GOLF “BOBBY” LOCKE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21184, 3 November 1938, Page 9

GOLF “BOBBY” LOCKE

Master Golfer To Partner A. Murray in Timaru Golfers in South Canterbury are looking forward keenly to seeing A. D. (“Bobby”) Locke in action when he will play an exhibition match at Highfield this coming week-end. A golfer already in the top flight, there is no doubt that this young South African will take his place among the world’s most distinguished players if, indeed, he has not already done so. Locke’s career has been one of romance. At the age of fourteen—he is now only twenty—he won the South African Boys’ championship, and three years later captured both the Open and Amateur titles of the Union. Last year he again captured both titles, and also the Transvaal Open, with the remarkable score of 277 made up of 69, 69, 70, 69. It is a matter of regret to him that one more putt did not drop in the third round so that he could share with Lawson Little the supreme distinction. of having accomplished each of the four rounds in an Open championship under 70., Little’s four rounds in the Canadian Open of 1936 were: 67, 66, 69, 69, a total of 271, the lowest score ever recorded in a national event. It is Cotton’s ambition to win the Open in four rounds each in the 60’s—a lot to ask even if you are the world’s greatest golfer. Turned Professional During the time Locke was compiling his amazing list of successes he was on the clerical staff of a mining company in Brakpan. He was in an extremely anomalous position, for it was only through the assistance of friends that he was enabled to travel from one place to another in pursuit of golf's honours and prizes. When Locke came to England he was ‘‘transferred to the London office.” As golf has long been his main occupation, it was only natural that, sooner or later, he would throw up his job and turn professional. Having taken the plunge Locke is a much happier golfer. The day Is past when people turned up their hoses and said, "Dear me, So-and-so’s turned professional." There is now no loss of dignity in taking up a game as a means of livelihood, and in Locke’s case the transfer from the monotony of the office desk to the fresh air of the world’s golf courses can be likened to that of a wild bird suddenly set free from a tiny cage. What a Contrast With the necessary ability such as has been gifted to Locke, Cotton, Lawson Little, McLean, and other wellknown amateurs who became professionals, the life of the paid player of to-day can be extremely agreeable. As South Africa's leading player for many years, Brews has been making £3OOO a year out of the game, and there is no reason why Locke, who has now become the Union’s No. 1 player, should not do the same. What a contrast to that of the clerk glued to an office stool! As a holer-out from nine feet downwards there is no golfer who can compare with him. Asked by a famous professional if putts of this length did not scare him, Locke replied: "Not at all; I like them.” What a wonderful asset! A tall, sparsely built young man, Locke was at a great advantage in the gale which swept St. George’s on the final day of the championship. With opening rounds of 73 and 72, he was favourably placed: but the wind wrecked his hopes, the last two rounds costing him a total of 160. Even so, Locke did a great deal better than the majority of the thirty-seven players who qualified for the final stages, and with an aggregate of 305 tied with two others for tenth place, ten strokes behind the winner, Added Interest to Locke’s appearance in Timaru is given by the presence of Alex Murray, New Zealand open champion of 1935. Locke and Murray will play an 18 hole match against J. L. Mac Kay and G. A. Ussher, whose local knowledge will be of considerable advantage. EXHIBITION MATCH LOCKE AND GALLOWAY BEATEN Bv Telegraph—Press Association PALMERSTON K., November 2. At the Manawatu course at Hokowhltu, under conditions which were deplorable, with heavy rain and a heavy

course, the amateurs, B. M. Silk and K. S. Glendlnning beat the professionals “Bobby” Locke from South Africa, and T. S. Galloway from Rotorua, three and two. Silk, In particular, played remarkably fine golf.

REVELL CUP MIXED FOURSOMES Tire following is the draw for the Revell Cup mixed foursomes to be played at Highfleld on Saturday:— North East, 12.15 p.m.: Miss Manchester and Durning, Mrs Hawkes and Hawkes; Mrs Grant and Houlihan, Mrs O’Callaghan and Barker; Miss G. Campbell and Fairbrother, Mrs W. J. Foote and Foote; Mrs Knowles and W. E. Jones, Mrs W. B. Cunningham and Webster; Mrs Caithness and Caithness,

Mrs J. A. Scott and G. Davies; Mrs Kerr and E. G. Kerr Jun., Miss V. Campbell and W. J. Smith; Mrs I. W. Cunningham and Cunningham, Mrs Cameron and Cameron; Miss Bradley and Bradley, Miss D. Vesty and Galloway; Mrs J. L. Mackay and Mackay, Mrs W. A. Scott and Scott; Miss Morgan and Sullivan, Miss Horwell and Mcßeath; Mrs Struthers and P. H. Davies, Miss Cave and Cave; Mrs Richards and McDougall, Mrs Robinson and Crawshaw; Mrs Marshall and Giles, Mrs W. E. Mackay and Mackay; Mrs Russell and Russell, Mrs Timpany and J. Stevens; Mrs McLennan and W. Davies, Miss Roberts and Almond. Ladles drive from odd holes. Ladles’ green to be played at Terrace (Hole 14). Post entries will be accepted. Handicap Alterations Alterations In handicaps: G. L. Almond 16, R. L. Galloway 14, S. P. McDougall 16, F. S. Cave 20.