GOLF

Waikato Times, Volume 117, Issue 19545, 6 April 1935, Page 8

GOLF

THE HAMILTON CLUB. SEASON OFFICIALLY OPENED. IMPROVEMENTS TO LINKS. With the links in excellent order and the weather favourable, the Hamilton Golf Club’s 1935 season was officially opened this afternoon in the presence of a good attendance of members.

Since last season good progress has been made with the big improvement scheme which is expected to be completed by the end of next year, when the New Zealand championships ■may be held in Hamilton. By June, the 7th and 2nd will be new holes, while the holes finished at present are the Ist, 3rd, 11th and 18th. Further development work will be carried out on the other greens. The second green has been brought forward 40 yards and will ultimately be surrounded by natural bush. The new 7th will be the same distance from the tee, but will be re-bunkered. The Bth green will be shifted 40 yards to the right and the 9th tee will go on top, enabling the 9th green to be seen from the tee.

President’s Speech.

In officially declaring ,the season opened, the president, Mr J. F. Strang, remarked that when the British team recently visited the Dominion the secretary would not be drawn into a definition of what constituted amateur status. He agreed it was a difficult question, but the practice of some members making huge incomes by playing 6d, and sometimes 2s, a hole was, he thought, on a doubtful footing. (Laughter.) In any case amateur was derived from a Latin word meaning lover, and he felt sure that all present were lovers of the game. *Mr Strang pointed out that the links were in good order, thus maintaining the high reputation they had always held. Nothing would give him greater pleasure than to be able to announce that the New Zealand Golf Council had decided to hold the championships at Hamilton next year. St. Andrews had this fixture in 1920 and in 1927 and was over-due for the venue again. It was hoped that the club’s offer for the contest to be held at Hamilton would be accepted.

“ We h'ave every right to be proud of these links,” added the speaker. “We have a strong men’s committee and also a lively ladies’ committee, who, I understand, are determined not to oppose the men.” (Laughter and applause.) The club captain, Mr G. 11. V. Bindon, drove Hie first, ball and a mixed foursomes competition was started.