THOMPSON WINNER

Taranaki Daily News, 19 November 1934, Page 7

THOMPSON WINNER

CENTENARY OPEN GOLF BRILLIANT THIRD ROUND AMERICANS’ PROMINENCE IN MOST OF TOP PLACES By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. Rec. 7 p.m. Melbourne, Noy. 18. With a brilliant third round of 69 and a fihal round of 72 James Thompson, a United States professional, with an aggregate of 283 won in a dashing manner the centenary open golf championship, receiving £lOOO as first prize. When he holed the last putt of 10 feet Thompson turned a somersault on the green to show his delight. A gallery of 6000 people followed the play. As was expected, all the United States players took the leading places, though E. Naismith, the Victorian professional, played excellent golf to finish fourth. Steadiness characterised his play, the only lapses being three putts on each of the 17th. and 18th. greens. With 36 holes to play 68 of the original 130 entrants set out. All eyes were on Thompson, Harry Cooper, Gene Sarazen, Leo Diegel and Joe Ezar, all Of whom are Americans. Cooper, who was level with Thompson at the end of Friday’s play, lost his position through poor putting at several holes, including a painful miss of a three feet putt. His long game was excellent throughout. Inferior putting also caused Sarazen’s downfall. Ezar kept pace with the leaders until he began missing putts and was caught by bunkers. Missing seven simple putts in the first round, K. Y. Laffoon wrecked his chances when an iron tee shot went into a bunker at the 13th. He brushed his club to the ground, breaking it. Diegel had bad luck throughout the day, especially on the greens, when many ten-feet putts just misted. The only New Zealanders who qualified for the final were A. J. Shaw and G. Watt. ' Both kept to long figures. Shaw’s score was 152—159—311, and Watt’s 155—172—327. The New Zealanders who did not qualify on Friday were: Douglas 83—76—159, Lambie 82—79—161, Shelley 93-85-178. The leading scores, the first and second 36 holes and the total being given, were:— J. Thompson (U.S.A.) .... 142—141—283 L. Diegel (U.S.A.) G. Sarazen (U.S.A.) 143-147—290 E. Naismith (Victoria) .. 146—144—290 H. Cooper (U.S.A.) 142-149—291 K. Laffoon (U.S.A.) 144—148—292 J. McLean (Britain) 146 —148—294 C. Wood (U.S.A.) 146—150—296 J. Ezar (U.S.A.) 143-153-296 J. Kirkwood (U.S.A. 149—149—298 F. W. McMahon (S. Aust.) 150—149—299 V. S. Richardson (N.S.W.) 146-153-299 Rymill 149—151—300 M. L. Kelly (N.S.W.) '.... 143-152—300 D. Shute (U.S.A.) 151-151-302 AMERICAN PROFESSIONALS. DOMINION TOUR UNPROFITABLE. By Telegraph—Press Association; Wellington, Nov. 17. The following cablegram has been received by the secretary of the New Zealand Golf Association from the manager of the United States Professional Golf Association, now in Australia: “Sarazen and Kirkwood’s tour makes our appearance in New Zealand unprofitable. We would like an Auckland match for the day the Monterey is there. Thanks for your offer.”