GOLF NOTES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 15 August 1940, Page 3

GOLF NOTES

MAHUNGA CLUB GAMES CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY. FIRST QUALIFYING ROUND. (By “Cleek.”) Now that the first qualifying round for the championships has been played by members of the Mahunga Golf Club, there is a good deal of speculation amongst members as to the ultimate winners in the three grades—senior, intermediate and junior. This, pastime of picking the winners, whilst making for interesting discussion, is a chancey business at the best and to achieve success the prophetic powers of a Nostra Damns seem to be essential. Most of us, being denied such gifts of second sight, must rely on form and figures to justify our conclusions. Probably the simplest way is first to eliminate those whose scores and play generally (like “Clock's” for instance) fall short of the necessary championship standard and then sort out the remainder, or maybe just as conclusive results would be obtained by pulling the players out of a hat.

•In the seniors, K. McFarlane on his handicap and recent scores, is the logical choice, even though he failed to score well in the first qualifying round. His 82' does not reflect his true ability. W. W. Hendry, runner-up last year, must be conceded every chance. A good first round of 79 enabled him to head the scores so far and should secure him a favourable position in the draw. His golf has the virtue of consistency and steadiness, two very desirable assets when it comes to match play.

R. B. McPherson. I. McFarlane. L. M. Roach. G. V. Greer and A. H. Ward also scored well and it should be safe to assume that the winner will be found in one of these players. The intermediate championship is very open, and should provide keen and interesting competition. C. Sutherland and J. Morris, on their first qualifying round scores, are entitled to the most consideration. R. F. Buick. N. Bach. C. H. Carrig and M. Syron also have every chance and F. C. Brockett’s claims cannot be lightly disregarded. This player is improving with every game, his recent win in the ladies’ trophy competition being ample evidence of his present good form. Any one of the remaining nine players in this grade is capable of extending those already mentioned and the writer would not care to hazard a guess as to the ultimate winner.

It is even more difficult to attempt to nominate the winner of the juniors. The most that can be said is that P. R. Boyes. J. P. Farrell. H. J. Miller. R. C. Simpson, G. B. Young and W. Taylor should be somewhere handy when the numbers go up