GOLF IN TARANAKI

Taranaki Daily News, 20 September 1940, Page 3

GOLF IN TARANAKI

MANAIA CHAMPIONSHIP WIN FOR K. McDONALD Defeating the 16-year-old player, P. Christie. 4 and 3 in the final. K. McDonald became the Manaia club's senior champion for 1940 when the final was decided on Wednesday over 36 holes. Excellent form was produced by both contestants and at times brilliant golt was played. For the greater part of the game the winner was in doubt. Seldom did either player's form lapse and from the outset of the morning's round both settled down to play consistently good all-round shots which gave neither liberty to establish clear-cut leads. McDonald's experience to deal with the situation at critical periods was the main factor of his well-deserved win. For a young player Christie put up a galiant fight. A feature of his game was his brilliant driving. For his second season of golf his performance in contestmg the semi-final is rather remarkable and a golfing career undoubtedly lies before him Christie became prominent at the club's Easter tournament, when he won every competition for which he entered, and during which his handicap was reduced four times. from 24 to 10. McDonald established an early lead when he took the first two holes in par figures. Christie won the third. McDonald gained a two-up lead at the tirtn. but a seven at the seventh gave Christie a win with a three and at the nmth another three by Christie squared the match at Ihe turn. McDonald went out in 42 and Christie in 40. McDonald took the 11th with a three to Christie's four to place him one up. ine next two holes were halved in fours, the 14th won by McDonald with a five, but McDonald won the 16th and 18th wit bogev figures. Christie winning the l(tn in bogey to place McDonald three up at the end of the mornings round. McDonald played more consistently ovei the latter nine holes to return a par ot against Christie's 39. . , After McDonald had mcreased hisleao to four up with a win at the first in _ the afternoon, Christie fought back bru liantly to take the next four holes with 6 3 3. 4, to square the match at tnis stage. The seventh was halved but McDonald's play regained his lead to twc up at the turn when he secured the eighth and ninth holes with a 3 and i against Christie's 4 and 5 McHonalc went out in; 42. Christie did a httle better with a 40. ,, Lack of experience now began to tei. on Christie, McDonald appearing more suited to the conditions and handling the situation with more confidence. McDonald increased his lead to three up bj taking the 10th m bogey 3. The nex two holes were halved and a 4 to Chris tie's 5 placed McDonald m an unassaiiable position at the 13th with five holes to play. By halving the 14th and lotl McDonald emerged the winner of the title. . , Mr. F. Walker umpired.