FAIRWAY AND ROUGH

Taranaki Daily News, 19 September 1940, Page 11

FAIRWAY AND ROUGH

(By "Stance.")

VETERAN'S COMEBACK ELTHAM TOURNAMENT

The outstanding feature of the qualifying rounds of the New Plymouth Clubs ehampionship at Ngamotu was the fine showing of the veteran G. M. Chong, who is number one qualifier with a 36-hoie total of 153. Joe Holden also carded 153, but Chong's second round was 76 to Holden's 78. Chong has been an outstanding figure in New Plymouth golf for nearly 30 years. He made his debut as a schoolboy at the old Tararua course and has carried ofT two Taranaki championships and several club titles. During the last few years he has not taken such an active part in comjxjtitive play, but his return this season has demonstrated that he is still as good as ever. He is now faced witli the match play stage, where he will be called upon to pit his skill and experience against the brilliance of youth. JelTery's EfVort. Jim Jeilery had the best score in the qualifying rounds, but as he will be unable to compete' in the match play owing to his departure to camp with the territorials he withdrew. Jeffery might easily have had a fine card on Saturday, but his usually reliable putter was not functioning wcll. Jeffery made the trip to Te Awamutu during the week-end for the annuai amateur 36-hole event. He carded two 76's, which gained him second place in the big field of 160 competitors. F. Flannagan, New Plymouth, was runner-up in the handicap event. Eltham Tournament. The annuai Eltham tournament will hoid the stage during the week-end. The presence of tlie crack Wellington and Taranaki players, W. B. Reilly and Jim Jeffery, is attracting considerable mterest. If the pair should meet in the semifinal or final one of the most interesting contests to be staged in Taranaki should be witnessed. Clark Maintains Form. S. D. Clark maintained his good form in the first qualifying round of the ehampionship at Westown on Saturday. His 66 was a splendid effort and gives him a handy lead over all his opponents. J. Lobb, who has taken a new lease of iife this season, had a 73, and H. W. Brown a 74. The second round should produce some good scoring, but Clark s position at the head of the list looks a strong one.