GOLF.

Otaki Mail, 10 April 1922, Page 3

GOLF.

THE OTAKI CLUB. The opening of tlio season, as far.as the above Club was concerned, took place on Saturday when the glorious weather tempted enthusiasts from various parts of the district. There was a large gathering, and throughout the day the utmost interest was evinced in the contests played. Play, however. was not ot‘ a high standard, players, naturally, being below form, while in places the long grass was against good play. The first contest was the long drive -for men, and some very fair shots were recorded. O ’Rourke and bio vers were most prominent. The former won by live feet only.

In the men's approaching and putting most of the players were below form, but the performances of W. M. (simcox and iffievers were very good. The play-off between the two was keenly watched. Simcox secured the verdict. O'Rourke and P. B. Simcox were next on the list with seven shots each. - f.

The ladies’ approaching and putting did not fulfil expectations, although Mrs R. if. D ’Ath exhibited good form, holing in eight. Mrs W. M. Simcox. Mrs P. H. Harper and Miss Booth holed in nine.

After afternoon tea had been partaken of and fully enjoyed Mr Atmore, captain of the Club, in a neat speech, declared the links open. He was pleased to see such a number present, and took the opportunity, on behalf of the Club, to welcome Mr and Mrs IV. 11. Simcox, and extended to them the best wishes for the golf season. The membership, he was pleased to slate, was increasing. and he hoped the season would be a successful and enthusiastic one. The course now consisted of IS holes, the last six of which were not all they should oe, but he hoped players would withhold their criticism till the Club

was in funds to do necessary improvements. After extending to members hearty wishes for a successful season Mr Atmore distributed prizes won that day by Mrs D’Ath, Mr T. O’Rourke, and Mr AV. M. Simcox. He also presented prizes won last year as follows: Mixed foursomes, T. O’Rourke; bogey handicap and mixed foursomes, J. B. D’Ath; medal competition, C. F. Atmore; medal and bogey handicap, AY. H. Wills; two medal competitions, Miss Beunett; bogey handicap and two medals, Miss Brandon; medal competition, F. S. Simcox; bogey handicap, Byron Brown; mixed foursomes and bogey handicap, Mrs P. 11. Harper; captain’s prize, Mrs G. Lethbridge; championship, President’s trophy and mixed foursomes, Miss Quill.

At the opening ceremony of the Otaki Golf Club’s links on Saturday Mr Byron Brown said it was not generally known that the Club that day had attained its 21st birthday. There was, he said, a mere handful of players present when the links were opened, and drew attention to a photograph of the first pavilion —a shed. The Club, since .its initial opening, lxad never looked Site,said Mr Brown, but gone on and

Billpjjfted. Members should not forget tho fact, however, that hundreds of good members passed away, leaving only memories behind. Mr Brown referred to members who had paid the supreme sacrifice at Flanders, and said jhe Club should think kindly ancl generously of them. Ho then referred to tho good work done by the present Secretary, Mr E. Hopkins, who had been the means of lately providing' an IShole course. Credit for forming the links was due, said Mr Brown, to Mr Pierce Baldwin, who ski wed a few enthusiasts how golf should be played. Of the first members there were a feupresent, namely Mrs R. M. D ’Ath, the (Simcox family, and himself. Mr F. S. Siiucox added that W. D. Gillies (afterwards a doctor who did good service) helped to lay out the original holes.

PRESENTATION TO MR ATMORE. At the opening ox ' the Otaki Golf Club’s links on'Saturday afternoon Dr. jSharp jokingly said he had it on good authority that Mr Atmore was about to get married, and he thought the time opportune for stating what a good sport he was. He was, said the speaker, a credit to any game he indulged in; he was a leader in tennis and a keen follower of golf, and on behalf of the Otaki Tennis Club and the Golf. Club he' offered Mr Atmore heartiest congratulations. (Applause). Mr W. M. Simcox, on behalf of rho Tennis Club, endorsed Dr. Sharp’s remarks, stating that he knew Mr Atmore as a .good sport, and added that he was to marry a good sport. Mr Atmore had done a good deal for tennis, and thanks of members were due to him. Mr Simcox then asked Mr Atmore to accept-a token (a valuable cigarette ease, engraved) from the two clubs. (Applause). Mr Atmore said it wns quite impossible' to adequately thank members of the Club for the presentation and for the kind things said. He was very thankful for such a generous gift and expressions for his future welfare. (Applause). The Levin Club has found it impossible to secure new- links this season and in consequence will play on last year’s course.