The Waterbury Democrat., 1934-08-03

The most unusual thing about Runyan's second extra hole and dramatic victory over the 1aO- pounder, Craig Wood, in the Pro- fessional Golfers Association Championship was the Hot Springs product keeping his game at such a high pitch since last November
 Wiffy Cox and other pros pro nounced Runyan the finest golfer in the business following his phe- nomenal swing around the winter < circuit, during which he baggtd eight tournaments and $T0O0 m prize money. To date this sum mer he has picked up the Metro politan Open and another $500, anr the P. G. A. should be worth S12,000 to him. First prize was $1,000, and Runyan drew an equal amount in the way Of a bonus from a sporting goods house.
 Missed One
 In a game as uncertain as golf. the National Open was one of the few tournaments of recent months in which Runyan was unable to work up steam. He is the most consistent tournament winner of the day.
 With all his success, Runyan is in some important respects an un- orthodox performer. Charley Hall, former president of the P, G. A" singled him out in general criu- cism of the newest group of young professional stars. following Bobby Jones' Master Tournament at Au- gusta in March.
 While 1t is true that he is un- orthodox, and that his rather dis jointed and jerky swing may not be one for others to copy, Runyan rolls right along making Hall ana other severe critics eat their words,
 The secret of Runyan's good fortune is his remarkable accuracy with the spoon. He Is indeed the little man with the big spoon. And his amazing short game is made complete by the finest putting touch in America.
 If might be said that Runyan plays super woman's game, He would be considered short driver among far less capable players.
 Valuable
 rt was a $12,000 niblick shot that won the r. q. A.. after a full bras sic had been only half hit ana sliced into a trap to the right ana so yards short of the green.
 Playing from the rough, ana with a bunker to carry, Runyan gave another amazing exhibition of nerve control and accuracy by pitching the ball within eight feet Of the cup, and holding out, after woods 15-foot putt fell six inches short.
 How Runyan cut the ball on that pitch shot! Using free wrist ac-' ton. he played the shot deliberate ly, showing no more concern than he would had he been demonstras- ing 1t to pupil.
 I asked Wood about Runyan's unusual style, and whether the comparative schortness of the Park Country Club layout. where the magnificent show was held, was peculiarly adapted to the slight Arkansan's style. The pair made the Buffalo course look like q toy one.
 Wood brought Runyan east four years ago, after seeing Paul at Hot Springs, where he broke In as caddy. Runyan spent a year as Woods assistant at the ForeSt Hills Field Club. Bloomfield. N. f'
 y'Runyan has won on long courses, too" replied Wood, renl siege gun of the ancient and non orable sport. Paul won the Agua Caliente and Charleston Opens and the North and South at Pinehurst' and other tournaments over the marathon type of links
 "The shortness of the course had no bearing on the result. for on n longer course Runyan would have offset my distance with his second shot, using a good long iron, bras sic or spoon
 Speaking about the unorthodox features of Runyans game. Wood said: Each of us plays golf his own way. It's not bad idea, Sometimes I wish I played 1t like Runyan."