and mastery and control of his short game enabled him to escape lightly. He gave a superb, sustained exhibition of power, delicacy of touch and uncanny judgment, entitling him to rank with the greatest players Australia has produced. With everybody gasping as a result of his unparalleled scoring on the first day, Perrier immediately after his second round took his putter and a few balls and practised putting for half an hour. “I was heeling my putts to-day,” he explained, seriously. “ I’ve got to get rid of that habit.” When presenting the prizes Mr W. E. Bain, president of the Now South Wales Golf Council, described Perrier as a “ super golfer ” and one of the three best players in the world. Perrier owes his recent improvement to the visit of the American professionals, particularly Sarazen, and the lessons learnt from the young Scottish international J. M’Lean. In addition, his powers of concentration and his intense enthusiasm have made his success possible. Perrier may soon oppose the world’s best players, for it is likely that an Australian team of amateurs will be invited to tour Great Britain shortly.