JONES AND KIRKWOOD

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 102, 21 July 1927, Page 9

JONES AND KIRKWOOD

VISIT TO ENGLAND TWO GREAT WONDERS The news that Bobby Jones and J. H. Kirkwood have left America to take part in the British Open Championship this month will interest most Antipodean players, declares an Australian writer, for in their different spheres the American champion and the Antipodean prodigy are perhaps the two greatest wonders the Royal and Ancient gam£ has evolved.

The adventure, so suddenly decided upon, may be the outcome of their recent match and the astonishing result of that match, namely, the easy defeat of Bobby by a display in which Kirkwood, round in 65, must have defeated par at every second hole or

More than that, it would not be surprising to find that it was the comparing of notes on the technique of the swing by these great experts which so suddenly and completely revived Kirkwood’s dormant skill, making him once more the master of the game he undoubtedly was, despite his championship failures, during the two years following his departure from Australia. As it had been definitely announced that the American open champion did not intend to defend his British title, his sudden decision to adopt the role of defending holder is remarkable. Coming as it did just after his bout with Kirkwood, coupled with the Australian champion’s equally abrupt resolve to be a challenger, makes almost positive evidence that they had conspired together jointly and in company to invade the classic St. Andrews. It' was only natural, too, that such kindred golfing spirits both at that adventurous age—2s to 30 —might form a friendship of the links, comparable, in a sporting sense, to that of Damon and Pythias of old. and engage in such an impetuous prank as this sudden invasion of the East Neuk of Fife has every appearance of being. At Albany, Georgia, J. H. Kirkwood, the former Australian champion, defeated Boby Jones, 5 up and 4 to play, in an exhibition match. His stroke score was 65. GOLF PROFESSIONALS SCORES AT GLENEAGLES By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright LONDON, Tuesday. In the qualifying round for the £I.OOO professional golf prize at Gleneagles, Charles "Whitcombe took 69, Kirkwood 70, Havers 71, Ockenden 72, Braid, Boomer and Compston each 73. —A. and N.Z.-Sun.