GOLF.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 3640, 28 September 1912, Page 9

GOLF.

1912 NEW ZEALAND CHAMPIONSHIP.

(By “Niblick.”)

In epito of the climatic conditions being unfavorable to brilliant golf at the meeting just held in Wellington, there were nevertheless some fine examples of what correct and masterful play can bring forth oven on sodden turf and variable greens. Perhaps the outstanding feature of the tournament was the play of B. B. Wood, who fairly and squarely won his first champion honors. His play was brilliant in every game without any exception, and that is saying a lot considering that he played 9 rounds. He was, without doubt, unfortunate in not winning the open event also in that taking eleven strokes at one hole cost him this coveted honor. At this hole Wood succumbed for the first time to that regular stumbling block of every golfer, trying to make up for an indifferent stroke by going for a brilliant shot out of bad ground, when by being content to have hist even two strokes ho could still have had a fine round, well under SO. Wood’s brilliant free stylo of play and his consistent scores soon drew him a regular gallery oven surpassing the crowds that followed Duncan, who always draws big crowds of onlookers. Duncan’s play for the first time for many years was unsteady, and it says much for the high standard of golf usually played by the ox-champion, that the 90 he took in the second round of the open championship was the highest score he had taken On any links for nearly six years. His game with Wright, the Christchurch champion, in the semi-final, easily provided the most thrilling game of the meeting. At the first hole bogey five, Duncan holed out in a brilliant 3 to Wright’s 4. By losing his ball in the rough at the second and bunkering himself at the third Wright got 3 down for the first 3 holes, quite enough to make any player go to pieces as by the murmured remarks of the crowd was fully expected. Wright, however, played from this on with tile utmost caution, and seemed content to halve several holes before he got his opportunity for a win. Both were playing fine golf, and it was only by occasionally getting down a fairly good putt, that Wright got square with liis opponent after some 12 holes liad been played. Even then it appeared to bo taken as quite a certainty by the crowd of spectators that Duncan would win comfortably, until ho electrified the gallery by missing a simple putt at the 13th, making Wright 1 up for the first tune. Tin. play at the next hole was watt-nod with keen interest. Wright, having the honor, played a nice clock shot on to the edge of the green, but Duncan, to tbo astonishment of the crowd, completely spoilt his t-eo shot and furthermore hopelessly penalised himself by his ball lodging in the very heart of a tuft of rushes where he hs<r to abandon it. Two down and 4 to go. The onlookers wore not accustomed to witnessing play of this sort from Duncan, and followed with great anxiety to the next tee. This hole is rathei .*» simple niasliio shot up on to a terraced green, and when, after Wright had played a nice stroke, Duncan, for tlio first time for many years, failed to carry the bank, the greatest consternation could bo seen on every face for Duncan is deservedly the most popular player in the Dominion. Though ho played a marvellous shot from tho foot of the bank, lie just failed in his long putt and left himself dormy 3. For some reason, no doubt on account of the excitement of the moment, Wright played wretchedly at the next hole, which Duncan won, but lio made no mistake of the next, winning tlio match amid hearty congratulations. ’ Tho final game was not exceptionally interesting, as Wood outclassed Wright, tho present cliam-

pion’s terrific tee shots being well worth witnessing. One shot, against almost a gale, was paced out at 118 yards, a truly remarkable performance. ** • » Wood now holds the championship, buu it is fairly safe to predict Duncan’s splendid steady play again securing it in the near future.

The best round of those played in Wellington was Duncan’s when in partnership with His Excellency the Governor. He went round in 74, being 6 up on the Colonel. From memory his Excellency, who was off his game, only halved one hole that assisted in this score.

One could not help feeling sorry for tho Wellington club’s bad luck in striking such bad weather, as they had gono to great expense and trouble to make their course perfect. In spite of tho depressing weather, however, many incidents assisted to keep golfers in good spirits. * * *

One country player with a long handicap but undaunted courage, arranged side .wagers of Is a stroke on his rounds, and was hoard to remark that one bunker cost him 7s, but that lie had a lucky shot at one hole where he holed a long approach for eleven.

One of the most novel remarks heard at. the club house was when one player, oil being asked what he had taken for the round, replied that he had taken 97, but it should have been 98, truly a reverse from the usual golfer’s description of his round.

Gisborne golfers did not relish the wet course, but Dcdgshun’s .first round was against an exceptionally strong man. He did well to stave off defeat to so near the end of the game. * # ® Baku's first experience of championship games will also be of much benefit, as lie was playing good golf towards the close of the meeting.