GOLF.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16359, 23 February 1921, Page 3

GOLF.

AT HOME AND ABROAD, (By “ THE CADDIE.”) The golfing season again draws near, and the prospects indicate that it will be quite as successful as last seasonThe Avondale links, which were opened in the middle of last season, should now be in good shape, and both tho Shirley and .Richmond Hill links liavo undergone improvements, so that tho prospects for the comiug season look particularly bright. The New Zealand championships will be held at Shirley later in the year, when enthusiasts will be able to see all the best players in the Dominion in action. The question of the standardisation of the golf ball is causing widespread controversy in England, and it seems high time that a definite ball should bo decided on. According to the cables, H Vardon has suggested a round-table conference of amateurs, professionals and ball-makers to settle the matter, and this seems to be tbe best way of solving tho difliuclty. Vardou’s idea of the ideal ball is a floater bigger than the “Twenty-nine” and smaller than the “ Yellow Dot.” which would restore the shot from the water and reward skilful shots in a. high wind. J. H. Taylor says that the present sum- ; dard ball is a failure because it can be j made to travel farther than those it j was intended to supplant, and be adds j that something must be done to regain i the old relative value of strikers. His idea, is a standardised ball which must float and must have a. maximum weight of 27dwt, Tbe innovations which the Americans aro endeavouring t-o introduce are meeting with strong objections from the British professionals. Taylor urges the abolition of the deeply ribbed iron clubs, and he and Vardon are very much in favour of the retention of etvmies. One cannot do Jess than agree with them. With freak clubs, and the necessity for playing very difficult shots removed, the game may bo much easier, but, ■as Taylor said. ” it’s not golf-*’ The golf ■season at Home this rear looks like being a verv busy one. Take, for instance, tbe period that begins with the final stages of the “ Daily Mail” £6OO tournament at Formbv, Lancashire, on May 11. and 12. Tn the* following week, a- big meeting in the London district is probable. Right on its heels will come the amateur ohanipionshm at Hoy lake in the week beginning May 23, followed immediately by the ladies’ championship at Turnherry nn May 30 and following days. Then Gleneagles, where there will he prices amounting to £IOOO in the week he- ! ginning June 0. and the open chainpionshin fortnight at St Andrews— ; qualifying one week and* the competition itself in the ensuing week. After that, perhaps, the French championships at Versailles‘Tip. Christchurch Ladies’ Golf Club opens its season at Shirley to-day, and the Christchurch club will open its season on March 5 with a match between teams chosen bv the president and captain. The club matches wiE be commenced on March 19. and the Easter tournament will occupy the week extending from March 25 to Anri! 2. ’Hie course is in better order than it has been for many years, if not ever since i»- was laid down, and R. C. Butters, the club’s professional, is now chief green keeper. Tho recent- rains should j prove beneficial, and members will find j it in excellent older on Saturday week, j