The Waterbury Democrat., 1931-03-25

Miss Fishwick has concluded a months campaigning in Florida during which time she played golf that ranged from excellent to decid- edly indifferent. She was watched closely both by those who were curi- ous to see what resolute qualities must be hers to have permitted her to ascend to such heights and by others who sought to learn whether or not Britain had likely successor to the impregnable Joyce Wethered.
 The conclusion is that Miss Fish wick is now better-than-average shotmaker, that she possesses the stuff necessary to continue among the top-fiighters, but that she will never become second Wethered. With sheer power alone, the latter doubtless could beat down the pres- ent champion, while in many other departments she appears to have a superiority that is most marked.
 Started Well.
 Miss Fishwick was cratic in her play on this side, starting well but seeming to lose ground as the weeks passed Her first appearance was in the Florida Women's Champion ship and the beginning was auspici- ous enough, her 78 tying for the medal with Mrs Stewart Hanley of Detroit Mrs Louise Heineman of New York was her first victim in match play. by 5 and 8. Miss Fish wick then went on to eliminate Mrs H. D. Sterrett of Hutchinson, Kan, and 2, but was decisively outscored by Miss Helen Hicks, hard hitting Long Island girl, 6 and 5. It was in this match that the English girl first displayed signs of weakness under pressure that must have astounded her admirers. for one attribute claimed for her is an indomitable spirit under heavy fire.
 Once down to Miss Hicks, Miss Fishwick seemed to lose all her fight, the American finishing with runaway speed.
 A week later, in the South Atlantic Championship, Miss Fishwick won her most convincing victory when, after cruising through the first round at the expense of Mrs A. E. Hulson of Fort Wayne, Ind, she put Miss Peggy Wattles, the talented Buffalonian, and 1, in the second.
 The following day, however, she lost to fellow Briton, Miss Kath- leen Garnham, 3 and 2. The many errors she committed that day were repeated shortly afterward in the Florida East Coast tournament. Mrs H. D. sterrett putting an end to her advance in the second round in rather convincing way.
 Peculiar Form.
 The British champions style aroused considerable comment here. In comparison to the methods used by the majority of our leading wo- men players, it looks to be unortho- dox, even awkward, but she does so well with it that any criticism would seem to be bit incongruous. Her position is much straighter than would be considered 'good form; in fact. she stands almost bolt up- right, coming into the ball with a wide, fiat swing from which she de- rives remarkable power for a person so slight.
 The champion does not hit long ball; in comparison to Miss Collett. Miss Hicks or Miss Van Vie. all of whom are free swingers; her woods appear woeful1y inadequate, but she seldom wanders far off line and is a sharpshooter with her close-to-the- green shots. These she also maneu- vers without the familiar crouch, but it makes no visible difference in her accuracy.
 Galleries were surprised most of all at her putting, ritual which Miss Fishwick performs in manner identical with her other shots. that is, from a seemingly uncomfortable "ram rod" posture. No one of the experts who followed her in Florida was able to explain exactly why 1t was that her butts had an uncanny faculty of sounding the bottom of the cup, but they did. and 1t was not long before they were willing to ad- init the validity of the reputation that had preceded her to this coun- try.
 It is unfortunate Miss Fishwick was unable to remain for the sum- mer season. It would have been in- teresting to have seen her against this country's best on northern courses, where conditions would have been vastly better tests.
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