g T I N S t USGA JOURNAL COMBINING TIMELY TURF TOPICS WINNERS OF THE WALKER CUP Wide World Photo United States Team: (standing) Bruce N. McCormick, Stanley E. Bishop. Francis D. Ouimet, non-playing Captain, James B. McHale, Jr., Charles R. Coe. John W. Dawson; (kneeling) Frank R. Stran&ban. Chas. R. Kocsis, Raymond E. Billows, Wm. P. Turnesa, Robt. H. BfegeM USGA JOURNAL COMBINING TIMELY TURF TOPICS PUBLISHED BY THE UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION Permission to reprint articles herein is freely granted (unless specifically noted otherwise) provided credit is given to the USGA Journal. Vol. II, No. 5 September, 1949 Through the Green........................................................................... 1 Views on the Walker Cup Match ....................................................... 5 16 Putts for 18 Holes........................................................................... 8 The Seniors Visit England and Sweden ......... Sherrill Sherman 10 The Junior Championship ...................... Richard S. Tufts 12 Canada’s New National Handicap System ........William 0. Blaney 13 The Professional’s Place in Golf .............. Joe Novak 14 Mr. A. Cleveland Golfer.................... 15 Golf in 52 Lands ................. John W. Bailey 16 The Ladies Return to Merion ..................................................... 18 The First Girls’ Champion.................... Mrs. Edwin H. Vare, Jr. 20 Addressing the Ball ................................................... Gene Sarazen 21 The Referee: Decisions by the Rules of Golf Committee ............ 22 Timely Turf Topics: USGA Green Section Turf Troubles on Golf Courses.............................Fred V. Grau 26 What Happened to Turf This Summer............. Fred V. Grau 28 Bentgrass in the South .... ............................... Fred V. Grau 30 Questions and Answers .............. 32 It's Your Honor: Letters .......... 33 Subscriptions: $2 per year; seven issues per year: Spring, June, July, August, September, Autumn; Winter. Single copies—30 cents. Subscriptions, articles, photographs , and correspondence (except pertaining to Green Section matters) should be addressed to: UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION 73 East 57th Street, New York 22, N. Y. Correspondence pertaining to Green Section matters should be addressed to: USGA GREEN SECTION, Room 307, South Building, Plant Industry Station, Beltsville, Nd. Edited by Joseph C. Dey, Jr. and John P. English. Advisory Committee—John D. Ames, Chairman; Isaac B. Grainger, Curtis W. McGraw, James D. Standish, Jr. All articles voluntarily contributed. PRINTED IN U. S. A. USGA COMPETITIONS FOR 1950 Curtis Cup Match: Sept. 1 and 2 at Country Club of Buffalo, Williamsville, N.Y. Women’s amateur teams, British Isles vs. United States. (Dates entries close mean last dates for applications to reach U.S.G.A. office, except in the case of the Amateur Public Links Championship. For possible exceptions in dates of Sectional Qualifying Rounds, ’ see entry forms.) " Championship Open Entries Close May 15 Sectional Qualifying Rounds May 29 Championship Dates June 8-9-10 Amat. Public Links *May 26 **June 11 to 17 July 11 Team: July 1 Indiv., July 3-8 July 19-22 June 26 Junior Amateur Amateur Denver, Colo. July 24 Minneapolis G. C. August 11 — Aug. 28—Sept. 1 (Not determinorl') August 8 August 21-26 Girls’ Junior Women’s Amateur August 10 Aug. 24-25 September 11-16 Atlanta A. C. (E. Lake) Minneapolis, Minn. •Entries close with Sectional Qualifying Chairmen. Chairmen. ♦ •Exact date in each Section to be fixed by Sectional Atlanta, Ga. Venue Merion G. C. (East) Ardmore, Pa. Seneca G. C. Louisville, Ky. Denver C. C. USGA Journal: September, 1949 1 THROUGH THE GREEN Fraternity of Golf North of the Border Any cynic doubting the spirit of fraternity among golfers would do well to consider: Item 1-William Stitt, Secretary of Oak­ mont Country Club outside Pittsburgh, read a small article in a newspaper this summer that the Pittsburgh Team in the USGA Amateur Public Links Championship needed funds to go to the Championship at Los Angeles. In five minutes he raised $200 among Oak­ mont members. Item 2-Among subscribers to the fund which enabled the British Walker Cup Team to come to the United States this year was the Artisan Golfers’ Asso­ ciation, which contributed 200 guineas (about $840( as a first payment. The Hidden Reserve In the first Match for the Walker Cup at the National Golf Links of America in 1922, the British brought with them a hidden reserve in the person of Bernard Darwin, golf editor of the London Times. When Robert Harris, the Team Captain, fell ill, Mr. Darwin was invited to play and won his singles. In the 12th Match at the Winged Foot Golf Club, the British seem to have been similarly well fortified with a hidden reserve, this time in the person of Cdr. (Si J. A. S. Carson, V. D., RNVR, the Secretary of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews. Although not a member of the Team, Cdr. Carson indicated that he might not have been found wanting if called by playing the fearsome Pine Valley Golf Club course in 80 in his first try. And that including a penalty for an unplay­ able lie on the last hole, when a 78 had seemed clearly in sight from the tee. As might be suspected. Cdr. Carson is a scratch player at St. Andrews. Richard D. Chapman Wide World Photo The Canadian Amateur has long been an objective for golfing pilgrims. Eddie Held scored the first United States victory in 1929. Since then five compatriots have brought the title here. This summer Dick Chapman drove north from Cape Cod and in New Brunswick won it the hard w ay. He beat Laurie Roland of \ an- couver, whom he calls the best 16-year-old he has seen, by one hole in the semi­ final. He was 5 down with 11 to plav but defeated Phil Farley on the second extra hole in the final. Honor Caddies Bovs who play golf make better cad­ dies. And boys who are happy at their clubs make better caddies. Oak Park Country Club. Chicago, has made a move which should insure it a continuing supply of happy young golf­ 2 ers to carry the members’ bags. The club built and dedicated a special putting green for its caddies. Horton Smith, John­ ny Palmer, Errie Ball and Jimmy Thom­ son conducted a caddie putting clinic to get the green off to a good start. In this and other ways, the Western Golf Association’s caddie welfare pro­ gram is having highly beneficial effects. Joseph Jasinski, 18, of Toledo, Ohio, not long ago became the 100th caddie to Joseph Jasinski USGA Journal: September, 1949 most touching and reassuring was a con­ tribution of $13.05 made recently by 36 caddies who had viewed the WGA film, "Honor Caddie,” under the auspices of the Anoka (Minn.) Junior Chamber of Commerce. It consisted of pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters. Kerr N. Petrie It was April, 1908, when Kerr N. Petrie landed on these shores from Car­ noustie for a visit with Alex Smith at the Nassau Country Club. Like The Man Who Came to Dinner, Pete stayed on— but the longer Pete stayed, the more his popularity grew. A little more than 41 years later, friends and notables gathered just before the Walker Cup Match to proclaim his services to the game. The occasion was his retirement, at the age of 68, after writing golf for 37 years for the New York Herald Tribune and the pre­ decessor Herald. Pete covered his first Championship in the fall of 1908, the Women’s Ama­ teur at the Chevy Chase Club, and he has been a fixture ever since. Last spring, he was elected President of the Golf Writers’ Association. Out of the length and breadth of his experience, he re­ warded his friends with a delightful hour of reminiscence. The example Pete set in his writings was one of gentle kindliness. As Francis Ouimet remarked: “He never said an unkind word about a golfer who was doing his best.” be awarded a full-tuition college scholar­ ship by the Evans Scholars Foundation. He will begin prelegal studies at Notre Dame. Joe’s average for four years at Toledo Central High School was 93 per cent. He was a member of the state championship golf team and caddied at the Inverness Club. The Evans Scholars Foundation has receixed contributions approaching $100,- 000 for these scholarships, and they have come from all sources. But one of the Saved for a Rainy Day The gutty ball, a species which is becoming rarer by the year, takes its rarest form when it is enshrouded in its original wrapper. The USGA Golf Museum is therefore particularly gratified to have received several 1899 gutties, complete with wrap­ pers, from Mr. Wes White, professional at the Country Club of Ithaca, N. Y. USGA Journal: September, 1949 3 A one-piece driver of ancient vintage ac­ companied the balls. Among other recent gifts to the Museum are the following items: “The Jones Golf Swing and other Sug­ gestions”, recorded by John Godfrey Saxe of the National Golf Links of America from instructions given to him by Ernest Jones, Harold Calloway, Alex Gerard, Joseph F. Phillips and Nelson Long, supplemented by many contribu­ tions from others. The 29-page volume was privately printed and distributed bv Mr. Saxe; it analyzes the golf swing with particular emphasis on the leachings of Ernest Jones, who provided the foreword. It was donated by the author at the sug­ gestion of Dean 0. M. Leland of Min­ neapolis. A lar?e framed etching entitled “Medal Day at St. Andrews,” published by Messrs. Dickinson and Foster in 1898 and donated by A. H. Tull of New York al the suggestion of Sherrill Sherman of Utica, N. Y. “The First Fifty Years, 1899-1949 — An Historical Review of the La Grange Country Club,” donated by Ralph F. Burns of La Grange, Ill. Fiftieth anniversary book of the Oak­ ley Country Club, Watertown. Mass., donated by Louis M. Hannum of Water­ town at the suggestion of Francis Ouimet. USGA Rules of Golf booklet, dated 1905, donated by Mrs. Robert E. Barbour of Miami, Fla. The Museum Committee, of which C. Pardee Erdman is Chairman, greatly appreciates both the gifts and the thought behind them. The collection of historic books, documents, pictures, implements and balls already is of considerable value, and that value will increase. Clubheads Don’t Work Ernest Jones, the golf instructor, who is vacationing in England, came to a boil recently, according to Golf Illustra­ ted. when an acquaintance happened to drop a casual remark about the clubhead doing the work. “Stuff and nonsense.’ he exclaimed. “I'm sick of people saving, ‘let the SPORTSMAN'S CORNER The Sunningdale Golf Club in England ha* had a long and mutually pleasant re­ lationship with United States golfers. It entertained in 1930 the first match between women's teams representing Great Britain and the United States, the predecessor of the Curtis Cup series. It was also the Club at which Bob Jones and Dick Chapman won the GOLF ILLUSTRATED Gold Vase, a cher­ ished prize for amateurs. Evidence of a mutual esteem which has grown with the years was forthcoming re­ cently through an exchange of letters in which the Club offered and Willie Turnesa accepted honorary membership. The letter* speak for themselves as a testimonial to the sportsmanship of the American who went to the finals in two of the last three British Amateur Championships: W. P. TURNESA, ESQUIRE DEAR MR. TURNESA: It gives me great pleasure to inform you that the committee of this club would be delighted if you will accept honorary life membership of Sunningdale. They feel that this is the best way that they can convey to you their feelings of good will and appreciation of the great services that you have rendered for the game both for the United Stales of America and in this country. Yours sincerely, GEORGE G. KIRKE Secretary MR. GEORGE G. KIRKE SUNNINGDALE GOLF CLUB DEAR MR. KIRKE: I am deeply thrilled and honored to re­ ceive your letter informing me of the action taken by the Committee in electing me to honorary life membership in Sunningdale. I truly appreciate the distinction accorded me and am very happy to accept the mem­ bership. I wish to express my sincere thanks to you and to the Committee. Sincerely, W. P. TURNESA clubhead do the work.’ I’ve dozens of clubheads in my shop, and I’ve never noticed them doing any work. You’ve got to make the clubhead work, and the onlv wav to do it is by swinging it.” 4 USGA Journal: September, 1949 Listening Rates In this Championship season alLgolf- ers bear a special burden — that of listening. Listening is a service rendered. We know of no one who makes an avoca­ tion of sitting in locker rooms and rendering such a service voluntarily, or even very sympathetically. However, we have heard of the service being ren­ dered on a purely professional, cash basis, and we quote the rates herewith: Listening To Listening Limit Five Minutes Long Drives .......................... $ .25 Flubbed Drives ..........................50 Beautiful Approaches ...... .50 Flubbed Approaches ................ 75 Long Putts Sunk ........................35 Short Putts Missed .................. 50 Getting Out of Rough ...............15 Getting Out of Bunkers.............45 Birdies ......................................... 85 Eagles .................. 1.35 Almost a “hole-in-one” ........ 2.00 Qualified Rates Describing 18 holes, hole by hole: Under 90 $1.00 Between 91 and 100 .......... 1.50 Over 100 ............................ 2.00 Description of Vacation Golf 2.50 Special Rates For Hard Luck Golf: Describing Bad Lies, Un­ ethical Opponents, Out of Bounds, Landing in Rough, Looking Up, Disturbance on Tee Shot, etc. Just Listening .................. 15 each Listening with Sincerity .35 each For “If’ Shooting Listening to “if the caddie held the pin,” “if I didn’t top the ball,” “if the ball didn’t rim the cup,” “if I hadn’t sliced,” etc. This is really difficult lis­ tening to, and the rates are somewhat higher. 5 minutes ....................35 10 minutes ........................... 60 Weeping Is Required ...........50 extra Toivels Furnished At .............. 25 each Remember These Points Before You Drive! 1. Keep your head down. 2. Keep your eyes on the ball. 3. Keen your left arm stiff. 4. Don’t bring your clubhead back too far. 5. Don’t forget to pivot. 6. Bring your clubhead into the ball 7. Grip your club firmly. 8. Don’t stand too far away from the ball. heel. 9. Don’t stand too close to the ball. 10. Swing with your left arm, guide with your right. 11. Line your ball up with your left 12. Take your backswing s-l-o-w-l-y. 13. Break your wrists. 14. Always follow through. No Wonder You Never Break 100! Morse Cup When S. F. B. Morse of Del Monte, Cal., donated a cup for intersectional amateur team competition between Cal­ ifornia and the Pacific Northwest, he started a good thing. The first Match for the Morse Cup at the Seattle Golf Club stimulated wide interest along the Coast. The West is abundantly endowed with good golfers, and nearly all of them took part. As an example, the first foursome set two members of the 1949 Walker Cup Team, John Dawson and Bruce McCormick of California, against two Walker Cup alumni, Jack Westland and Harry Givan. The alumni won, too. and their Pacific Northwest side eventu­ ally won the Match. In the Pacific Northwest Amateur which followed. McCormick retaliated by taking that title to unfamiliar surroundings in Cal­ ifornia. Don’t Be a Fire Bug That's the caption over a notice on a wall inside the Oak Hill Country Club at Rochester, N. Y. In view of the number of fires which occur at club', everybody would do well to take to heart the complete Oak Hill notice: “Each week at Oak Hill an average of 12 table cloths—linen—costing us from 5 to 8 dollars each are burned and ruined by Careless Cigarette Smokers. “Nor do the furniture and rugs escape. “This senseless destruction costs Oak Hill not less than one thousand dollars yearly. “HELP SUPPRESS THE FIRE BUGS." It was a morning when all nature shouted: "Fore!" —P. G. Wodehouse in "The Heart of a Goof" USGA Journal: September, 1949 5 Views on the Walker Cup Match The Short Games By PERCY B. (LADDIE) LUCAS Captain, British Walker Cup Team So the Walker Cup Match of 1949 has gone the way of its predecessors! Before we left England for the I nited States, I said publicly that this British Team was certainly the best prepared Side that had ever left our shores. I did not say that this was the best Team we had ever had, although this was also my opinion. Everything possible had been done by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club to give our boys the best chance. In short, when we sailed out of Southampton, we knew that if we got licked this time, there could be no excuses. The Selectors and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club had done their best. It only remained to be seen what the result would be. We arrived in New York in the middle of one of your worst heat waves. “Never knew anything like it for years,” they said. This was the one thing we had feared. W e knew the heat, and particularly the humidity, could beat us. 1'or a week it persisted. The boys found that sleep did not come easily and that your excellent food could not be eaten in the quantities they would have liked. Then, blessed thought, came “the break.” The rains came and with them the cool breezes. On the first morning of the Match, the boys walked out on the practice tee wearing sweaters. This, then, was just what we had wanted. We could not have asked for more. W hat happened is now historv. Why it happened is another story which will be written by every journalist in this country and in ours. My view is this: We were beaten by a magnificent I nited States Side because their short game was in a different class from ours. Wide World Photo Ronald J. White, the English Champion, played in the No. 1 match in both four­ somes and singles and won each day. Their use of the wedge was remark­ able. This, allied to their admirable holing out, brought them victory and the British Side defeat. One final thing I would say. We could not have been beaten by a nicer bunch of fellows than there were on this United States Team. Nor could they have had a greater or more generous Captain. Purpose Achieved By CDR. (S) J. A. S. CARSON, V.D., RNVR Secretary. Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews Once more a British Walker Cup Team has visited the t nited States to try and wrest the Trophy from the hands of the holders. Once more the at­ tempt has been unsuccessful. The journey was none the less a delightful 6 USGA Journal: September, 1949 experience for every member of our Team. Quite apart from golf, several of us had never been to America, and we were anxious to see and meet the Ameri­ cans on their home ground, so to speak. The opportunity was afforded through­ out the stay. I personally would not have missed the trip for worlds. Arrangements for the Match, for the practice rounds and for the accommo­ dations of our Side could not have been surpassed. Indeed, I take away the im­ pression that 90 per cent of the United States people were keen to see our Side win. This getting together was, after all, the main object of Mr. George Herbert Walker, the donor of the Cup. That it should be done through the medium of golf was all the more fortunate. I do firmly believe that this year, anyhow, his hope was more than realized. I return home taking a lasting im­ pression of American kindness, hospi­ tality and efficiency. I trust you have been left with a similar feeling about the British. The Elements Conspired By RICHARD S. TUFTS Chairman, USGA Championship Committee We knew, of course, that the United States was assembling at the Winged Foot Golf Club one of the strongest Teams ever to represent this country in Walker Cup competition. Not only was the Team well seasoned but also it was under the direction of one of the most experienced golfers available to either side, Captain Francis Ouimet. Our interest, therefore, lay chiefly in the British Side—in the men who com­ posed their Team and their capabilities. At the first introduction, it was obvious that their Team was headed by a leader who would certainly inspire his men to great heights of accomplishment, and a most charming and magnetic person­ ality, Mr. Laddie Lucas. The members gave every evidence of being capable golfers and most earnest in their desire to win. We still believed that we could win, but it was the general opinion that the task would not be easy. In the face of these prospects, why INTERNATIONAL MATCH FOR THE WALKER CUP Held at Winged Foot Golf Club, Marmaroneck, N. Y. August 19 and 20, 1949 Great Britain Foursomes United States Joseph B. Carr and Ronald J. White (3 and 2) 1 James Bruen, Jr. and S. Max McCready............ 0 R. Cecil EwinK and Gerald H. Micklem.................... 0 Kenneth G. Thom and Arthur II. Perowne.............. 0 Points Raymond E. Billows and William P. Turnesa....... 0 Charles R. Kocsis and Frank R. Stranahan (2 and 1)......................... 1 Stanley E. Bishop and Robert H. Riedel (9 and 7)................................. 1 John W. Dawson and Bruce N. McCormick (8 and 7)........................ 1 Total ............................................................................... 1 Total ......................................................... 3 SlNGT ES Ronald J. White (4 and 3)............................................ 1 S. Max McCready.............................................................. 0 James Bruen. Jr.................................................................. 0 Joseph B. Carr.................................................................... 0 R. Cecil EwinK....................................................................... 0 Kenneth G. Thom................................................................ 0 Arthur H Perowne............................................................ 0 Gerald H. Micklem.............................................................. 0 William P. Turnesa............................................................ 0 Frank R. Strananhan (6 an 1 5)............................. 1 Robert H. Riedel (5 and 4).......................................... 1 John W. Dawson (5 and 3).......................................... 1 Charles R. Coe (1 up)................................................... 1 Raymond E. Billows (2 and 1)................................. 1 Charles R. Kocsis (4 and 2)...................................... 1 James B. McHale. Jr (5 and t)............................. 1 Total ............................................................................... 1 Total ........................................................... 7 Grand Total — Great Britain................................... 2 Captain: Percy B. Lucas Reserve: Ernest B. Millward (■rand Total — United States..............................10 Captain: Francis D. Ouimet USGA Journal: September, 1949 7 The Challengers from Great Britain Wide World Photo The British Walker Cup party included (standing) Joseph B. Carr, James Bruen, Jr., Ernest B. Millward, Kenneth G. Thom, Arthur H. Perowne, Ronald J. White, Fred Robson, the coach; (kneeling) Cdr. (S) J. A. S. Carson, the Secretary of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club; Percy B. Lucas, the Captain; R. Cecil Ewing, Gerald H. Micklem and S. Max McCready. were the results one-sided? As a careful observer, I can suggest only two reasons. In the first place, the British Side was under far greater pressure than was our Team. They were competing on a foreign shore and representing a country which is waging a courageous, uphill fight to­ ward recovery. They were naturally anxious to prove that Great Britain is on the way back in sport as well as in economic affairs. Their players there­ fore did not enjoy the relaxed approach that was possible for our players. Secondly, the elements conspired against the schedule of the British Team. Their practicing was done when the course was dry and fast and when the cups were placed in the front portions of the greens. By the time the wet weather came, their schedule called for a taper­ ing oil of practice rounds. Consequently, on Friday morning they faced a course which was strange to them, a situation further confused by a high wind during the morning play. Whatever may have been the score of th’s international competition, the re­ sults must benefit the game in both countries. The value is priceless in the pleasant associations and friendships formed and in the joy of matching two such fine groups of men in sporting competition, but above all there has been the opportunity to exchange thoughts, understanding and ideas that we may both work together in better­ ment of the game to which we are so deeply devoted and indebted. 8 USGA Journal: September, 1949 16 Putts for 18 Holes In any discussion of the record for the fewest putts in an 18-hole round, the USGA carries its hat in its hand and walks with the greatest deference. Our files reveal no established records in this department; the number of out­ standing putters is legion and the oppor­ tunity for notable, unpublicized perform­ ances is unlimited. The best verified performance of which we have record was made by a gentleman of 73 years, George Lock­ wood, at the Inglewood Country Club, near Los Angeles, where he is a mem­ ber. Mr. Lockwood used only 16 putts in playing a full round in December, 1947. George Lockwood Samuel E. Davis, President of the Inglewood Country Club, writes that Mr. Lockwood has been recognized for years as an outstanding short-game play­ er. “He does not hit long woods or irons; in fact, he rarely exceeds 185 yards off the tee. His best clubs are the No. 5 iron, which he uses for run-up shots, and the putter. “There was a slight rain, almost like a heavy fog, Mr. Davis admits, in de­ scribing the 16-putt round. “He reached few greens in regulation strokes, but by virtue of one-putting 16 greens and chipping two in from the apron, he achieved a score of 74.” This at the age of 73! Today, at 75, Mr. Lockwood remains a remarkable putter, and his energy and vitality belie his age. Many younger men object to the pace he sets on a golf course, and he is equally skillful at bridge, his other avocation. The runner-up, to our knowledge, is James L. (Lutie) Mosley of Fort Smith. Ark., then a 22-year-old sophomore at the University of Arkansas. In defeating Steve W. Creekmore, Jr., in the semi­ final of the Rolling Knolls Country Club Championship in July, 1947, Mos­ ley required only 17 putts for 18 holes. Mosley completed his round on the 5,900-yard, par 72 course in 61 and went on to win the Championship. “The manner in which I got by with so few putts is still a mystery to me,” Mosley admits. “My putting is no better than the average golfer’s; it was just one of those days all golfers have when they can’t miss.” Creekmore sheds further light by ex­ plaining that Mosley is an exceptionally long hitter and, as the course is compar­ atively short, was able to drive close to many of the greens. Mosley holed two short run-up strokes from off the putting surfaces with a No. 5 iron. The putts he holed were of assorted sizes, several quite long. He did miss one. The final tabula- USGA Journal: September, 1949 9 green, 16 one-putt greens and one two-putt green. Frank Womack of the Alderwood Country Club, Portland, Ore., also holds a certified card showing only 18 putts over 18 holes in a round on his home course on April 28, 1949. Womack holed two putts of 30 feet and two more of 25 feet. Altogether he had two no-putt greens, 14 one-putt greens and two two-putt greens. He played the second nine first and chipped in on the seventh and ninth greens to complete his remarkable round. Among the other outstanding per­ formances which have been placed on the record are: Nineteen putts for 18 holes, by the then Mrs. Dorothy Campbell Hurd at Augusta, Ga., in 1926. Twenty-one putts for 18 holes, by Harry Vardon, Walter J. Travis and Horton Smith. The USGA has no belief that this is an all-inclusive list of the best putting performances and would be most inter­ ested to learn of others. MY CADDIE'S DAD I played a round of golf the other day. My caddie was a quiet lad, and small, With big blue eyes that seemed to question me Of troubles that he could not solve at all. We started down the fairway side by side, And then he asked if he might take my hand. Surprised, I gave it to him, and he said: "I hope, please, Mister, that you'll understand; "My Dad and I, we used to walk this way. "He'd take my hand and kinda smile and say, " 'Now hang on tight, son, for your feet are small. " 'It's slippery on this bank and you might fall'. " "Last month a sickness came and took my Dad, "And now he's gone, and he was all I had." I don't recall the score I made that day, For after all my eyes at times were dim, And if I missed some unimportant shots, I realized how much it meant to him For me to take his hand and walk the way His Dad and he had walked on other days. The round was ended, then his big blue eyes Looked up at me and smiled. They seemed to say "I thank you, Mister, you were very kind." He said good-by and hurried on his way. And so, Dear God, when I have crossed the bridge That Scriptures say leads to that Promised Land, I hope that I may meet my caddie's Dad And look into his face and take his hand And say to him in that far distant room, "I tried to take your place that afternoon." -JUDGE EARLE F. TILLEY James L. Mosley tion was two no-putt greens, 15 one- putt greens and one two-putt green. The trick of averaging one putt per green for 18 holes has been accom­ plished more than once. One such per­ formance was made by Clark H. Maudlin of Indianapolis, Ind., at the Riverside Golf Club on August 10. 1946. Maudlin, who was 37 and had once given up golf, started his round with two putts on the first green and then had 15 successive one-putt greens. He holed a chip shot from off the putting surface on the 17th and then dropped a four- foot putt, under pressure, on the 18th green. His tabulation was one no-putt 10 USGA Journal: September, 1949 The Seniors Visit England and Sweden By SHERRILL SHERMAN Secretary, United States Seniors’ Golf Association The Senior Golfers Society of Great Britain renewed its invitation for a team from the United States Seniors’ Golf Association to visit England for resump­ tion of the Triangular Matches in 1949. The invitation was accepted. Unfortun­ ately, transportation difficulties prevented the Canadian Senior Golfers from send­ ing a team. When Prince Bertil, grandson of the King of Sweden, visited the Pine Valley Golf Club as the guest of William Batt, he met our President, John A. Brown, and suggested that our Senior team visit Sweden after the match in England. He felt such a visit would increase the pop­ ularity of golf in his country. A Threefold Objective The object of our trip therefore be­ came threefold: to renew our relations with the British Seniors, to win for the first time on a British course and to visit Sweden for a number of infor­ mal matches, playing on different courses and, as Seniors, helping to increase the popularity of golf. The trip was an outstanding success, first in England by winning. 7 to 5, and then in Sweden by winning the interest and good will of the Swedish golfers, where the actual winning of the informal matches was secondary. It wa? fitting that, when Crown Prince Gustaf Adolph of Sweden lunched with the Seniors at Bastad, the Swedish Team should win. 4 to 3. His cordiality and friendship, the informality with whi< h he joined our team and then again each pair a? it left the first tee to be photographed proved him trulv a first gentleman of Europe. Guy Hemsley. the Captain of the British Team, boarded the Queen Eliza­ beth as soon as she docked at South­ ampton. and we motored to Woking. Then in London we were guests at a reception at the Savoy where a lai ye number of the British Senior- and their ladies made us truly welcome. There was a formal dinner the night before the first match, with proper at­ tention to ceremonial details and a pro­ gram of interesting toasts. Our match against the British was played at the Woking Golf Club, the 1949 home of the Seniors, 30 miles from London. An extremely dry summer created a condition troublesome to both Teams. Only too soon did our visit end. We arrived at Gothenburg to be met by Anders Jonsson, Secretary of the Swedish Golf Union, A. Gabrielson and William Batt. After lunch and informal golf on the day of our arrival, we were entertained at dinner at the Henricksberg Restaurant by Mr. Gabrielson. On Tuesday, after lunch at the golf club, there was a scheduled match followed by a party at the country residence of Axel Jonsson. Then a dinner given by Mr. Adler, host at the Royal Batchelor Club, founded in 1769. At Bastad we visited the residence of Mr. Larson, stayed at a very attractive inn and took dinner in Kings Passage­ way at an attractive restaurant. We left for Fosterbo. a seaside resort on the Baltic, on Friday, stopping for lunch at Romosa Waters, in use since about 1700 for its healthful water. A match was played Saturday, preceded as usual by a pleasant lunch. At the de­ lightful residence of Knut Edstraund. cocktails were served in a unique bar finished in yellow brick. These bricks were decorated with the signatures and expressions of pleasure of many guests. After informal matches on Sunday, we drove to the third largest city of Sweden. Malmo, for another delightful dinner. On Monday we arrived at Stockholm and went to the Stockholm Golf Club, a more modern and up-to-date clubhouse, for lunch and then a round of the course, which more nearlv approaches in USGA Journal: September, 1949 11 A Junket with a Purpose Members of the Team representing the United States Seniors’ Golf Association in England and Sweden: John F. Riddell, Jr., Harrison Smith, Fitzwilliam Sargent, Joseph M. Wells. William C. Hunt, John G. Jackson, Captain, Sherrill Sherman, Secretary, Robert A. Gardner, Stephen W. Creekmore and Duane Tower style, condition, trapping and turf our own courses. We lunched at the club again on Tuesday with members of the Stockholm Team, afterward playing a match. At the three golf clubs of Gothenberg, Bastad and Stockholm, each of our mem­ bers was decorated with a club pin indicating honorary membership in the club. In England and at the four Swed­ ish clubs, each of our players decorated his opponent with the new United States Seniors’ pin. In addition, each of our players gave a package of the tees like those we presented to our own players at our annual tournament. Captain Jackson and Secretary Sher­ man played as members of the United States Seniors’ Team in Sweden, Wil­ liam Batt also playing in the last two matches. Our team was successful in three of its four matches—winning, 5 to 2, at Gothenberg; 5 to 3. at Fosterbo: 6 Vo to !/■> at Stockholm. Before we left there was presented to each of our members a descriptive tablet stating it was given to record the visit of the United States Seniors to Sweden, with the individual recipient on the reverse. The tablet reads: ‘‘Com­ memorating the Visit to Sweden by the International Team of the United States Seniors’ Golf Association, July, 1949. Swedish Golf Union.’ This ended our formal entertainment by our Swedish golfing friends. It is impossible to put into words adequately proper appreciation for their innumer­ able courtesies. It was a trip that all of us will remember. Steve Creekmore, from Arkansas, made quite a hit with his gaudy shirts; it was expensive be­ cause at every club he lost a shirt. It is hoped that as a result of our trip there will be formed a Swedish Senior Golf Association and that we can in the future have international matches. 12 USGA Journal: September, 1949 The Junior Championship By RICHARD S. TUFTS Chairman, USGA Championship Committee Perhaps the parents of more than one golfing family have wondered whether it would be wise to permit their son to attend an event like the USGA Junior Amateur Championship. Could such doubting Thomases have attended the USGA’s second Junior Championship in Washington, D.C., late in July, all their questions would have been fully disposed of. If a boy is seriously interested in golf, he is entitled to and it is well for him to have the opportunity of learn­ ing as much as he can about it. At Washington, boys from every section of the country met and became acquaint­ ed on the course of the Congressional Country Club and on the grounds of Georgetown University, where they stayed. They learned how to play the game and how to lose in the toughest com­ petition available to them among boys of their own age. They competed in an event conducted with the same careful attention to rules and procedure under which the Open and the Amateur Cham­ pionships are played. They had the opportunity of receiving sound advice on golf, its rules and on their own in­ terests in the game. Though the entry of 416 for the Sec­ tional Qualifying Rounds was no larger than for the first Junior Championship last year, the quality of the field was un­ doubtedly better. As the boys struck off from the first tee, it was apparent to Gay Brewer, Jr., 17, of Lexington, Ky., the second USGA Junior Amateur Cham­ pion, receives the trophy from Fielding Wallace, the President of the USGA, after defeating Mason Rudolph, 15, of Clarksville, Tenn., in the final. The finalists roomed together during the Championship. USGA Journal: September, 1949 13 any observer that this was a group of well-coached and capable golfers. Fur­ ther proof was found in the many close matches and in the scores, there being few rounds played more than a few strokes over 80. Not so very unusual was the case of Hugh Reed, of Wash­ ington, D.C., who had a par round of 71 yet lost his first-round match by 2 and 1 to Graham Hunt, of Overland Park, Kans., who had 37-32-69. Gay Brewer, Jr., of Lexington, Ky., who is 17 years old, became the second Champion. He had to play through seven matches in four days, and he won in a most convincing fashion. He was under par in several matches, and his ability to maintain this pace in the extreme heat that prevailed was certainly ample evidence of the championship calibre of his game. His roommate at the Championship, 15-year-old Mason Rudolph, of Clarks­ ville, Tenn., reached the final with Gay. Both boys qualified in Col. Lee Read’s district at Louisville, which led the country in total entries. The Colonel was at Washington and was more than a little pleased to have the opportunity of refereeing the final between two of “his boys.” Under the able direction of Frank McArdle, a smooth-working organization had been set up for the championship. Without the efficient work of Dr. Bob Keilty, Frank Emmett, Joe Guiney and Bobby Brownell, the Championship would not have been possible. The Asso­ ciation especially thanks the Congres­ sional Country Club for the use of its course and Georgetown University for rooming and eating facilities. CANADA’S NEW NATIONAL HANDICAP SYSTEM By WILLIAM 0. BLANEY Chairman, USGA Handicap Committee The Royal Canadian Golf Association has recently approved a new national system of handicapping. As in the case of the USGA’s Golf Handicap System, the equalizer among courses of different playing difficulty is a system of course rating. The new Canadian handicaps are “basic” in character and are designed to disclose a player’s inherent ability to play the game rather than the “current,” or at-the-moment, state of his game. They are computed by applying the average of the lowest 20 per cent of all scores posted by each player to a new National Handicap Chart. This chart is similar in many respects to the USGA’s Handi­ cap Table A but produces handicaps from one to four strokes lower for the same average scores. The maximum handicap under both LSGA and RCGA systems is 36. Handicap racks and cards provided by the RCGA make the posting of scores and the adjustment of handicaps a simple procedure. The RCGA. under an honor system, makes every player responsible for both posting all his scores and keep­ ing his handicap up-to-date. Scores made away from a player’s home course are to be posted after making any necessary adjustment between the ratings of the two courses. Handicap committees are authorized to penalize a player not posting all his scores from one to three strokes, depend­ ing on whether he is a low, medium or high-handicap golfer. Computation of handicaps begin when five scores have been posted and may be reduced when 20 per cent of a larger number of posted scores places the aver­ age in a lower bracket. Handicap in­ creases. however, cannot be made until 21 scores have been posted, after which a player’s handicap may go up or down depending on what the average of the low 20 per cent calls for. The Roval Canadian Golf Association is to be congratulated on a fine piece of work well done. 14 USGA Journal: September, 1949 The Professional’s Place in Golf By JOE NOVAK President, Professional Golfers’ Association From the ice fields of Holland or the pasture lands of Scotland, regardless of where it came from, the game of golf has come a long way. And golf will go a long way because it is a medium for good. A fascinating game, one that builds the body through healthful exercise and provides enjoyment and relaxation for boy and girl, man and woman, golf today is a “must” for every community. When originally introduced into this country in the 1880s, golf was more or less a private affair. Groups had to band together to raise funds to build golf courses and clubhouses. The early pattern was exclusive by necessity. A Community Asset Far-sighted government officials since have recognized the advantages of golf to a community and public-park courses have developed in all parts of the country. Golf facilities also are available through privately owned pay-as-you-play courses. Driving ranges make it possible for the public to at least try its hand at the game. All this adds up to the fact that there are more golfers in the United States today than at any time in the history of the game. There are about 5,000 golf courses in the country. Now, where does the golf professional fit into this picture? To begin with, a player needs clubs and he should know how to use them. Once he has clubs, they should be given proper care. When the player becomes more adept at the game, conditions should be provided to make it enjoyable. Caddies will be needed. Handicaps must be established so that the game can be played on an equal basis with others. Tournaments must be arranged to permit golfers to test their skill against others. Repairs are needed to equipment. Assist­ ance may be needed to eliminate bad Joe Novak habits or faulty technique in the swing, to maintain the player’s enjoyment. Who, except the golf professional, can provide this service? Some professionals, in addition, ac­ tually supervise the condition of the course. And the care of grasses is a pro­ fession in itself. The professional, as a rule, is also the public-relations man, meeting new members, arranging ;ames. seeing that everyone’s needs are fulfilled. Is it any wonder, then, that the PGA is insistent on a five-year apprenticeship, or training period, for its members? The PGA is desirous of making the game enjoyable for those who play it. It realizes that only a properly trained pro­ fessional can carry out the numerous duties and demands that are put on a man in his position. Training under an experienced professional is about the only way this can be learned until such time as schools can be provided to Continued on page 15 USGA Journal: September, 1949 15 Mr. A. Cleveland Golfer The Cleveland District Golf Asso­ ciation has conducted an extensive sur­ vey of the operating costs of 15 mem­ ber clubs in order to establish standards for comparison. While the information provided by the clubs was not complete in all res­ pects, the resulting statistics enable Cleveland clubs to re-examine their own financial statements and also provide a tentative picture of Mr. A. Cleveland Golfer, the fellow who plays at a club halfway between the biggest and the smallest, the most and the least expensive. Mr. A. Cleveland Golfer is one of 235 men members in his club. There are also 87 golfing wives, 16 individual women members, 10 juniors and 7 nonresidents. Eleven other persons hold purely social memberships. He holds one share of stock in the club. His dues and initiation fee were $600, exclusive of taxes, and his annual dues are $216. He pays an additional •$25 so that his wife can play, and junior memberships rise from $75 to S100. Payments are on a monthly basis. Indi­ vidual women, nonresidents and social members pay $100 a year. The club did not levy any assessment or increase its dues in 1918, and did not expect to this year. When he brings guests to the club, he pays a $2 green fee on week days and $3 on Saturdays, Sundays and holi­ days. If he uses a Class A caddie, he pays $1.75 single or $3.30 double. If he uses a Class B caddie, he pays $1.50 single or $2.75 double. The clubhouse is well staffed. The manager is paid $5,000. The chef is paid $400 a month and his assistant $275. The headwaiter is paid $185 a month, and the waiters .$90. The bar­ tender is paid $225 a month, and his assistant $180. They work an 8-hour day. A 10 per cent service charge is added to Air. A. Cleveland Golfer’s checks. On the golf course, the club emplovs a professional whom it pays $200 a month. It pays the greenkeeper $300 a month and the caddie-master $200 a month. Three men are employed the vear around to maintain the course and buildings, and five are added in the golf­ ing season. The maintenance pay roll is .$17,000 annually. The book value of maintenance equipment is $12,000, and it is being depreciated at the rate of 10 per cent. The club is open all year but serves no meals on Mondays. It offers a $1 luncheon and a $3 dinner. It charges $10 for a locker. It provides the talcum for Mr. A. Cleveland Golfer to use after his shower. Continued from page 14 teach salesmanship, golf instruction, tournament operation, rules, handicap­ ping, caddie supervision, golf-course care and public relations. The PGA will strive constantly io make every aid available to its mem­ bers. so that thev can more efficiently perform their duties. It will continue to promote the game through its tourna­ ment schedule, whereby the game is demonstrated to those who play and to those who arc interested in it. The PGA s big promotions recently have been the junior golf program, super­ vised bv George Lake, and the golf-in- schools program, which has been proving so successful this year. The PGA is aware of the importance of the golf professional to any golfing group, be it country club, public course or industrial league. It realizes that the position of a golf professional is one of duty and trust. It is proud of the wav its members have carried on. but it looks forward to more golf each day and better service in all departments from its members. 16 USGA Journal: September, 1949 Golf in 5 2 Lands By JOHN W. BAILEY Kent Country Club, Grand Rapids, Mich. During a trip abroad in 1931, I read an article which stated that Joe Kirk­ wood, Sr., had played golf in more countries than any known person. At the time, I was experiencing a case of wanderlust so serious that I hardly expected to recover, and it occurred to me that, if I made every effort to play as widely as possible, I might some day be able to challenge Mr. Kirkwood’s record. As a result of serious—well, not all ser­ ious—application during vacation trips abroad in 1931 and 1933, a trip around the world in 1936-37, a stay of eight months on a ranch near Honolulu in 1938 and a three-months wedding trip to South America in 1940, it has been my good fortune to have played in 52 countries and large islands all over the world. They are: United States, Canada, Cuba, Ireland, Scotland. England, France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Nether­ lands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Fin­ land. Czechoslovakia, Austria, Hungary, Poland. Turkey, Greece, Syria, Palestine, Egypt. Arabia, India, Burma, Siam, Indo-China, Federated Malay States, China. Japan, Manchuria, Korea, Straits Settlements, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Celebes, Sumatra, Java, Philippines, Hawaii, Bermuda, Nassau. Trinidad, Jamaica and Ceylon. Victory in Czechoslovakia I should like to dispel any idea, how­ ever, that I engaged in a race from country to country. On the contrary, there were many interesting pauses. At the outset of my world tour, in 1936, I discovered that Czechoslovakian, Austrian and Hungarian amateur tour­ naments were to be played in three con­ secutive weeks. That drew me quickly to Marienbad, Czechoslovakia, a spa where Edward VII had been instrumental in establish­ ing a golf course; and I was fortunate John W. Bailey (left) with the Czecho­ slovakian Amateur Championship Cup which he won during his around-the- world trip in 1936 by defeating Freder­ ick Gutman of Berlin, 1 up. enough to win the Czechoslovakian Am­ ateur Championship from a field rep­ resenting nine countries, defeating Fred­ erick Gutmann of Berlin, 1 up, in the final. Incidentally, Gutmann’s father was the banker who arranged von Ribben­ trop’s first job, as a wine salesman. The trophy was a cup with a valuable crystal ball donated by President Masaryk. The victory encouraged me to go on to Vienna, where I won the Austrian stroke-play competition, and to Buda­ pest, where I won the Hungarian Am­ ateur Championship. The Budapest course is high on the hills overlooking the Danube, and the view, coupled with the incomparable Hungarian hospitality, will never be forgotten. Three college companions and I went from Budapest to Warsaw, Moscow', down to Odessa, across the Black Sea to Istanbul, Greece, Syria, Palestine (where I played on the stony, flat Jerusalem Golf Club course with George Wads­ worth, the United States Consul General, who had won the Austrian Champion­ ship the previous year) and Cairo. At Cairo we spent three weeks, play­ ing several times at the Gezira Sporting (dub. That is possibly the most luxur­ ious, complete club in the world, with a USGA Journal: September, 1949 17 golf course, a race track, outdoor squash courts and swimming pools. We also played on the Helouan course, where the fairways are a combination of sand and clay, rolled smooth. The sensation of hitting into this mixture is comparable to that experienced when taking a divot from the best watered turf in the United States. The next stop was Calcutta. We spent three weeks there and participated all too briefly in the India Amateur Cham­ pionship, which is three years older than the USGA Amateur. The Royal Cal­ cutta Club was instituted in 1829 and is the oldest in the world outside the British Isles. The Barefooted Pro At the Rangoon, Burma, course, I played with the assistant professional, who had his long hair done up in a knot, wore a skirt and played barefoot with five patched-up clubs. He scored a 73, and I was so impressed I left my brassie with him. In Bangkok, we played in the Siam Amateur Championship, but not for long. The course was inside and across the club’s race track, and quite short. In my first match, I went out in 33 and found myself 2 down to a diminutive Siamese who had scored a 31. He went on to win. At Tokyo we separated. My three companions returned to California, and I went by trans-Siberian railway back toward Scotland, stopping en route in Paris where I was fortunate enough to meet the Aga Khan and to play a few holes with him at St. Cloud. Every real golfer hopes someday to play in the British Open, and I achieved that ambition at Carnoustie in 1937. I had the good fortune to qualify with Jimmy Adams, the runner-up the year before, and to play my first two rounds with Hector Thomson, who had won the British Amateur the year before. My score for the first two rounds, however, was too high to permit continuance. During our tour of South America I had an enjoyable game in Buenos Aires. Argentina, with Jose Jurado, who once was professional to the present Duke of Windsor and who came within a stroke of tying Tommy Armour in the 1931 British Open. I also found an excellent course at Montevideo, Uruguay, from almost every hole of which we could see the partly submerged German cruiser Graf Spee. My most interesting golfing experi­ ence, however, came in 1938 at the Gull Lake Country Club, near Kalamazoo, Mich., where a year later I lost in the final of the Michigan Amateur Cham­ pionship to Bill Barclay. On this occa­ sion, however, the test was endurance, not skill. You may recall that, in the early sum­ mer of 1938, J. Smith Ferrebee won a Virginia plantation on a wager by play­ ing 144 holes between sunup and sun­ down at the Olympia Fields Country Club, near Chicago. Three of my friends cornered me the next evening and hinted' rather broadly that I could not equal Ferrebee’s feat. The bet was on. The course is a rather hilly layout on which three Michigan Amateur Cham­ pionships have been played. I rolled into the club, almost out of gasoline, at 5:30 A.M. of a rainy morning and played 45 holes before breakfast and 99 holes, or five and one half rounds, before noon. After stopping for lunch, the salt pills and waler I had taken to excess began to creep up on me. Still, after 27 more holes, I had completed seven full rounds in an average time of 1 hour 9 minutes and in an average score of 791/2 strokes. On the seventh round, I had a 74. One more 18-hole round, during which I played the last nine in par, brought my total to 144 holes at 5:30 P.M. Thirty-two miles of walking ended, and I won the bet. Then, with the bravado of youth, I danced with the daughter of my chief antagonizer until 1 A.M. I would be most interested to hear of any experiences resembling mine, particularly of anyone who may have played in more countries than I have. After all, the travel bug never leaves one?s system, and I have not yet had to tap South Africa. 18 USGA Journal: September, 1949 The Ladies Return to Merion A most hospitable club is the Merion Golf Club, located just beyond the city limits of Philadelphia in Ardmore, Pa. Its magnificent East Course is the venue of the final USGA Championship of this season, the Women’s Amateur, and of the first in 1950, the Open. Merion has entertained seven other USGA championships, besides a host of other competitions. The USGA Wo­ men’s Amateur was held at Merion 15 years ago, and this year it goes back for its fourth visit. The game and Merion have moved up through the years hand in hand. When 93s Won Medals The Merion Golf Club came into being in 1942 as an offshoot of the Merion Cricket Club. The parent organ­ ization was founded in the last year of the Civil War “to afford greater facil­ ities to its members for participation in the manly and athletic exercise of cricket playing.” A few decades later, however, members were deserting cricket for an upstart game called golf. In the beginning they played on the Haverford estate of Clement A. Griscom. a member of the Club. Early in 1896 the Club obtained 100 acres of land in Haverford some three-quarters of a mile from the cricket grounds. Nine holes were opened for plav May 16. 1896. An old farm-house served as shelter. Two years later a “golf- house" was built “complete with lockers and baths." and nine more hole? were completed in 1900. On this old course, the 10th I SGA Women's Amateur Championship was plaved in October. 1904. M iss Harriot Curtis. Miss Louise Vanderhoef and Miss Lottie Hod of England led 86 entrants in the qualifying round with 93s. and Miss Georgiana Bishop became Cham­ pion bv defeating Mrs. E. F. Sanford. The Championship was again played on the old course in October, 1909. Miss Dorothy Campbell, a young Scotswoman who later became a member of Merion, added the title to her 1909 British Championship—the first time the trick was accomplished—by defeating Mrs. Ronald H. Barlow, another famous Merion member, t Miss Campbell later became Mrs. Hurd and at her death a few years ago was Mrs. Howe.) In this period, the rubber-cored ball displaced the gutta percha ball, the im­ plements and the players were improv­ ing and the old course was becoming too short. Merion therefore acquired 127 acres of land in Ardmore and opened what is now the East Course there in 1912. If the East Course had parents, thev were Richard Francis and Hugh Wilson. They presided at the sprouting. They bent the twig. That the East Course has been so slightly altered through 37 years is sure tribute to their golfing in­ stinct. (Mr. Francis has long been a member of the LTSGA Rules of Golf Committee and is the author of an outstanding definitive book about the Rules.) Jones History The East Course was the scene of Bob Jones’ debut in USGA Champion­ ship play, in the Amateur of 1916 at the age of 14. It was the scene of his first and last Amateur Championship victor­ ies. in 1924 and 1930. when he completed hi? Grand Slam. The women returned to Merion dur­ ing this period for their 1926 Cham­ pionship. which was won by Mrs. Helen B. Stetson, another Philadelphian. The building of the East Course in­ spired enthusiasm for golf in Merion’s members. The Club shortly acquired 120 additional acres and opened the West Course on May 30. 1914. In 1942 the Merion Golf Club was formed as a sep­ arate organization to own and operate the Ea.-t and Wot Courses, although the USGA Journal: September. 1949 19 The Eleventh Hole At Merion In the 1934 Open Championship, Bobby Cruickshank came to this hole in the third round leading the field and dropped his approach into the “Baffling Brook.” The ball hit a rock and bounced onto the green. Bobby was so elated he tossed his club in the air and cried, “Thank you, God.” Whereupon the club came down on his head. Also on this hole, Bob Jones completed his Grand Slam by closing out Gene Homans, 8 and 7, in the 1930 Amateur Championship. Merion Cricket Club still flourishes in Haverford. The Elast Course has two distinctive characteristics. One of them is its frank openness—there are no blind shots or hidden dangers; all the trouble is in plain sight, visible and avoidable if the shot is right. The other feature is the individual character of each hole. No two are alike in contour. The putting greens normally are superb. Merion’s General Committee for the Championship is: Dr. Arthur E. Bill­ ings. President, ex-officio; Paul L. Lewis, General Chairman; Charles B. Hump­ ton, Co-Chairman; Koger Hitchins, grounds; James W. Blatchford, house; Louis Van Meter, finance; Howard L. Murray, gallery; Charles C. Stewart, admissions; Keith Schnebley, caddies and scoring; Roger Clipp, communica­ tions and press; James E. Mitchell, park­ ing and transportation; John C. Bel­ field. program and publicity; John J. Mitchell, III. entertainment. Mrs. L. W. Robey is chairman and Miss Dorothy Fox co-chairman of the Women’s Committee. 20 USGA Journal: September, 1949 The First Girls’ Champion By MRS. EDWIN H. VARE, JR. USGA Women’s Amateur Champion, 1922-25-28-29-30-35 Member, USGA Women’s Committee The USGA Girls’ Junior Championship has come to a successful conclusion, and Miss Marlene Bauer of Los Angeles is our first Champion. She is 15 years old and a mighty mite of only 5 feet 3 inches, with ability and judgment far exceeding her years. She is not a long hitter, not nearly so long as her last two opponents. She makes up for it by her extreme ac­ curacy and an astonishing knack for getting out of the trouble that so seldom confronts her. Added to this, she is a magificently bold putter. Miss Bauer has been playing golf since she was 3 and has learned the game well from a father who is a professional and who must be a really excellent teacher. This is her first United States Championship and will not, by any means, be her last. Miss Barbara Bruning of Chappaqua. N. Y., the runner-up, is also an excellent golfer and has proved her mettle in Westchester competition. She is a long hitter, has good control and although she has not devoted so much time to golf as Miss Bauer, she is a potential champion. Both girls were near men’s par dur­ ing the Championship, but in the final went slightly over their average for the week—77 for Marlene and 82 for Bar­ bara. Barbara's semi-final match with Bar­ bara Blakely, of Anniston, Ala., found Miss Bruning in top form with a one- over-par 37 for the outgoing nine. In the other bracket, Miss Bauer was having a battle royal with Miss Barbara Romack. a fellow Californian from Sac­ ramento, which ended in a 3 and 1 vic­ tory for Marlene, who had a 73 for the finished-out round. Miss Romack plays with terrific power, too, and was one of the longest hitters in the field. In such a Championship, made up of girls from 17 states, it is difficult to single out performers. Each player had Wide World Photo Marlene Bauer displays the Glenna Col­ lett Vare Trophy which she won in the first USGA Girls’ Junior Championship. her own individual style, and they all hit with power that belied their slender physiques. Most impressive, however, was the ease with which they played, the wonderful spirit and sportsmanship they brought to the game and their com­ plete lack of pretense. The Philadelphia Country Club (Bala course) was in perfect condition. Al­ though it is not long, a variety of shots is called for and the men’s par which was used was most demanding. The Committee in Charge—notably Mrs. Charles Dennehy, Chairman; Miss Frances Stebbins, Chairman of the USGA Women’s Committee, and Mrs. Ernest Korber, on rules—deserves a great deal of credit for the smooth-run­ ning affair. The club members and staff were more than liberal with their time and energy. A picnic provided by the Philadelphia Women’s Golf Association, swimming in the club pool, a dinner dance and movies, pitching and putting and driving contests, a consolation flight and a stroke-play competition pro­ vided extra entertainment for all. USGA Journal: September, 1949 21 Addressing the Ball By GENE SARAZEN USGA Open Champion, 1922, 1932; PGA Champion, 1922, 1923, 1933; British Open Champion, 1932 Before you can play golf, you must first have a grip and stance. More im­ portant, before you can improve your game, you must have the proper grip and stance. To me, the mastering of these two fundamentals is the basis of the entire game. Two predominant grips have evolved over the years—overlapping and inter­ locking. A few good golfers use neither, preferring to keep their hands apart. Others use a combination of both. But the great majority of the top golfers use one or the other, perhaps with slight variations. It is my contention that your hands will determine the type of grip you can best use. The overlapping grip is prefer­ able only if you possess the hands to make it work—that is, big hands. Harry \ ardon, the great English player who introduced the overlapping grip, had abnormally large hands. His little finger was longer than the average person’s middle finger. I always have been an exponent of the interlocking grip be­ cause of my small hands. In my judgment of the proper grip to use, I consider two essential factors. One is the size of the hands. The other is the proper relation of the hands and clubhead at the top of the swing. Once these two factors have been developed correctly, the player, so far as the physical angle is concerned, has a golf­ ing future. The character of the man’s game is built around his hands. His body and all other components respond to the hands. The most important item in the grip is the position of the left hand. It should be so placed as to have three knuckles in his view. This is important because the left hand is the controlling hand. The right hand provides the power but would Sarazen’s Grip Note interlocking of right little finger in left forefinger. be of little use if the left hand did not guide the club to its mark. Now let’s look at the stance. To me, the most important feature of the stance is this: on all long shots, make sure that your right shoulder is back of your left shoulder, with reference to the line of aim. The same applies with refer­ ence to your right foot. It must be slightly behind your left foot, along the line of aim. However, the stance for the most part can be boiled down to this: the length of the club will determine the stance. On long shots, with longer clubs, a closed stance is used and the ball played off the left foot. With medium-length clubs, the ball is played between the feet. And on short shots with the shorter clubs, the ball is played from more of an open stance—right foot slightly ahead of the left—and off the right foot. 22 USGA Journal: September, 1949 THE REFEREE Decisions by the USGA Rules of Golf Committee Example of symbols: "No. 49-1” means the first decision issued in 1949. "R. 7 (3)” means Section 3 of Rule 7 in the current Rules of Golf Plav Completed when Hole Is Won No. 49-56. R. 3(1), 18(9) Q: In a match, A sank his last putt, getting a birdie 4. B’s ball was about 14 inches from cup, lying 4. A, figuring that he had won the hole, intended to stroke B’s ball over to him and, in so doing, accidentally stroked B’s ball into the cup. The Referee gave B a 4 for the hole and ruled the hole as being halved. Was the Referee’s ruling correct? Thomas Ching Honolulu, Hawaii A: No. A won the hole as he holed his ball in fewer strokes than did B, and as soon as he did so the play of the hole was completed. See Rules 3(1) and 18(9). Replacing Ball Moved by Opponent’s No. 49-59. R. 12(4, 4a) Q: A and B are playing a match in a tournament, the stymie rule applying. A’s ball is on the green, a few feet from the pin. B’s approach shot hits A’s ball in a manner that sends it to the far edge of the green, B’s ball remaining near the pin, but not a stymie for A’s ball where it now lies nor from where it originally lay. A contends that under Rule 12(4) she may replace her ball as near as possible to the spot from which it was moved without penalty. B contends that, under the stymie rule, A may not touch her ball, except under Rule 18(7). The committee in charge upheld B’s contention. Mrs. Howard Buttress San Marino, Cal. A: Under Rule 12(4), A had the choice of replacing her ball in its orig­ inal position (which must be done im­ mediately) or of playing it from the position to which it was moved. See also Rule 12(4a). Ball Re-Teed: No Choice in Spot No. 49-60. R. 9(1) Q: A player plays his tee shot from the left side of the tee and the ball goes out of bounds. Can he play his second from any part of the tee or must he play from the approximate spot from which he hit his first ball? B. Warren Corkran Baltimore, Md. A: He must play as nearly as possible at the spot from which he originally played. See Rule 9(1). Stymie Rule: No Abrogation Permitted No. 49-62. R. 10(2), 18(7) Q: In the Texas State Public Links Tournament, the board of managers and committee in charge announced that stymies would not be played. I am somewhat surprised at such an announcement, particularly in connec­ tion with a fairly large and important event such as a state tournament. I would appreciate a reply stating whether or not the USGA has an official connection with the above-mentioned tournament and whether or not the USGA permits the abrogation of such a basic rule as the one under discussion. John A. Moore Texas City, Texas A: The USGA has no direct con­ nection with the tournament. The Rules of Golf do not permit abrogation of the stymie. See Rules 10(2) and 18(7). Play-Off Methods, Stroke Play No. 49-63. R. 3(2) Q: We held a member-guest tourna­ ment at 36 holes medal, with 18 holes played one day and 18 played another day. Two teams tied for the low gross prize. The committee wishes to know what procedure to follow: whether there should be 18 holes played at a future date by both teams, whether there should be a sudden death play-off or whether they should match cards, start­ ing on the first hole of the 36-hole contest on a sudden death basis. J. Joseph Mason Hasbrouck Heights, N.J. A: It is within the province of the local committee to decide; see Rule 3(2). We would recommend a play-off at stroke play at 18 holes, but it would be equitable to decide it at fewer holes, except that a one-hole play-off would not seem appropriate to the type of competition. Matching cards is not recommended. The original test set was at stroke play; as the two teams finished on even terms, it would be unfair to revert arbitrarily, by means of artificial match play, to any portion of the total test. USGA Journal: September, 1949 23 Claim Must Be Made on 18th Green No. 49-64. R. l(2a) Q: In a handicap match for our club championship, ope player had to give the other three strokes. Ours is a nine-hole course. This called for two strokes on the first nine and one on the second. But two strokes were cred­ ited also on the second nine. This al­ lowed the match to be won on the 18th hole with the wrongly accredited stroke; that is, without that stroke they would have been tied. The score card was ap­ proved by both parties and dropped in a box kept for that purpose but re­ viewed by no one else. After coming in from the 18th hole, one player remarked that the gift of the stroke on the 18th hole turned the match. A member who heard that re­ mark later telephoned both players, ap­ prising them of the mistake. Of course the one who lost the match on account of the error stated that she was ready to resume the match. The other said it could not be resumed because it had not been discovered before leaving the 18th hole. The club pro agreed with this interpretation. I would like to know the Rules, not for the purpose of chang­ ing the match but for the good of the Club. Only one score card was kept and that by one of the players, but it was reviewed by the other player before turning it in. Mrs. Gladys E. Cain Yuma, Ariz. A: The match must stand as played. Claim was not entered as provided in Rule l(2a) —in this case before leav­ ing the putting green of the last hole of the round. Out-of-Bounds Line Must Be Complete No. 49-65. R. 9(Def.) Q: No. 1 hole is a dog-leg to the right, 300 yards long. There is an out-of- bounds line extending from tee out 200 yards only, along right side of fair­ way. This out of bounds line for 200 yards is to force players to play the dog-leg for safety, to protect incoming players on No. 9 fairway. The out of bounds extends only 200 yards and stops. There is no out of bounds line on the last 100 yards to the green. We rule that any ball going out of bounds and not recrossing an out-of- bounds line must be considered as out (it cannot recross a line as there is no further line to cross), regardless of where the ball comes to rest. We are familiar with the fact that a ball can cross an out-of-bounds line and then recross that line before coming to rest, and still be in bounds. But in our case the ball crosses out and goes beyond our end marker and cannot recross the out-of-bounds line to bring it back in bounds as there is no line to cross. Dr. C. Ray Sturm Fairmont, W. Va. A: Your local rule conflicts with Definition of ball out of bounds in Rule 9 and appears impossible to administer fairly. Place where ball comes to rest must be determining factor. Suggest that you complete boundary to prevent any possible question. Handicaps Province of Local Committee No. 49-66. Hdcp., Tourn. Q: Handicap match-play tourna­ ment extending over a whole month: Should 16 low be paired on low gross or net scores? With one match a week played, should handicap at time of qual­ ifying be used all month or new handi­ cap as it is lowered each week? Mrs. Brown Trexler Lexington, Ky. A: Local committee must decide whether net or gross scores determine qualifiers and pairings for handicap match play. There is no rule or estab­ lished custom. Handicaps should not be changed during tournament unless com­ mittee deems advisable to so provide in advance. & Artificial Drains Defined No. 49-67. R. 7(4-Def.); 17(Def.) Q: In reviewing the Rules of Golt for 1949, I note that Rule 7(4) includes artificial drains, the definition of which I will appreciate your clarifying due to the fact that Rule 17 discontinues classifying roads as hazards. As the contour of most of the clubs in this State is sufficiently severe to necessitate maintenance of roads through certain portions of the course, it is necessary to maintain open ditches paralleling the road to carry off excess rainfall, and as these are not artificial, question has already arisen regarding conflict between artificial drains under Rule 7. As the roads in question are necessary, many clubs will no doubt continue to classify them as a hazard under their local rules, as the presence of the road naturally reduces the number of sand traps and other hazards. Robert J. Foley Huntington. W. Va. A: As used in Rule 7(4), the term “artificial drains”’ means drains of such materials as metal, tile, or concrete which are manufactured, even though they may not be exposed. If any at­ 24 tached or surrounding depressions or runways or bulkheads are to be con­ sidered locally as artificial obstruc­ tions under Rule 7(4), their margins must be defined exactly. The term “artificial drains” does not apply to ditches. A ditch is a hazard, under Rule 17(Definition), and the fact that it may be a drainage ditch does not necessarily remove it from the hazard classification; in fact, all ditches doubtless have drainage value. It should be further noted that a dry ditch, al­ though a hazard, is not necessarily a water hazard unless it so classified spe­ cifically. It is within the spirit of the Rules for a club, by local rule, to classify roads as hazards. Rocks Embedded: Definition No. 49-68. R. 2(1), 7(2, 3) Q: How deep does a boulder have to be in the ground to be embedded? Discussion here varies and I can find no definition on this part of Rule 7. If embedded rock is moved by player believing it not embedded, what is penalty? W. F. Fox, Jr. Indianapolis, Ind. A: Fact of being embedded at all, and not depth embedded, determines whether a rock is a thing fixed as men­ tioned in Rule 7, Sections 2 and 3. Even loose, pulverized dirt lying through the green comes within this category if it is not piled for removal or is not a burrowing animal cast. Penalty for violating Rule 7, Section 3, is loss of hole in match play, or two strokes in stroke play—see Rule 2, Section 1. Flagstick Removed by Either Side No. 49-69. R. 7(7) Q: Rule 7(7) provides in part that, “the flagstick may be removed by either side at any time.” In match play A, who is shooting, is five yards off the green and he wishes to leave the flag­ stick in the hole; B contends that he may remove it so that A will not have the advantage of the flagstick being in the position to stop the ball. B’s contention is that the rule book says that either side may remove the flag­ stick at any time. My contention is that when A is shooting, B may not touch the flagstick unless A asks him to. A. F. DeCremer Peoria, III. A: B’s understanding of Rule 7(7) is correct. The flagstick may be removed by either side at any time. If this were not so, the player might have the ad­ vantage of striking an unattended flag­ stick, and the Rule gives the opponent the right to obviate that possibility. USGA Journal: September, 1949 The Rule further provides, however, that a player may always have the position of the hole indicated to him. Protective Screens: Relief Limited No. 49-70. R. 7 (4c) Q: We have erected some protective screens on our course, and there have been a number of questions as to what relief from them is afforded by the Rules. My answer has been that the player may drop his ball, not nearer the hole, two club-lengths from the screen. The question that arises in my mind is whether the two club-lengths is measured from where the ball lies or whether it can be two club-lengths from any part of the screen. If it is from any part of the screen, the player could follow the Rule and drop not nearer the hole but still obtain a clear shot toward the green by going to the end of the screen and measuring from there. In the event that the player must measure the two club-lengths from where his ball lies, rather than from the screen, am I right in my belief that the player does not necessarily need to keep the screen between him and the hole but can measure off the dis­ tance on the other side of the screen as long as he does not get nearer to the hole? This is assuming that the ball is lying right at the base of the screen. Charles R. Wilson Riverside, III. A: Protective screens are obstruc­ tions under Rule 7(4). If such an im­ movable obstruction within two club­ lengths of the ball interefere with the player’s backward or forward swing or his stance for a stroke in the desired direction, relief is given by Rule 7(4c) — that is, assuming the ball is not in a hazard, it “may be lifted without pen­ alty and dropped, or on the putting green placed, within two club-lengths of the point of the obstruction nearest where the ball originally lay, and must come to rest not nearer the hole.” The Rule does not necessarily give relief insofar as the desired line of flight of the ball is concerned, but it does not limit the direction in which the ball is dropped. The object of the Rule is to enable the player to have a free swing without interference by the obstruction; the Rule is not concerned with the desired line of the ball’s flight. Unplayable Ball No. 49-71. R. 7(4), 8(1) (2b). Q: 1: Rule 8(2) states that, in stroke play, a ball may be lifted from any place on the course except a water USGA Journal: September, 1949 hazard or casual water in a hazard. If the player so lifts a ball, he may, under Rule 8 (2a), go back to the spot from which he played his previous stroke and drop a ball (or tee it, if from teeing ground) and proceed as under Rule 8(1); or he may, under Rule 8 (2b), tee a ball under penalty of two strokes and proceed as described under Rule 8 (2b). (a) Assume player has not played a provisional ball, and he finds or de­ clares his ball unplayable. Does the player have the option of teeing a ball at the unplayable spot with a two-stroke penalty as under Rule 8 (2b), or of going back to the spot from which he played the previous stroke and proceeding under Rule 8(1)? (b) It appears that Rule 8(2b) ap­ plies only to an unplayable ball since he obviously cannot lift a lost ball or an out-of-bounds ball. Is this true? (c) Rule 8(1) states that the player shall play his next stroke as nearly as possible at the spot from which the ball which is lost or unplayable was played. Does the word shall mean that he must do this, or should shall be be changed to may? A: 1: (a) Yes, provided the com­ petition is stroke play. (b) Yes. (c) The word “shall” is correctly used in expressing a mandate. In match play, Rule 8(1) prescribes the only pro­ cedure which may be followed when a ball is lost or unplayable. In stroke play, when a player elects the option provided in Rule 8(2a), he must pro­ ceed in exactly the manner described in Rule 8(1). Q: 2: Under Rule 7(4) for artificial obstructions, no mention is specifically made of permanent flagpoles. On the 18th hole of our course there is a 75-foot permanent flagpole, which on occasion can be directly in line between a ball and the hole since the flagpole is located about 30 feet to the side of the green. If the flagpole is in line with the in­ tended shot, and the ball happens to be more than two club-lengths away from the pole, is it permissible to move the ball sideways, no nearer the hole, to avoid being stymied by the flagpole? A: 2: A flagpole is an artificial ob­ struction of the sort contemplated by Rule 7(4). In the situation described, it is not permissible to move the ball without penalty. Rule 7 (4c) gives re­ lief when an artificial obstruction in­ terferes with the swing or the stance, but not necessarily with the desired line of play; further, the obstruction must be immovable and within two club-lengths of the ball before relief may be had. The main object of the Rule 25 is to give opportunity to swing the club without interference by the ob­ struction. Questions by: C. L. Eigelbach Schenectady, N.Y. Play-Off Methods: Match Play No. 49-72. Hdcp. Q: Match play: my handicap, 31; opponent’s handicap, 34. Match was halved. We agreed to “sudden death” on the 19th hole. It is the opinion of many at the club that “sudden death” is a violation even if it is agreed upon. What is your opinion? Arthur Maharam New York, N.Y. A: Where a handicap match is even at the end of the designated round, the fairest way to determine the winner is to replay the entire match. When this is not possible for lack of time or for other reasons, it is recommended that the winner be determined by lot or by playing a lesser number of holes which will truly reflect the handicap difference. For example, if A gives B six strokes, one of which comes on the first three holes, the competitors can determine the winner by playing those three holes; or if A gives B ten strokes, it would be equitable to play nine holes under a handicap of five strokes. In the present case, the match should stand as played unless the players’ agreement on a “sudden death” play-off violated a rule of the tournament. The local committee should provide for such cases in advance. f. Bridge in Hazard: Lift Permitted No. 49-75. R. 7(4b) Q: May a ball lying on a bridge crossing a hazard, at the option of the player concerned, be lifted off the bridge and played from the hazard if the player so elects? G. T. Whitmore, Jr. Cleveland, Ohio A: Yes, as provided in Rule 7(4b). The ball must be placed in the hazard, not nearer the hole, as near as possible to the place where it lay on the ob­ struction and without interference therefrom. 26 USGA Journal: September, 1949 Better Turf for Better Golf TIMELY TURF TOPICS Q from the USGA Green Section TURF TROUBLES ON GOLF COURSES A Brief Resume of Conditions Found on Recent Inspection Trips By FRED V. GRAU Director, USGA Green Section Weather conditions in June and early July accentuated some of the basic troubles that had been built into the courses when they were constructed and brought out inherent weaknesses in golf- course turf. Scientific greenkeeping must be credited with saving most of the turf where, with less skill and know-how, the losses would have been of a very high order. Virtually everything in modern green­ keeping is controllable except the weath­ er. The golfing membership must share the responsibility for loss of turf on greens because of its insistent demand for soft greens that will hold any kind of a shot. On heavy soils this requires water in excess of that which the grass needs for optimum growth. \\ hen the greens are saturated to hold shots and heavy rainfall occurs, the greens are overwatered. If high tem­ peratures and high humidity accompany the rain, conditions are perfect for brownpatch, copperspot. Pythium and Helminthosporium. Only the first two can be controlled with chemicals. If the grass is weak to begin with and is shallow-rooted because of root suf­ focation. little can be done to save it. Light syringing with water several times during the day to cool the grass has helped to save turf. Many courses are 40 to 50 years old. During the years the soil, continually saturated, has be­ come terribly compacted by foot and machine traffic. The mechanical con­ dition of the soil must be improved to render other practices effective. The least damage to- putting green turf occurred on courses where: 1. The subsurface drainage was ad­ equate to remove excess water in the soil and to give the roots a chance to breathe. In some cases tile provided the drainage; in others a gravel blanket did the job. Heaviest losses occurred where clay subsoil prevented subdrain­ age. 2. Where the topsoil on the green had a high percentage of sand to per­ mit surface-applied water to move readily downward into the drainage system. Moving water carries life-giving air and roots require air. Worst losses oc­ curred when the topsoil was dense, heavy and compact. 3. Where surface drainage was good. Removal of excess surface water quick­ ly by proper contouring results in a drier surface and healthier grass. Pocket­ ed greens are the superintendent’s night­ mare. Scald is common in pockets. This matt rial was prepared originally in response to requests from the Midwest Association of Golf Course Superintendents and the Chicago District Golf Association in an attempt to reach an understanding of conditions. Since the principles are so applicable to other sections where troubles have occurred, vc reproduce the release in the USGA JOURNAL for the benefit of all. USGA Journal: September, 1949 4. Where air drainage was good. Moving air reduces surface moisture and helps to check disease. Greens placed down in a hole or pocketed by trees and shrubs also are nightmares for the superintendent. 5. Where controllable diseases were kept in check with suitable chemicals. Preventive programs pay big dividends. 6. Where the turf was mowed and brushed intelligently to prevent the formation of matted turf which acts as an incubator for diseases. 7. Where insect damage was mini­ mized by the use of modern insecticides. An insect-control program is the first line of defense in a weed-control pro­ gram. 8. Where the dew is removed in early morning by a quick syringing with water or by poling. Turf may scald when the dew is allowed to dry on the blades. 9. Where the absorption of water and deep growth of roots were facilitated by aerifying, terforating or spiking, and by careful water management. 10. Where the turf consisted of hardy adapted grasses. Again, I am forced to say that the loss of turf would have been far great­ er had it not been for the untiring, intelligent management on the part of the greenkeeping superintendents. The surprising thing is that so much turf was saved in the face of terrific odds. The only satisfactory solution of the problem on many greens is complete rebuilding. This will consist of removal of at least 12 inches of the existing soil, installation of adequate subdrain­ age, replacement of at least 12 inches of topsoil containing 60 to 70 per cent sand, recontouring to eliminate pockets and replanting or resodding the green to an adapted, sturdy, disease-resistant grass. Some greens can be kept satisfactor­ ily by an aggressive program of aerify­ ing or drilling, by topdressing with soil of high sand content and by careful water management, plus all the other details. Each green must be studied individually and decisions must be made 27 on the basis of need. Probably no two greens can be rebuilt exactly alike but must be handled individually. There is no exact formula or blueprint that can be followed. Tees and Fairways Bentgrass has produced the most sat­ isfactory turf on these areas to date. New grasses are in prospect but are either still experimental or in short supply. Poa annua is wholly unreliable and should be replaced by a program of using arsenicals, by preparing a seed­ bed and by reseeding at the right time with adapted grasses. This can be done with no interruption of play and with minimum inconvenience to the players. Club Management Any program of rebuilding or renova­ tion can be successful only if the super­ intendent is given the full co-operation of club officials and is provided with the essential tools and equipment needed to do the job. Attempts to cut corners or save a few dollars or to rush the job likely will result in something less than successful or desirable. The production of putting green turf is considered to be the highest art in agriculture. A well- trained, skilled superintendent always will be the key to perfection in golf- course turf. GRASSES FOR TEES A good tee grass must be fast-growing to heal injuries (divots) rapidly, it must be able to thrive under close mowing (i/7 inch or closer) and it should have a high degree of drought tolerance (deep rooting) for unwatered conditions. Two grasses which possess most or all of these qualities are: (1) Bermu­ dagrass, (2) selected creeping bentgrass strains. Sowing common bluegrass on golf- course tees is t this summer were those that contained a high proportion of Poa annua. Fairways that had been established to bentgrasses suf­ fered little or not at all. In walking over many fairwavs this thought continually occu rred: “Wh ere there’s bent, there’s turf.” The Poa annua died principally from the effects of high temperatures, high humidity and disease. It is an annual grass which protects itself bv produc­ ing large quantities of seed in the spring, so that if it is killed during the summer. USGA Journal: September, 1949 it can return by way of the seed that has been produced. There is little use lament­ ing the loss of Poa annua because it is an unstable grass. During a cool, moist season Poa annua fairways may remain good throughout the season. Since it is so unreliable the only sound program is one of discouraging Poa annua and replacing it with better grasses. At the present time bentgrasses seem to be the best we have. On the Tees Many tees became infested heavily with goosegrass or silver crabgrass this year. The grasses on the tees suffered just as they did on the greens and fair­ ways and from much the same causes. Goosegrass is able to grow on extremely compacted soils without any irrigation. Its presence is a clear indication that the grasses which we have been using on the tees are not able to give us continuously good turf and to crowd out the goose- grass and other unwanted wreeds. What To Do Now, more than at any time previously, the value of a planned program is iecognized. Each turf area on the golf course must be studied individually and according to its needs. Some greens will require complete rebuilding so that ade­ quate subdrainage can be installed and so that the topsoil will be sufficientlv sandy to insure continued internal drain­ age and aeration. Surface contours must be changed to eliminate pockets. Inter­ cepting tile in some cases must be laid to prevent seepage water from coming up into the greens. Better grasses mav be needed to replace the weak grasses now- in use. Greens that are architecturally sound but suffer only from a compacted laver may be kept in play and may be im­ proved through the intelligent use of aerating equipment and by the continued use of topdressing materials which are high in sand content. Careful attention to water management will pay big divi­ dends. In the words of one of the lead­ ing superintendents: ‘‘I never realized 29 COMING EVENTS Sept. 7-8—Turf Field Day for Green­ keepers, Rhode Island State Col­ lege, Kingston. J. A. DeFrance. Sept. 9—Lawn Turf Field Day, Rhode Island. Sept. 26-27—Turf Field Day and Golf Tournament, Pennsylvania State College, State College, Pa. H. B. Musser. Oct. 19—National Turf Field Day, Beltsville Turf Gardens, Plant Industry Station, Beltsville, Md., on U. S. 1, three miles north of College Park. Fred V. Grau. Oct. 24-28—American Society of Agronomy Annual Meeting, Mil­ waukee, Wisconsin. L. G. Mon- they, 2702 Monroe Street, Madi­ son 5, Wisconsin. 1950 Feb. 27-Mar. 2—Nineteenth Annual Turf Conference. Pennsylvania State College, State College, Pa. H. B. Musser. Mar. 6-8—Midwest Regional Turf Conference, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind. G. O. Mott. before how little’ water it takes to grow good beat.” There has been a regrettable tendencv to overwater turf. This has been caused partly by the demands of players to have green turf and soft turf that will hold practically any kind of a shot. Firm, dry turf can be even more enjovable from the golfing standpoint, and the grass certainly will be healthier. Tees and fairways will benefit general­ ly from a program of aerifying, fertil­ izing and seeding to better adapted grasses. The use of sodium arsenite in connection with a program of renovation has much to command it. In practically everv golf district there have been those pioneers who have used sodium arsenite in connection with a renova­ tion program, and the results speak for themselves. The information has been provided in articles and lectures in practicallv every turf publication. 30 USGA Journal: September, 1949 Careful consideration should be given to the use of the summer-growing grasses such as Bermuda and Zoysia. These grasses are proving themselves in trouble areas such as Philadelphia, Washington, Cleveland, Chicago and St. Louis. Every effort should be made to study conditions on other golf courses and to take ad­ vantage of the research findings at experiment stations. Mimeographed copies of talks at the winter conferences should be reviewed. Plans for long-range im­ provement should be drawn and pres­ ented for approval by the board of directors. In the words of the philoso­ pher: “Let us learn by the mistakes of others because we won’t live long enough to make all of them ourselves.” BENTGRASS IN THE SOUTH By FRED V. GRAU Director, USGA Green Section The subject of many discussions among the locker-room quarterbacks these days is: “Will bentgrass ever be successful in the South?” Many incentives for the arguments come from the recent establishment of bent greens at the Indian Creek Country Club in Miami Beach, Fla. Since they were successful and since few golfers are correctly informed, there is a great deal of puzzlement that the greens are to be reconverted to Bermudagrass and ryegrass. This discussion is in the in­ terests of setting the record straight and to state the policies of the USGA Green Section on this controversial point. A well-maintained bent green repre­ sents the ideal putting surface for most golfers. After enduring rough, slow, bumpy Bermuda greens, any golfer naturally would prefer to putt on well- kept bent greens. Golfers are not agron­ omists, and adaptation of grasses to climate is the least of their worries. What they want is good golf and good turf. This logical reasoning led the Brook Hollow Golf Club in Dallas, Tex., to install bent greens, and it still has them. The Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth, Tex., installed bentgreens, and in spite of reverses and troubles, it still has its bent. Since then, all the new cour.-es in Dal­ las and Fort Worth have installed bent greens. Many of the old courses have destroyed their Bermuda greens and have converted their greens to bent. The same situation exists in Tulsa and Okla­ homa City, Okla. It is true that there have been some difficult times and there have been severe losses during unfavor­ able weather conditions, but not one club in that area has reverted to Bermuda after it had bent greens. The Indian Creek Country Club in Miami Beach is an exception. Under the capable supervision of 0. S. Baker, veteran greenkeeping superintendent, and with the encouragement of Mr. Mol­ loy, manager, bent greens were estab­ lished |,wo years ago. It was an up­ hill job because the soil conditions had to be extensively’ altered. The watering system required considerable revision, and the common Bermuda had to be destroyed. It was a costly but successful operation. During a visit to the club in April. 1949. the writer pronounced the venture completely successful and stated that, under the supervision of a man who knew bentgrass, it would continue to be successful. The abandonment of the good bent greens at Indian Creek Country Club was on the basis of cost more than anything else. Regardless of the location of bent greens, such greens will be no better than the ability of the superintendent in charge. Under mild weather conditions mistakes can be made without severe penalty. L nder the brutal summer weath­ er which occurs in Texas. Washington. USGA Journal: September, 1949 31 Seedsmen Inspect Beltsville Turf Gardens Dr. Fred V. Grau, Director of the USGA Green Section, explains the work at the Beltsville Turf Gardens to a group of seedsmen attending the 66th annual convention of the American Seed Trade Association in Washington, D. C. This is one of several groups from the ASTA which were shown over the plots. The turf on which the group is standing is the Green Section’s U-3 Bermudagrass. D. C., Cleveland, Chicago, Philadelphia and St. Louis, mistakes can be costly. Soil conditions must be as good as they can be made; water management, control of fungus diseases and insects and the fertilization program must be handled expertly, with full knowledge of mater­ ials and conditions. A season like 1949 is one which sep­ arates the men from the boys. Even the old, experienced hands are having difficulties this year. It does not mean, however, that they are forsaking bent­ grass, because, among all the adapted grasses, bentgrass still provides the su­ perior putting surfaces that golfers demand. The USGA Green Section does not agitate for bent greens nor does it re­ commend bentgrass for greens when another grass would be more suitable under existing soil, climatic and manage­ ment conditions. To grow bent, one must know bent. However, when a golf club says, “We wan bent greens; may we have your best recommendations,’ there is only one course open to the L SGA Green Section and that is to supply the best information available, including the recommendation that a superintendent be secured who knows how to grow bent. Bentgrass is being grown today in virtually every state in the Union. It is true that attempts to install bent greens in the Atlanta district have resulted in failure, but this is due principally to the fact that is has never been man­ aged properly. Bermudagrass is much easier to grow, but it, too, requires skill­ ful management to produce a putting surface that putts like bent. There are some fairways in Atlanta that have more bent than Bermuda. I have seen some so-called “Bermuda greens"’ that con­ tained less than 10 per cent Bermuda. The 90 per cent was sedge, watergrass, crab­ grass and various assorted weeds. With the production of new, superior strains of Bermudagrass as the result of co-operative work at Tifton, Ga.. and testing work in Florida, it may be pos­ sible to produce bentlike putting greens from these improved strains of Bermuda. These new strains were not in exist­ ence four years ago; hence the efforts to grow bentgrass in the South. As the work progresses there may be less em­ phasis on bentgrass, but the demands for a putting surface that putts like the best bent greens in the North will be just as strong. The USGA Green Section adheres to the policv of trying to produce uniform 32 USGA Journal: September, 1949 putting conditions regardless of the grass used. The only standards we can use are the putting greens of bentgrass which are as close to perfection as sci­ entific greenkeeping can make them. Those who use Bermudagrass, or any other grass, for their putting greens still are faced with the responsibility of pro­ ducing a putting surface that putts like bent. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Alta Fescue Question—Alta fescue has been the subject of a great deal of controversy at our club. Will you please give us your concept of the use of Alta fescue as a turf grass? The answers below are in reply to actual questions received by the USGA Green Section staff in correspondence or at turf conferences and meetings. In some cases the question has been rephrased. Since the authorship of many questions received at meetings is in doubt, references to location are omitted frequent mowing than others. One of these is centipedegrass. This grass has been adequately described by Dr. G.W. Burton of Tifton, Ga., in the Jan­ uary, 1949, issue of the Southern Seeds­ man. Another grass which has possi­ bilities for lawns and which will tolerate less frequent mowing than the ordinary turf grass is Zoysia. Neither of these grasses will produce a satisfactory lawn unless it is mowed at least occasionally. Lawns of dichondra on the Pacific Coast rarely need mowing, but this plant has not found adaptation in the Southeast. We suspect that your ques­ tion was prompted by advertisements proclaiming “the fact” (erroneously) that centipedegrass does not need mowing. Answer—The report of the Turf Committee of the American Society of Agronomy for 1948 (Journal, American Society of Agronomy, Vol. 40, No. 12, December, 1948, p. 1140, republished in the USGA Journal, Winter, 1949) cites Alta fescue and Kentucky 31 fescue as having merit as turf grasses and sug­ gests expanded study on their use. The USGA Green Section consistently has encouraged widespread test plant­ ings on golf-course tees and fairways, on lawns in mixtures with other adapted permanent species, on airfields, road­ sides and athletic fields. Without cit­ ing innumerable case histories, it can be said with assurance that these two tall fescues have won a high place on most turf areas over a wide range of climate and soils. The virtues of the tall fescues as turf grasses are: (1) they are drought tolerant b.ut will also tolerate “wet feet”; (2) they are deep rooted; (3) they are resistant to weed and clover inva­ sion; (4) they are tolerant of insects; (5) they are retentive of good color throughout the year; (6) they are capa­ ble of combining with other turf grasses. Their major disadvantages include: (1) coarse texture (which is less objec­ tionable with age, in mixtures and when closely mowed); (2) susceptibility to certain diseases in the early stages of growth (which so far are not particu­ larly destructive). Mowing Lawngrasses Question—Please supply me with complete information on the type of lawngrass that does not need mowing. Answer—To our knowledge the lawn ­ grass that does not need mowing is not in existence or has not yet been discovered. One of the things that makes a good lawn is frequent mowing. There are some grasses that need less Construction and Maintenance Question—Please send me complete information on how to build and maint­ ain a golf course. Answer—A golf-course architect is the proper authority to consult on build­ ing a golf course. You can obtain a complete list of the members of the American Society of Golf Course Arch­ itects from the Secretary, William B. Langford, 2405 Grace Street, Chicago 18, Ill. Those best qualified to maintain golf courses are the experienc­ ed golf-course superintendents. The secretary of the Greenkeeping Superin­ tendents’ Association is A. M. Brown P. O. Box 106, St. Charles, Ill. Our office does not profess to have on its staff either a golf-course architect or a golf- course superintendent, but since we are a nonprofit research and educational organization, we work with both groups. At the present time the USGA is in the process of preparing a book on the sub­ ject of turf management for golf courses which will embody principles of arch, itecture and maintenance. Until the book is published early in 1950 we would suggest that you consult architects and superintendents to get the fundamentals of building and maintaining a golf course. USGA Journal: September, 1949 33 IT’S YOUR HONOR Message from the Donor TO THE USGA: i am most appreciative of the Commit­ tee's invitation to dine with the Teams after their Walker Cup Match but unfortunately for me my health will not permit, hence my sincere regrets. The Match will once again renew the fine exhibition of sports- manhsip between the representatives of the two great English-speaking nations, and I wish both sides the best of luck. Also, as I have just read Francis Ouimet's splendid article in the August issue of the USGA JOURNAL, I beg of you to thank him for me and extend my con­ viction that to him above all others is due the credit for the success of the many past meetings. GEORGE H. WALKER Kennebunkport, Me. Bread and Butter TO THE USGA: I just don't know how to express my appreciation for allowing me the privilege of playing in the Junior Championship in Washington, D. C. I enjoyed the tourna­ ment immensely, especially meeting such a grand bunch of kids, and my only re­ gret is that I was unable to play a brand of golf of which I could really be proud. GEORGE S. FAYEN, JR. Pine Orchard, Conn. Promoting New Courses TO THE USGA: During the years from 1936 on, with the exception of the war years, the Na­ tional Golf Foundation has been engaged in the promotion of golf-course construc­ tion. It has been directly responsible for the establishment of 132 courses and in­ directly responsible for we don't know how many more. Just to make sure that you have a copy of "Golf Facilities," our latest promotion book to get more golf courses, I’m send­ ing you another copy. Already more than 900 copies of this have been requested by groups interested in putting in new golf courses. As you probably know, about three- fourths of the time that Joe and I spend is devoted to golf promotion rather than to our magazine operations. I think we've done a pretty fair job in promotion, for the money, and we've tried our utmost to keep people informed of what's going on so they can take advantage of the facil­ ities available. HERB GRAFFIS Chicago, III. For the Stymie TO THE USGA: As I see it, the people who do not play the stymie think it is purely a matter of chance. There will always be a lot of opposition. But those who understand the stymie know that you can make your ap­ proach and your putt with the thought of preventing your opponent from placing a stymie. You are careful of your own shot. It is in no way purely a matter of chance. I have never seen a player who used the stymie for one year who would elim­ inate it, provided he could get players to play it with him. I say with regret and embarrassment that some men who think they are playing golf remind me of my 3-year-old grandson playing checkers. My grandson plays re­ gardless whether it is his play or not, knows no rules and, like some of my golfing friends, cares very little to know and does not even insist on playing the few that he knows. J. C. JESTER Athens, Ga. Report from Rancho TO THE USGA: It's about time to give you a report on the progress of the Rancho Golf Course, which was opened with the playing of the Amateur Public Links Championship. After three weeks of play by the public, the course is standing up very well. An average of 375 players use the course each day; it seems unbelievable that so many could get around in one day. CHARLES LACEY Los Angeles, Cal. Editor’s Note: The USGA Journal invites comments on matters relating to the welfare of the game and will publish them as space permits.