GOLF

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 124, 23 February 1928, Page 12

GOLF

PROFESSIONAL TOURNEY DISAPPOINTING PLAY By TelegbaFK.—Press association. Timaru, February 32. The New Zealand professional golf tournament opened on the Highfield links to-day, in dull weather, with light rain falling before noon. Conditions in the afternoon were ideal., Tho course was in splendid order, but the grens were *in the fiery side. There are fourteen competitors from all parts of New Zealand, and keen interest is shown in the tournament. Tho standard ot piny in the opening match was not high only threo or four good scores being made in the first stroke handicap. In the afternoon play was much better, and the spectators treated to an exhibition ci’ high-class golf. Though most of the competitors had a try-out the previous day, some appeared unable to accommodate themselves to the links. Two events were concluded to-day. A. J. Shaw (Napier), open champion in 1926, was right off his game in the morning, and failed to pick up in the afternoon. . F. Branch (Hamilton) played above Ins usual form in the bogey handicap, but fell right away in the stroke handicap. J. Forrest (Dunedin) gave two consistent displays, and got into the prize list in both events. . J. R. Galloway (Palmerston North) was unable to strike form in the. early part of the day, but gave a brilliant exhibition in the afternoon. G. B. Forrest (Timaru), playing on his own course, was well up in the morning play, but failed to .maintain top form in the stroke handicap. To-morrow the South Canterbury championship, the Myers Challenge Cup, and second stroke handicap will bo played concurrently. The third and fourth rounds of the championship will bo played on Friday, and also the third and fourth stroke handicaps. To-day’s results are as follow:— Highfield Bogey Handicap (18 holes).— F. Branch (Hamilton), 4> up; B. J. Smith (Akarana), 4 up; J. Forrest (Dunedin), 2 up; G. B. Forrest (Timaru), 1 up; J. Lambie (Wellington), all square; B. Stratmore (Wellington), all square. First Stroke Handicap (18 holes).—J. R. Galloway (Palmerston North), 71 ; J. A. Clements (Christchurch), 73; J. Forrest (Dunedin), 74; R. C. Butters (Miramar)* 75; G. W. Melvin (Wellington), 76; G. B. Forrest (Timaru), 76.