FROM THE GOLF LINKS

Chronicle (Levin), 2 April 1946, Page 7

FROM THE GOLF LINKS

OPENING MEDAL ROUND VETERAN W. G. CLARK WINS The first of three consecutive rounds was played by members of the men's section of the Levin Golf Club on Saturday afternoon last. Numerous counter attractions no doubt eaused the number of competitors to be on the small side, but the 25 who competed thoroughly enjoyed their first match. The event was won by that consistent scorer of low figures, W. G. Clark, whose excellent round read as 74 — 4 — 70. Two competitors, D. E. Clark and T. Coutie, also played very well in their first 18-hole game of the season to act as runners-up with scores of 72 nett. Following are the scores of those players whose cards were handed in: — W. G. Clark 74—4—70, D. E. Clark 80—8—72, T. Coutie 94—22— 72, C. Lagor 85 — 12 — 73, C. Melville 88—14—74, S. Franklin 83—8—75, W. S. Walker 93—18—75, H. Bull 83—7 —76, B. J. Eager 100—24—76, C. G. Munro 93—16—77, H. J. Hughes 95_18— 77, F. Langelan 96—18—78, A. Bennett 98 — 20 — 78, A. Nicholls 96 — 16 — 80, D. J. Sweetzer 101 — 18 — 83, H. Black 101—18—83 and W. S. Ogier 109 — 18 — 91. Next Saturday's Fixture As a timely reminder, may aii who intend competing in nexu baiurday afternoon's medai round be advised that the starung time will be 1.5 p.m. sharp. Last Saturday several players were late in arrivmg in time tor the advertised araw, an action which did not aeoar tnem from playing m the draw, out as tne season advances and an increasmg number of players will be competing, any latecomers will have no option but to follow tne field, a not always pleasurable occupauon in mid-winter play. While many members may be unavoidably detained on occasions, their eiforts to arrive on time throughout the coming season would be fully appreciated by the match committee. Those club oificials who give so freely oi then time are fully deservmg of any co-operation by their leiiow members, and little matters such as the above will help for harmony ana smooth running of club draws, management, etc. Club Ramblings Whatever sport one desires to participate in lor the first time of piaymg, he or she has to become aaapoea to the ruies of that sport. Goii, like many oi lts simiiar winter or summer activities, has many rules that need following by an participants. Chaotic conuiuiont) would mdeed prevail shouid followers of any sport maxe rulings to their own nking aiter runngo iw been laid down for actual piay. 'ihe game of golf has its luii quota oi tne aforementioned ruies of play, and the new piayer, upon reaaing the many lines tnat consuitute the royal ana ancient game, niust shudder to thmk he has to memorise tne rulings laid down in his eriort to be an entirely compiete goiier irom the theoretical point of view as weii as the practicai.

Shouid a means test be taken j of all golfers about this knowledge of the game's rulings i there would be in the wriuer's opinion, many faiiures to record in this theory test. Possibly the only occasion a piayer considers golf rulings is when he has a matter that concerns an actual match that he has participated in, and the point needs explaining. Golf is a game tnat holds its adlierents in no uncertain manner once a beginner has made headway in actual play and one seldom hears oi' a recognised pl-ayer givmg tne game up. Once acquainted with the minor details of play, a piayer has a lifelong association with a sport that is gripping in its intensity. Most games are drawn in that the experienced players are abie to pass on many details of interest regarding the game in general, but even the experienced piayer is'not always a good pattern to copy when it comes to the knowledge of even minor local rulings. While it is impossible but not impracticabie for every member to carry a book of rules around his course of play, a refresher look at the general rules as laid down would not be wasted energy. For the benefit of new and ifil members who may not know the local rules connected with the local links, summaries are printed on the score card, and are easily followed once the course has been traversed on a few occasions. A few "dont's" may be of interest to beginners, and also prove helpful if the piayer has not already been advised of what to do in the course of a round. Don't play your shots from tee or fairway until the players in front of you are out of range, usually after their second shot. Don't play out of your turn; the piayer farthest from the pin on all occasions plays first. Don't forget to count that air shot on your score card. Don't forget to cover up your club and ffotmarks when finishing playing out of a bunker. There are always many players following who may be unduly penalised by your forgetfulness. Don't forget to replace that divot you took on tee and fairway. A piayer has often to play out of a divot; these marks are truly embarrassing, particularly in winter play when the ball lies close and is hard to dislodge. It is hoped thatf the above

"dont's," and the previously mentioned remarks, will prove helpful to local golfers. Any member of the committee will gladly give any information that may prove beneficial to all members upon being requested, and the friendly atmosphere that has always prevailed among club members will again be a feature of the season's play.