GOLFING

Hokitika Guardian, 12 September 1927, Page 4

GOLFING

MORPETH WINS AMATEUR FINAL. (By Telegraph—Per Press Association. HAMILTON, Sept. 10. The N.Z. Golf Tournament concluded here to-day in wet weather. The final of tire amateur championship was woq by Sloan Alorpeth, of Moungakiekic Club (Auckland) who defeated T. H. Horton (Mastertoll) 6 up and 5 to play. Alorpeth played steady golf, hut Horton’s putting i'ot him down.

Great- interest centred in the Mor-peth-“Sime match on Friday, especially in the afternoon, when there was a large gallery. The followers were rewarded hy a very fine .game -played by two of the ibest sports that ever played the game. There was nothing between them on the first 18 holes, and the golf was of a high order. Going the lßth. Simo had a chance of squaring, but was wide in his putt, and so the. game went in the afternoon, Morpeth keeping the upper hand. At the 27th. there was spectacular .play. Simo approached dead with a' very sound shot, leaving Morpeth a very,difficult downhill putt in which his judgment required to ibe most accurate. Me sank: it, much to tlio relief of his many admirers, Who were obviously becoming anxious. Morpeth made it two up at the 31st. At this point the tension was high. Morpeth had the longer putt. The referee, Mr H. B. Lusk, requested a pliotgrapher to cease while Morpeth putted, to the great delight of his supporters, who were also requester! by tlio referee not to applaud until the liolo was played. But- their enthusiasm Was too much and they a.nplnuded. Usually nothing upsets Sime but this incident did. which was very unfortunate at such a critical stage. He missed the putt. -Morpeth was now two up, but Sime reduced his lead at the next hole. The pace was hot. one up and two to go, and both with equal chances at the 35th. this is where Simo let up with a fairly easy putt, leaving Morpeth a winner bv two and one, and so ended one of the liest matches ever played on the Hamilton course. Both players have duly established their claims to be considered in the select lino of the Dominion’s' best golfers. Had Sime 'been a IfTTle more successful with three putts, the game must have gono beyond the 36th. Morpeth had his hardest game of thoi tourney.