KIRKWOOD ON ENGLISH PLAYERS

Hokitika Guardian, 17 May 1921, Page 1

KIRKWOOD ON ENGLISH PLAYERS

“POWER AND ACCURACY OF GAME.” LONDON, April 29. J. H. Kirkwhod, the Australian pro fessional golfer, in a special article for the Sydney "Sun,” says“ Feeling that those who kindly sent me here wish me to concentrate upon doing my best at St Andrews, I am training, practising, and observing closely, with the open championship in view.

“I have now studied most of the leading players , and feel that all young golfers have a natural respect and admiration for tho old triumvirate. They are wonderful, and are not only great masters of the game, but kindly and sweet-hearted men. They have been most encouraging and generous towards me.

“But I must confess that I put Duncan, Herd, Mitchell, and Ray alongside the triumvirate for the power and accuracy of their golf. On the. whole Mitchell impresses me most. “Mitchell and Ray cover tremendous distances from the tee, and whenever necessary their second shots are of different styles, hut though both make their clubs travel at a very high rate of speed, I was surprised at the abruptness with which they finish their swing. “Vardon and Duncan go well through. Though Vardon’s .finish struck me as very flat, his powers of placing and his delicacy in doing everything are lightful to see. “Duncan’s style of address is fascinating, for he quickly visualises the stroke. He seems to pick up his objective and position simultaneously, and gets his club in position and hits. “Ray is the best putter. I have not found him to sway, as was reported in Australia. “Braid impresses me as having lots of reserve, and Taylor’s straightness is wonderful. These veterans, especially Herd, play until tho vim of men undei 10.

“I have never seen the pulled stylo of driving under better control than the driving of Herd and Ockenden. It- is a fine free and precise style. They are coming men, but taken all round I have not swell a more compactor smoother action than that of Fred Popplewell at his best.

“All players take greater care over their strokes than we in Australia. Vardon never fails to press down the ground behind the tee shot. “1 have seen Armour play as good golf as any professional, but I will not he surprised -if the Americans win the amateur championship. “I have not yet seen a course as good as Kensington or Sandringham. The bunkering is carefully designed, but less severe than on our courses. However, there is rio doubt that St Andrews will be a teaser. “I am going there probably on Wednesday to settle down to practice. I would not like to comment upon my chances of success beyond saying that I have a little more' confidence than when I left home. “Also please let me say that Australia is the cheapest country we know to live in. The people here are most kind, and as an instance we were made full honorary members of clubs. This is a rare honour. Only three professionals have ever been honorary members of Mid-Surrey—Taylor, East, and mvself.”