PROFESSIONAL GOLF

Evening Star, Issue 19798, 23 February 1928, Page 16

PROFESSIONAL GOLF

TOURNAMENT OPENED (Ter United Press Association.] TIAIARU, February 22. The New Zealand professional golf tournament was opened on the Highfield links to-day in dull weather. Light rain fell before noon, but the conditions in tho afternoon wore ideal. There are fourteen competitors from all parts ol New Zealand. Tho standard of play in the opening match was nothigh, only three or foyr good scores being made. In the First Stroke Handicap in the afternoon play was much better, and the spectators wore treated to an exhibition of highclass golf. Though most of the competitors had a try out on the previous day, some appeared to be unable to accommodate themselves to the links. Two events were concluded to-day. A. J. Shaw (Napier), who was the 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 his 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 flic early part of tho day, but he gave a brilliant exhibition in the afternoon. G. B. Forrest (Timarn), playing on his own course, was well up in the morning, but failed to maintain his form in the Stroke Handicap. To-morrow tho South Canterbury championship, tho Myers Challenge Cup, and the Second Stroke Handicap will be played concurrently. The third and fourth rounds of the championship will be played on Friday, and also the third and fourth stroke handicaps. To-day’s results wore : HIGHFIELD BOGEY HANDICAP, 18 holes.—F. Branch (Hamilton), 4np; B. O. Smith (Akarana), 4 up; J. Forrest (Dunedin), 2 up; G. B. Forrest (Tiraaru), 1 up; J. Lambie (Wellington), all square; B. Strathmore (AVcllington), all square. FIRST STROKE HANDICAP, 18 holes.—J. R. Galloway (Palmerston North), 71; J. A. Clements (Christchurch). 73; J. Forrest (Dunedin) 74; ■ 11. C. Butters (Aliramar), 75; G. W. Melvin (Wellington), 7G; G. B. Forrest (Timaru), 76.