AUSTRALIAN GOLF

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20024, 24 August 1939, Page 9

AUSTRALIAN GOLF

OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE LADY’S ENTRY REFUSED The rejection of Miss “Babe” Didrikson’s entry for the Australian open golf championship, which will commence at the Royal Melbourne course on Saturday, is deplored by golfers generally and professionals particularly, states an Australian writer. There is also adverse comment on the fact that the entries of several leading Sydney amateurs have been rejected. The only explanation given by the Royal Melbourne Club was that the field was considered too large to cope with in one day. Presumably Miss Didrikson’s entry was rejected because she is a woman, continues the writer. Such an action makes the name “open” a misnomer. The rejection of her entry is doubly unfortunate in view of the courtesy which is extended to overseas professionals who enter for the United States open championship. IN. von Nida entered for and competed in the recent United States championship. He was quite unknown there, but his entry was accepted and, .further, .he was paid the courtesy of not having to qualify for the event—a privilege which is granted to all overseas entrants.

The claim that a field of 182 is too unwieldy is not borne out by facts, concluded the writer. At this time of the year daylight lasts until about 6 o’clock, which would allow ample time to handle such a field