EXHIBITION GOLF.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20477, 1 December 1934, Page 17

EXHIBITION GOLF.

Sarazen Plays a Fine Round. HOLDS WORTH’S RECOVERY. A sensational return to form by C. Holdsworth (Shirley champion), after a bad beginning: was the deciding factor in the exhibition golf match played yesterday at Shirley links, when Gene Sarazen, ex-world champion, and one of the leading players at the present time, partnered C. J. Ward (Canterbury champion) in a four-ball game against Holdsworth and If. R. Blair (Shirley professional). The game ended in favour of Holdsworth and Blair, who had found themselves three down at the turn, yet finished one up. That the Shirley men managed to turn such a serious adverse balance into a small credit was due to an extraordinary return to form on the part of Holdsworth. On the outward journey he could do nothing right. At only one hole, the second, did he secure par figures. Strive as he would, he could not gain touch with his clubs, and the sympathy of the large crowd went out to him. In the meantime Blair gallantly held the fort, and that the side was only three down at the turn was entirely due to the steady play of the Shirley professional.

Then came the fireworks and cheers of the crowd. Holdsworth crossed the road to start the homeward journey with an air of do or die. There was no sign of the nervousness which had previously afflicted him. as he drove a perfect ball. lie secured a birdie three to win the hole. At the eleventh he repeated the performance, to the vast delight of everyone, including his opponents. Sarazen was among the first to congratulate this gallant fighter, who never knows when he is beaten. The next hole was halved in the scratch score of four, and at the short 13, considered by many a hole of ill omen, both by reason of its number and the huge ditch before the green. Holdsworth played a perfect lofted shot and then holed the putt for another birdie two. The side was square and never looked back. In the meantime. Sarazen had been delighting with perfect golf. Although he had never seen the course before, he went out in the amazing figures of 33, to be three under the scratch score. Time and again he produced a dazzling shot. In the whole round he secured four birdies, and had he been favoured with a little putting luck he might have reduced the course record. Spectators were made to realise that they were watching a true master demonstrating his art, and this display must have both heartened and caused despair among the golfing section of the audience. For the full round Sarazen had the following figures: Out: 343543443—33 In: 444344554—37 Total 70 Two under the scratch score for the course. By his cheery disposition and frequent humorous comment, Sarazen endeared himself to all who watched him. ; and he would be the last man to grudge Holdsworth the applause which he earned by his splendid feat. Praise For Ward. To C. J. Ward is also due a full measure of praise. He played a sterling game, and on the outward journey took only thirty-five strokes, one under the scratch score. Coming home, he picked up at the seventeenth, and for j the eight holes played he took thirtyfive strokes. He was the only member of the New Zealand trio who kept up with Sarazen from the tee, and even he was often out-driven by the prodigious smiting of the little American. Frequently he drew from the master golfer an appreciative “ Good shot, partner,” and he should be well pleased with his performance. One of the most pleasing features was the excellent behaviour of the crowd. From time to time golfing crowds have become over-excited by the game, and have caused unnecessary trouble to the men keeping the fairways clear for play. At Prestwick, last vear, when the British amateur title was ’decided, there were astonishing scenes, and it is always pleasant to know that the Christchurch crowd is perhaps one of the best-behaved in the world. Sarazen can take away only pleasant memories of his visit to this city. _ Sarazen Enjoyed Game at Shirley. After the match, Sarazen stated to a reporter that he had enjoyed playing on the course very much, and he considered it to be the best course in New Zealand or Australia. So much did he enjoy his game yesterday that he has arranged for another match at Shirley on Tuesday afternoon.