GOLFING

Hokitika Guardian, 11 July 1931, Page 3

GOLFING

BOY CHAMPION.

N.S.W. TITLE.

SYDNEY, July 2.

Even if Black, tne New Zealand representative in the fight for the New South Wales amateur golf championship, had reached the final, he would ha\e had no chance against the newchampion, who is only 16 years ol ago. It is said of Ferrier that lie has played only two< games in his life—blocks and golf. Almost as soon as he was able to stand he was told how to hold a golf club.' He must have been an apt pupil. He played a wonderful game against, E. L. Apperly, who two days previously had defeated Black in an easy fashion. Apperly had been three times champion of the State, and although Black showed fine form the New Zealander had no chance in .the semifinal against such a seasoned player. Black is regarded by experts as easily the best golfer New Zealand has sent across the Tasman. The closing stages of the final between Apperly and Ferrier were highly exciting, and many an experienced golfer has wilted under the strain of a severe 36-hole match, especially when near the end of the match, but Ferrier ill spite of his age, seems to have no penes. With three holes to go Ferrier was three up, and then his opponent won the next two holes. As matters turned out, Ferrier had to sink an eight-foot putt in order to win the match. Surrounded by a great crowd brimming over with excitement, Ferier seemed , quite unperturbed. He crouched on his haunches in order to study better the lie of the ground, and with great deliberation gauged the direction and pace that would he necessary. Then amid silence lie stood up and prepared for the fateful stroke. A gentle tap, and the ball sped away to the hole and went down. He had halved the hole, and the championship was his —one up.

It was not until the stroke had been completed that the vast crowd gave vent to its pent-up enthusiasm. It roared with delight. A mass of human ity, sweeping away guard op es,ocffioil ity, sweeping away guard ropes,, officials and tradition, swarmed over the green and in a twinkling ~oung Ferrier was “chaired” and carried off triumphantly. Never before had the stately Royal Sydney club house looked down upon such a scene. But never before had youth been so gloriously triumphant. Rousing cheers were given for “the boy,” and Ferier himself led the cheers for his sporting rival who was among the first to acknowledge the great, golf that had been played by the Manly boy.

Ferrier’,s win c-rowns his coaching and -perseverance .When he was 'ten years of age young Ferrier injured an ank’e, and lie was unable to take part in any strenuous sport such as football. So he was given golf clubs and he was al’owed to nlav about wih these until he was 14. On his 14th birthday his father started ser'ously to roach him At first it seemed that he would never make a golfer. as he could not lift a ball, Then, after many changes in style, he adopted his present method, and since then be has no + looked hack. He has fulfilled his father’s. expectations and the expectations of many others who bad been watebinbbis progress. He‘will try to win the Australian open championship in August.