WESTOWN’S PROGRESS

Taranaki Daily News, 12 April 1935, Page 10

WESTOWN’S PROGRESS

COMMENCEMENT of play MANY INTERESTING HOLES (By .“Stance.”) The new Westown golf course is a fine example of the wonderful amount of work that a small band of real enthusiasts can d<"| During the past spring and summer the course has been formed, a big stretch of swampy land cleared and the greens sown. Though the dry spell greatly facilitated the draining it -.was difficult for 'the growth of grass on the greens. • The whole condition of the course ■ reflects great credit upon the management. : The nine holes now in play provide a good and an interesting test. The first is a drive and a mashie with plenty of difficulty in the shape of a big gully for a pulled tee shot. The second is a oneshot hole of just under 200 yards. Here again a pull Will find plenty of trouble. The third, also a one-shot hole played from an elevated tee into a natural hollow, holds peril for the slicer, as native bush and a creek run along the right of the green. The fourth is unquestionably the best hole on the course. It has all the makings of a splendid iron shot hole and can be brought into shape very easily with a mound on the left and a bunker on the face of the knoll on the right. The fifth is an exacting r;--’-- itiblick shot to a pocket-hand-kerchief green. The second to the fifth holes are in hilly country, but the sixth is on the beautifully grassed level land. The sixth, seventh and eighth are all good two-shot holes, the eighth being about 430 yards. The ninth is a good test for the long hitters, being 230 yards from an elevated . tee. < .....

The club has recently acquired the rights over about 30 acres of adjoining ■land, and with additional holes in the front paddocks confidently expects to have 18 holes open tor play by next spring. A fine,. commodious club house is nearing completion., The only weaknesses in the lay-out are the first hole,and tile close proximity of the 6th, 7th and Bth fairways. It appeared to. the writer that there was rather too much trouble with the gully on the left at the first hole. This is likely to be the cause of many vexatious delays, which should always be avoided whenever possible at a ’starting hole. The danger of being hit on the 6th, 7th or Bth fairways should be considered as it presents a problem. However, a solution may be found when the additional property is brought into play.