GOLF.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LX, Issue 143765, 13 April 1912, Page 8

GOLF.

(By “All-Square.”)

To-day the season at Ngamotu is bein;; opened with a mixed foursome handicap. On Saturday next a m«dai handicap will be played. The New Plymouth Club’s Easter tournament, in spite of the decidedly unpleasant weather, was perhaps one. or the most successful yet held. The c> nrse was never in better order, ‘ihe standard of play was easily the best yet seen at a, meeting here, and the management by Mr. J. Paton, tournament secretary,, left nothing to-be desired. Judging by expressions of appreciation, there will he a record number of visitors next Easter to take'part in the opening of the new course at Waiwakaiho. The record for the course, Which has been held since Christmas, 1904, by Martin, of Sydney, who took, part in the professionals’ tournament held during Exhibition year, lias at last been beaten. Playing in the Medal Handicap on Monday, afternoon, Mr. I. Saunders, under by no means good weather conditions, returned the fins score of 74. His card read as follows; 4443 3 443 5—36 4 3 5 5 4 4 5, 4' 4—38 , Total 74 Several of the visitors who had an opportunity of going over the new property at Waiwakaiho spoke in high praise of its possibilities. One player who has attended New Zealand championship meetings for some years, was more tnan pleased. “You have,” he said, “golfing country equal 'to - anything in New Zealand.” A great advantage, in his opinion, was that the country , was not too undulating. The New Plymouth Golf Club opens the season with 30 new members.

At the annual meeting of the Stratford Golf Club, the report stated that last year was probably the most critical in the history of the club, inasmuch as .it celebrated the first season on the new links. Owing to the rough state of the turf, the extra distance from town and the added subscriptions, your committee were much concerned as to the welfare of the club, but are now pleased to report a very considerable improvement in the green and in the playing through the green. As was anticipated, a large expenditure was incurred in laying out and fencing greens, erecting a pavilion and stiles, bridging creeks, etc.—a total expenditure, in all, of about £9O. To meet this, a levy was made, producing about £35, and the balance ,was obtained by some of the members kindly guaranteeing a small overdraft at the bank which now stands at about £36. During the late summer the Ground Committee have had the greens' enlarged and top-dressed, the creek drained, and a putting green laid down in front of the pavilion. Your committee desires to thank the Stratford' Eacing Club for its co-operation in effecting some of the improvements. Mr. A. W. Budge was re-elected president, Mr. S. Spence secretary and treasurer, and Mr. J. R. L. Stanford captain. A country members’ subscription for members living outside of an eight mile radius of Stratford was fixed at £l. It was decided,t6 arrange for the services of a professional. Mr. Stanford was appointed to the local executive of the Sports Protection League, and a donation of £1 ryas made to the leagued funds. The opening day was fixed for April 25.- . The sixth annual tournament of the Christchurch Golf Club took place on the Shirley links at Easter, under perfect weather conditions. The greens were true, but very .fast. , The course generally, though in good order, was rather # hard, owing to tlie recent dry weather. The best scores for the championship of. Canterbury were;— B. B. Wood, 76 and 80, total 156; B. C. Rutherford, 83 and 79, total 162; J. Forbes, 83 and 84, total 167; E. T. Shores, 83. and 84; total 167. The championship of Canterbury is therefore won. by B. B. Wood, with B. C. Rutherford runnerup. ,