Youngest Yet

When doctors prescribed physical exercise for his failing health four years ago, British Schoolboy John Beharrell had just the excuse he needed to enjoy himself on the golf course. This year, when doctors told him to quit his classes entirely, Beharrell, 18, happily put in his free time polishing up his game. He did a fine job. At Troon, Scotland last week he had the shots, the stamina and the concentration to hold off Glasgow Insurance-man Leslie Taylor, 5 and 4, and win the British amateur championship.

The chunky, blond teen-ager had only entered the tournament for experience, but when he suddenly found himself in semifinals, he decided he had half a chance. When he reached the finals, he took on an added responsibility: he was the only Englishman left, and no Englishman had won the British amateur championship in 17 years.

Wicked winds whipped in off the Firth of Clyde for that last round on Troon Old Course. Tee shots curved relentlessly out of line. But from chipping distance to the pin, Beharrell was equal to anything the weather or the links demanded. He one-putted most greens. He never showed a blink of emotion. After he had lost four holes in a row, he came back later to sink a two-foot putt and win. Then he relaxed for an instant. He grabbed his cap and waved his putter aloft in his other hand. "Aye!" he shouted with relief.

Youngest ever to win the British amateur crown, Beharrell insisted, "I will never go pro--never, never, never." He will probably never have to. His grandfather, Sir J. George Beharrell, is president of Dunlop Rubber Co., Ltd.

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