GOLF.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 January 1922, Page 8

GOLF.

YEAR IN AMERICA. CHAMPIONS DETHRONED. America has just experienced the most topsy-turvy golf year in its history. And England has been no exception. Not a single champion in America in 1920 was able to repeat this year—and only one Briton accomplished it. Charles Evans (amateur champion of America in 1920), Ted Ray, “pro” champion, and Miss Alexia Stirling, woman’s champion, all went down to defeat in the 1921 battling. Cyril Tolley, amateur king of Great Britain in 1920, ha,s been supplanted by Willie Hunter. The open title of England, held a year ago by George Duncan, now is in possession of Jock Hutchison, of America.

Miss Cecrtl Leitch is the only cham pion of them al) who retained the 1920 laurels. But even those of Miss Leitch are smudged inasmuch as she was beaten afterwards, although not in cham pionship play. The defeat of Miss Leitch as Hollywood will always remain as one of those freak incidents in sportdom. Undoubtedly Miss Leitch is the greatest living woman golfer —probably the greatest of all time. Again and again she has Tnet the starriest stars of two continents — and each has fallen humbled before her splendid play. And then* came Mrs. F. C. Letts, of Chicago.

Mrs. Letts, at her best, never was regarded as more than a fair golfer. Never in her career had she reached the

semi-finals in any real tournament. Yet in the affair at- Hollywood she whipped all the eracks that were pitted against her, and concluded by defeating the peerless/ Cecil Leitch. “It’s golf” is the only explanation. After a summer spent in the United States, George Duncan and Abe Mitchell. golf professionals of England, have sailed back to their native heath laden with new laurels and manj' dollars. And they took with them also the good wishes and the kindliest feelings of America.

Duncan and Mitchell played 71 matches while in the United States, and triumphed in 51. They lost 17. The other three were .drawn. In comparison with their Harry Vardon and Ray, who toured the United States a year pr two ago, played 96 matches, won 70, lost 22, and tied in four.

A peculiarity concerning the battles of the Britons on American soil is the fact that the amateurs, and not the crack American professions, proved to be the hurdles they couldn’t take. Playing over practically every course of consequence in the United States, Duncan and Mitchell displayed superlative golf throughout. The grand average stroke for Dunean wa5.72.17 for 18 holes, while Mitchell averaged 72,19.