GOLF NOTES.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXVIII, Issue XX, 17 May 1902, Page 952

GOLF NOTES.

Judging from the group of men that stood outside the Newmarket Station last Saturday about one o’clock, anxiously waiting for the golf ’bus, a spectator would naturally imagine that in Auckland golf is more popular in winter than in Summer. When the ’bus finally arrived, everyone managed to get a seat of some description, no matter how uncomfortable, but it was a verv tight pack.

Although there had been a great quantity of rain through the week, it was surprising to see the condition of the links and greens, which reflect great credit to the labour that has been bestowed on them. Most of the players who were going in for the championship looked forward to a good game, and were not disappointed. There is not much difficulty in picking the winner, and Mr C. E. S. Gillies is the general favourite.

For the matches, Mr J. Sykes was drawn to play Mr C. E. S. Gillies, and, as was expected, the latter won after a match in which he did not exert himself. The match between Mr 11. G illies and Mr Burness was looked on as a very close go, as the latter has been playing a good game lately. But although Mr Burness completely defeated his rival in the long strokes, he in his turn was beaten on the green, and at the finish Mr Gillies came home winner. Mr Carr and Mr Peel played a very close game, the latter being beaten on the greens, but outstripping Mr Carr in the long shots. Although Mr Peel was ahead at Jacob’s Ladder, Mr Carr came on better at the end and won by three up and two to play.

Perhaps the keenest game was between Mr Colbeck, the runner-up for the New Zealand Championship, and Mr Laurence. This match was very close all through, but by dint of steady play, Mr Laurence managed to defeat his opponent- Mr Laurence has been playing so steadily lately that we expect to see him in the final. Mr O’Rorke had a bye, and was not present on Saturday, as he was fulfilling his duties as huntsman elsewhere.

Besides those playing in the Championship there was a big crowd of others present, all having a good game and admiring the condition of the green. During the afternoon His Excellency the Governor appeared on the links, and, although somewhat out of form, he seemed to be having great enjoyment. In spite of the fact thaf one erratic player sent a ball very close to His Excellency, he expressed great pleasure with the links and its surroundings.