How significant that the tribute tour being organised for one of Wairarapa's favourite sporting sons, Sir Bob Charles, should come to Masterton tomorrow. For it will be 50 years to the day that an 18-year-old Charles, a little- known amateur from Masterton at the time, astounded the golfing world by winningthe New Zealand Open at Heretaunga. Not only did he win it but his four-round total of 280 equalled the record for the Open, set earlier by one of the vanquished on this occasion, the great Australian Peter Thomson. Since then, of course, Sir Bob has turned professional (in 1960) and won a host of major events around the world with his most famous victory being in 1963 when he became the first left handed ever to win the British Open. Sir Bob will play the full 18 holes in an open tournament to be held in his honour at Lansdowne tomorrow with the difference to the norm being that he will play six holes with three different groups of players. Apart from the tournament round Sir Bob, who is close to retirement, will host a short golf clinic-starting at 11.30am- and he will also be present when an auction of sports memorabilia is held. Sir Bob has, in fact, contributed a couple of items for the auction and other notable contributors are Paddy O'Brien and Sarah Ullmer. Members of the public are invited to follow the golfing action and while there is no gate charge a gold coin collection will be taken. All proceeds will go the advancement of junior golf and the Melanoma Society.
