Golf: Ball dispute drives Johns to Harbour

By BOB PEARCE

Chris Johns, who fell out with the Auckland golf selectors over the ball he preferred to use, will be available for North Harbour this season.

The former national champion and Eisenhower Trophy representative has joined the Omaha Beach Club and will be available to play for North Harbour at the Grant Clements Memorial tournament at Mt Maunganui in February.

However, he will retain his membership at the Auckland Golf Club and play in the Bissett Shield Auckland pennant competition. He will be joined in that club team by another representative player, Blair Dibley, who has transferred from Akarana.

Both missed the interprovincial tournament in Southland last month, Johns because of the ball dispute and Dibley for family reasons.

Johns prefers to play with the ball sold by his employers. Auckland insisted that its rep players use the ball provided by its sponsors. North Harbour will have no such conflict.

After missing selection for the last Eisenhower Trophy, Johns is keen to resume his international career and believes that using the gear which best suits his game is essential.