AND TURF MANAGEMENT FOR TEEN-AGE GIRLS Mrs. Edwin H. Vare, Jr., displays the permanent trophy she donated for the Girls' Junior Championship. The competition will be held at the Wanakah Country Club, near Buffalo, this month, and shortly thereafter Mrs. Vare will captain the United States Curtis Cup Team in its Match against the British Isles at the Country Club of Buffalo. IS GA JOURNAL TURF MANAGEMENT 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. ■ ' Through the Green ...... .......... ....... .......... Twenty Tears After ............. ................ . Report on the Juniors ........ ................ .... On Drying Up a Calcutta 'Pool .......... The Curtis Cup Teams ■........... ........... . Mixed Foursomes by the Hundreds .. A Public Links Milestone......... ........... . Putting 1............................... .......... “Golf H0use” Needs a Hand .................. ....... O. B. ..... Richard .............Lee Keeler S. Tufts S.: Read ........... Fred Byrod Joseph C. Dey, Jr. ........ . Jim Ferrier .. 1 5 > 8 9 11 13 14 16 17 22 The Referee: Decisions by the Rules of Golf Committee Turf Management: USGA Green Section IrrigIat'on and Compaction on Established Fairway Turf | J. R. Watson, Jr. 25 Antidote for Parathion Poisoning ..... 29 Use (and Misuse of Water ..................... 30 Brief but Important ...... ... ............ 31 It’s Your Honor: Letters .......... 33 Published seven times a year in February, April, June, July, August, September and November by the UNITED STATES GOLF ASSOCIATION 73 East 57th Street, New York 22, N. Y. Subscriptions: $2 a year. Single copies: 30c. Subscriptions, articles, photographs, and correspondence, except pertaining to Green Section matters, should be sent to the above address. Correspondence pertaining to Green Section matters should be addressed to USGA Green Section, Room 307, South Building, Plant Industry Station, Beltsville, Md. Entered as second-class matter March 3, 1950 at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., under the Act of March 3, 1879. Edited by Joseph C. Dey, Jr. and John P. English. Advisory Committee—John D. Ames, Chairman; Isaac B. Grainger, Totton P. Henelfinger, Curtis W. McGraw. All articles voluntarily contributed. PRINTED IN U. S. A. ; USGA COMPETITIONS FOR 1950 Curtis Cup Match: Sept. 4 and 5 at Country Club of Buffalo, Williamsville, N. Y. Women’s amateur teams, British Isles vs. United States. s (Dates entries close mean last dates for applications to reach USGA office. For possible exceptions in dates of Sectional Qualifying Rounds see entry forms.) Championship Amateur Entries Close Closed Sectional Qualifying Championship Rounds Dates iAugust 8 August 21-26 Girls' Junior August 11 Aug. 28—Sept. 1 Women's Amateur August 10 * Aug. 24-25 September 11-16 Atlanta A. C. (E. Lake) Venue Minneapolis G. C. Minneapolis, Minn. Wanakah C. C. Hamburg, N.Y. Atlanta, Ga. {•Except Salt Lake City, Aug. 7. ‘Except Pittsburgh, Aug. 28-29. USGA Journal: August, 1950 1 THROUGH THE GREEN HOW TO LOSE A HOLE WITHOUT HITTING A BALL Many methods has the genus golfer evolved for winning a hole. Dull are many stories about many of the methods. But he has also cooked up an end­ less variety of ways for losing a hole. If there seems a sameness to them, it is only because they are all shot through with poignant pathos — that is, the hole was lost! What sadder story can there be? The hole was lost! One touch of sympathy makes the whole world kin, if the Bard may be paraphrased. This is about a rather new method for losing a hole. It came up recently in both the USGA Public Links and Junior Championships. Perhaps it would be less effective if there were a different kind of badger around (a badger being an official who wears a badge) ; but in USGA events you can usually depend upon the badgers being pretty orthodox. The Deserted Hole The first case arose in the Public Links Championship at Louisville. It was a busy day. A couple of young gentlemen came off the ninth green. One of them went to the tenth tee, and sat on a bench. His opponent went to the clubhouse, made a telephone call to a couple of friends to tell them when he would meet them, bought a hot dog and a soda pop, and eventually ambled toward the tenth tee. On the way he was accosted by a badger, who had a rather stiff upper lip and an inquisitive turn of mind. He suggested that the young gentleman look down the tenth fairway. He did. He couldn’t see anything but the tenth fair­ way. There was nobody on it — in fact, nobody in the rough, on the putting green or anywhere else on the tenth hole except the tee, where his opponent was waiting. By this time a couple of other young gentlemen had come off the ninth green and also were ready to play the tenth hole. So the badger showed the first young gentleman something in a little book and suggested that he and his opponent go to the eleventh tee without playing the tenth. Yes, lie said, they could just skip the tenth entirely. He said something else 'which had the effect of making the oppo­ nent 3 up instead of 2 up, as he had been when they came off the ninth green. Now that badger has a cousin, and that cousin soon afterwards went to the junior Championship in Denver. And on the first day, when he was starting the players off the first tee, one boy ambled over and said he had heard that the badger was looking for him. Which was almost true, because the badger had called his name some minutes before and, not having a response, he had then pro­ ceeded to start the next match. So the boy was told that he could just forget about the first hole and could start his match on the second hole — and, oh yes, his opponent was already 1 up. Now there have been badgers in the past who have told dilatory young gentlemen that the tournament would just worry along without them. But the present generation of badger is permitted to perform differently sometimes. The Wages of Delay The little book, you see, says that a player shall play without undue delay. If the badger considers corrective action is needed, he may call a loss-of-hole penalty in match play or two strokes in stroke play, or if there be repeated delay the player may be disqualified. Two players in the 1949 Open were penalized two strokes each for delaying play at the 2 first tee — they were playing 3 off that tee! The book covers the subject in Rule 2(3) ; and it’s also a good idea to be familiar with Rule 20(1), which calls for disqualification for lateness if the committee cares to invoke it. Now what finally happened to the two young men in the sad, sad stories above? Well, the one at Louisville (Arthur Clyde Ellis, Jr., of Albuquerque) was 3 down after he unwittingly lost the tenth with­ out hitting a ball; but he won the match on the 20th. The lad in the Junior Championship at Denver (Lester Kelly, of Atlanta) had never seen the course before, was 3 down after four holes, and finallv won the match 2 up, with an estimated 70 if you conceded him a 4 on the first hole where he scored 0. In each case, the second most pleased person in the vicinity was the badger. For a badger is only a golfer, and if you were to get him started he could tell you some heart-rending tales about how to lose a hole. Now, once upon a time . .. Salutes ... To Bobby Locke for winning the British Open Championship with a new record score of 279, at Troon, Scotland. ... To Chandler Harper for his victory in the Championship of the Professional Golfers’ Association of America, at Scioto. Columbus, Ohio. Quiz Question: What clubs have entertained the great­ est variety of USGA competitions? The Country Club in Brookline, Mass., and the Chicago Golf Club in Wheaton, Ill., have entertained the Open, the Amateur and the Women’s Champion­ ships and the Walker Cup Match. Eight Clubs have entertained the Open, Amateur and Women’s — Baltusrol Golf Club, Springfield, N. J.; Brae Burn Country Club, West Newton, Mass.; Merion Golf Club, Ardmore, Pa.; Onwentsia Club, Lake Forest, Ill.; St. Louis Country Club, Clayton, Mo.; Shin- necock Hills Golf Club, Southampton, USGA Journal: August, 1950 N. Y., The Country Club and Chicago Golf Club. Speed Richard D. Chapman and Edward Martin are reported to have sped the first 18 holes in 2 hours 25 minutes in the final of the Massachusetts Amateur Championship, which Rapid Richard won on the 37th hole. Passing of W. C. Fownes, Jr. William C. Fownes, Jr., who passed away last month, was long a real leader in American golf. He was mainly res­ ponsible for development of the renowned Oakmont Country Club course near Pittsburgh, as well as for some of the present standards affecting golf balls and clubs. The following resolution expresses the sentiment of the USGA Executive Com­ mittee and records some of Mr. Fownes’ achievements: “The officers and the Executive Committee of the United States Golf Association wish to express their sense of loss occasioned by the passing of William C. Fownes, Jr. and to extend their sympathy to his family. “Mr. Fownes strove always to develop the game of golf toward its highest standards. He greatly enriched the sport in an unique variety of ways. “As a competitor, he set a strong example as Amateur Champion in 1910, as Captain of the first Walker Cup Team in 1922 and as a member of the Team in 1924. “As an administrator, he gave generously of himself as President of the United States Golf Association in 1926 and 1927 and as Vice-President in 1924 and 1925. “As a friend and a sportsman, he bequeathed to his fellows a spirit which will live always.” Golden Anniversary It’s the Golden Anniversary USGA Amateur Championship at the Minne­ apolis Golf Club this month. How did the first one come about? Well, in September, 1894 the Newport Golf Club, Newport, R. L, held a 36- hole stroke play tournament which ostensibly was for the amateur cham­ pionship of the country. William G. Lawrence, of Newport, won with 188. But there was question whether it was a real championship, so the St. Andrew’s USGA Journal: August, 1950 Golf Club, Yonkers, N. Y., decided to hold an amateur championship at match play, and Newport acquiesced. The winner was Lawrence B. Stoddard, of St. Andrew’s. In each event the runner- up was Charles B. Macdonald, of the Chicago Golf Club. There still was not complete satisfac­ tion. Objectors felt that a real cham­ pionship should have a national organiza­ tion behind it. This led to formation of the United States Golf Association on December 22, 1894, with Henry 0. Tallmadge as a guiding spirit. Although the game has undergone many changes and great growth, the purposes of the USGA have remained constant. The first USGA Amateur Champion­ ship was played at Newport in October, 1895, and Macdonald was the winner in the 36-hole final over Charles E. Sands, of St. Andrew’s. H. B. Martin, in his book “Fifty Years of American Golf,” published 1936, records that the championship was originally scheduled for September but was postponed a month because of the international yacht races for the America’s Cup. “This championship,” wrote Mr. Martin, “was not without its humorous situations. Among the contestants was the Rev. William Rainsford, rector of a New York Episcopal church, who had learned his golf abroad. He was paired against Richard Peters, a Newport club­ man, who insisted on carrying around a billiard cue and using it on the putting greens. Peters was not clowning and he believed that this was the very best means of getting results on the green ... He naturally produced much merriment when he assumed all kinds of grotesque positions on the improvised billiard table. Evidently it availed him nothing and did not even disturb the quiet and peaceful minister, who went about his task of winning the match as if nothing out of the ordinary were happening.” 3 SPORTSMAN'S CORNER Tad Pfister went up to the Denver Country Club from Prescott, Ariz., for the USGA Junior Amateur Championship with all the enthusiasm a 15-year-old is supposed to have, and perhaps a little more for good measure. When he was called over the amplifying system shortly before his first-round match was scheduled to start at 8:24 A.M., he bolted for the teeing ground and teed up his ball without looking right or left. Donald Hinken, of St. Bernard, Ohio, was scheduled to play Tad in the first round, but Donald was not there. He was originally an alternate qualifier, and only 36 hours earlier he had been notified that a place in the field was available for him. Donald and a friend were driving to Denver, and had telephoned that, try as they would, they couldn’t reach the Club until early afternoon. Officials intercepted Tad just as he was about to play his tee shot and explained the circumstances. Tad agreed to wait. He waited until the last pair teed off at 2:30 P.M.. practicing his iron shots, chipping, and moving around nervously. “I’m getting kinda tired,” he explained finally. “How much longer should I wait?” The officials let him name a deadline. “I’ll still wait until three o’clock,” he said. A moment later Donald telephoned again. They were 30 miles from Denver now. Could Donald still play? “Tell him I’ll wait till he gets here.” Tad said. At 3:48 P.M. Tad and Donald finally drove from the first tee, Tad a wreck from his day­ long expenditure of nervous energy and Donald a wreck from his swift automobile trip from Ohio. Tad could have protested the delay and possibly gone into the second round by default. He was nervous enough and tired enough to be tempted, but his appreciation of the other fellow’s problem remained paramount. Tad won a good deal more than a 3-and-2 victory. Clubs Approved A new sample head of aluminum “woods” produced by Wilf ord Wehrle Golf Equipment Co., Louisville, Ky., meets USGA specifications because a weight-adjustment feature of previous models has been altered. In the new model, the weight cannot feasibly be adjusted in the course of play. 4 USGA Journal: August, 1950 OKLAHOMA GIRLS Finalists in the first Oklahoma Junior Girls' Championship were Joan Middaugh and Jane McKinney in the consolation flight and Nancy Rawlinson and Ann Ervine in the Championship. Miss Middaugh and Miss Ervine were the respective winners. All live in Tulsa. A well-rounded junior golf program provides for the development of girls as well as boys. The Women’s Oklahoma Golf Association appreciates this fact and recently inaugurated its first Junior Girls’ Championship. Mrs. Ira J. Dietrich, of Tulsa, Presi­ dent of the Association, was so successful in stimulating interest that 19 girls, all under 18, teed off in the qualifying round at the Tulsa Country Club. Jo Ann Grimes, 15, won the medal with a 92. Three days later it was Ann Ervine, 17, also of Tulsa, who won the tourna­ ment. There is considerably more to the Oklahoma program than the Champion­ ship, however. The Association also has established a working relationship with the Board of Education in Oklahoma City through which 200 girls receive instruction at four clubs. Golf will be a part of the athletic curriculum in the public schools there next year. The motif of the Championship was a paraphrase of Grantland Rice’s poem: “It’s not who won or lost that counts, but how you played the game.” After the qualifying play, the girls were guests of the Tulsa Country Club at a play, a swim and a picnic. As a result, Mrs. Dietrich says: “We feel that our junior girls’ tourna­ ment, which we endeavored to run in full tournament fashion to the great delight of the youngsters, filled a great need, and our possibilities as to number of entrants and quality of golf in succeed­ ing years are atomic.” USGA Journal: August, 1950 5 Twenty Years After By 0. B. KEELER Golf Writer, Atlanta Journal, Atlanta, Ga. Alexandre Dumas used it first, nearly a century ago, but some way, in this year of grace 1950, the same title seems to fit gracefully over a little article con­ cerning a competitive golfing career which closed in 1930. A ou see, this is Twenty Years After. And the golfing career, as may be assumed rather readily, is that of Robert Tyre Jones, Jr., known as Bob Jones, and—somewhat coincidentally—rated by a number of pop-eyed sportswriters when on his way to the Grand Slam as the D’Artagnan of Golf. No Thought of a Slam To this day, I don’t know when Bob set his mind on the Grand Slam of 1930. Of course, after he had won the first three tricks, the British Amateur and Open and the USGA Open, the great chance was there. The door was open. One more—it was a sports stage set with all the world for a gallery. let after he won the British Amateur at St. Andrews, I remember talking with him about the British Open at Hoylake, a fortnight away. I asked him if the St. Andrews victory would inspire him for the Open. He grinned cheerfully. “Quite the contrary.” he said. “I’ve won the British Amateur—at last! My little expedition is a success now, no matter what happens at Hoylake. And I’m going to relax a bit. Mary and I are going over to Paris.” The charming Mrs. Jones was along on this “expedition,” as Bob phrased it. And I’m quite sure he wasn’t steaming up for Hoylake and certainly not for a quartet of Championships of which no competitor except himself at that time had won as many as two. Bob could use a spot of relaxation after that St. Andrews affair. He had plaved fairly well in the Walker Cup Match at Sandwich, defeating Roger Wethered 9 and 8 in the singles. And in his first bout in the Amateur he had uncorked a lead they probably are still talking about over there. His opponent was a chap named Syd Roper, and all we could find out about Syd was that he came from Nottinghamshire and was a “fair sort” of golfer who would shoot a lot of 5s. Par on the Old Course for the first four holes is 4-4-4-4. Syd Roper played them 4-4-4-4. Jones played them 3-4-3-2, the deuce being achieved on a hole of 427 yards with a pitch of 140 yards from a clean lie in a bunker after a long drive downwind. As the ball trickled daintily into the cup, I heard a man in the gallery say: “I traveled eight thousand miles to see this tournament, and that shot is worth it all, and twice over!” Then Syd and Bob halved the fifth hole, a long par 5, in birdie 4s, and Syd went on to the finish of the match at the 16th green, still 3 down to Bob, who never let go of the lead he got on the first four holes. But Syd, the “5-shooter.’ scored fifteen 4s in that round, and one 5. You never can tell. Three more tough matches came on successive days, leading into the closing round with Wethered. Cyril Tolley, the gallant veteran who, at the age of 54. went to the semi-final round of the 1950 British Amateur, also at St. Andrews, was down five times to Jones in their bout, and five times the big fellow squared. Jones had to sink an eight­ food putt on the narrow green of the dangerous Road Hole, the 17th, to stay square, and after a half at the home green, he won with a par 4 when Tolley’s pitch missed the green and a loose chip resulted in a partial stymie for him. Bob had Harrison Johnston, 1929 USGA Amateur Champion, 4 down with five to play when Johnston won three of the next four holes. Bob had to can a putt of seven feet for the half which won the match for him at the 18th. And George Voigt, another team­ mate, had Jones 2 down with five to play, 6 USGA Journal: August, 1950 The First Trick Bob Jones holes out from a bunker for a 2 on the 427-yard fourth hole at St. Andrews to go 3 up on Syd Roper in the first round of the British Amateur. The recovery traveled 140 yards. when George, sheltered from a stiff crosswind by the huge gallery about the 14th tee, played a tall drive too close to the wall on the right and the breeze carried it out of bounds. After which Bob had to can another desperate putt, of 12 feet, for a half in birdie 4s at the Road Hole. He won at the home green, 1 up. Bob said a curious thing about that 12-foot putt, identical in length with the famous putt for a tie in the USGA Open at Winged Foot. “When I stood up to it,” he told me after the match, “I had a feeling I’d never had before—that all through this tournament something had been taking care of me and that, however I struck that putt, it was going down.” Well, it went down. But I’ll say for Bob that it was struck with a beautiful precision. Five Were Playing Better level for the first nine holes. Then came the Parisian expedition, and Bob and Harrison Johnston won a fine match. 1 up, with the French Amateur Champion, Andre Vagliano, and the Professional Champion, Marcel Dallemagne, at old Saint-Germain, and came back for the British Open at Hoylake, in which t a matter of strictly personal opinion) there were at least five other competitors playing better golf than Bob Jones. These were the American professionals, Macdonald Smith, a transplanted Scot, Horton Smith and Leo Diegel, and the British professionals, Archie Compston and Fred Robson. Bob confessed after­ ward that he never worked so hard in any other tournament, or had so much trouble with his game. Boiling it down, on the first three holes in the first three rounds he lost five strokes to par—and they were holes apparently well suited to his play. In a good old 36-hole match at last, Bob defeated Roger Wethered 7 and 6 after the tall Englishman had held him Yet, when he came to the 485-vard eighth hole of the final round, he was well in the lead and knew it. And a neat USGA Journal: August, 1950 7 little birdie 4, or a par 5, in all probability would close the door on the pursuit. A fine drive was followed by a careful spoon shot, a dozen yards from the left front of the green on a smooth downslope. A chip and a putt? Maybe two putts? I think it was Bernard Darwin who said afterward that an old lady with a croquet mallet could have saved Bob two strokes from that spot. Bob tried a run-up. The blade caught the turf too soon, and it was very short. The chip was short, by 10 feet. An exas­ perated putt slid 30 inches past the cup. He missed coming back. It was a 7. The door, which should have been closed, was wide open, and two grim faces were peering through. Sometimes I think Bob’s finish of that round, after that smash on the button, was his finest stretch of competitive golf. At the last, on the greatest five finishing holes in the world, it came down to a blast from a bunker beside the green of the 16th, a hole of 532 yards, where Bob had gone out for everything with a spoon after a great drive. The ball was tucked up against the front wall of the bunker, so he had to stand with his right foot in the sand and his left up on the bank. And the blast—the ball came up, floating on a geyser of sand, flopping on the green like a weary frog and rolling, and rolling ... it came within four inches of holing out. That birdie 4 on the longest hole on the course was the margin. An hour later. Leo Diegel, playing the same hole, was tied with Bob as he stood on the tee. His drive was bunkered, and he took a 6. They each finished the round 4-4. Macdonald Smith later came in with a 71. the best card of the final round, to tie Diegel at 293. Jones was on top, with 291. I'm pretty certain that after the Second Trick. Bob wasn’t thinking about any Grand Slam. Anyway, I remember ask­ ing him—I reckon I was pretty steamed up. myself—when he was going to quit this darned foolishness. "Pretty soon, I think—and hope,” he said. “There’s no game worth these last three days.” I heard Bob and Cyril Tolley, on the boat train going down to Southampton to board the ship for the U.S.A., rather embarrasedly agreeing that Bob never had played golf quite so badly for so long a stretch—six weeks. And still he had won the British Amateur and Open. Cyril and Bob were sort of solemn about it. Sort of made you feel it was in the book before a ball was hit. Predestination. That sort of thing— what? Then — Interlachen Anyway, Bob had got something off his chest at Hoylake, and shortly after­ ward, in the last round he played on that expedition, he scored a record 66 at the late Ted Ray’s club, Oxhey, in an exhibition match for charity with his old friends, Harry Vardon, James Braid and Big Ted. I honestly think that was the only round of the trip with which he was satisfied. And then—Minneapolis, and Inter­ lachen, where Bob went after the landing and the huge Jimmy Walker reception in New York, and suddenly he found his game working better than in either of the big British affairs. He started the program with a 34-37—71, a stroke under par and a stroke back of Tommy Armour and Macdonald Smith. It was hot at Interlachen and I mean HOT. On the shady side of the clubhouse the thermo­ meter registered 101, and in the locker room I had to cut Bob’s necktie off with a knife because it was so saturated with sweat—you can’t call it perspiration— the knot wouldn’t loosen. I weighed Cyril Tolley’s costume, plus-fours, etc. and estimated there were six pounds of sweat in it. Charlie Hall, veteran pro­ fessional from Birmingham, Ala., where it occasionally gets warm, said the Championship probably would be won by the man with the thickest skull. I told Bob about that when it was all over. “Maybe it was, at that,” he chuckled. What they still talk about at Inter­ lachen is what they call the Lilypad Shot. Personally, I don’t recall that that ball ever hit a lilypad. But it made a difference (Continued on Page 19) 8 USGA Journal: August, 1950 Report on the Juniors By RICHARD S. TUFTS USGA Secretary and Chairman of Junior Championship Committee The Junior Amateur Championship is achieving its purpose. The generation which competed in the third Champion­ ship at the Denver Country Club dis­ played a respect for sportsmanship and the Rules of Golf which indicates that the traditions of the game will be passed along to knowing hands. In this area, and not solely in the determination of a champion, the USGA measures the success of its Junior. It was gratifying, of course, that the 128 qualifiers represented 36 states, the District of Columbia and Canada, and that the winner merited the accolade of “worthy.” Mason Rudolph is only 16 and has two years to go in high school in Clarks­ ville, Tenn., but he knows how to win. He was a quarter-finalist two years ago, runner-up last year and is the first Champion who will have the oppor­ tunity to defend before he passes the age limit. Earlier in the year Mason proved him­ self a cut ahead of his years by quali­ fying for the Open Championship. At the Merion Golf Club he lost an engage­ ment to the brook which defends the 11th green and recorded a 12, but he endeared himself by reporting light- heartedly, “Ah made two touchdowns, but Ah couldn’t make the extra points” and “Ah sure gave that ball a bath.” Mason’s broader experience obviously (Continued on Page 15) Mason Rudolph accepts the congratulations of Chuck Beville USGA Journal: August, 1950 9 On Drying Up a Calcutta Pool By LEE S. READ Vice-President of Southern Golf Association Kentucky Member of USGA Sectional Affairs Committee For a native Kentuckian inherently fond of a thoroughbred horse and not at all averse to a gentlemanly, modest Nassau wager on a golf game to discuss gambling critically is, to say the least, unique. It should also be admitted that the writer has not been completely in­ nocent in the past of participation in pri­ vate and limited Calcutta pool activity. Thus, some license may exist for this article. Those types of gambling should cer­ tainly be defined and differentiated from what the United States Golf Association has seen fit to call “organized gambling.” The Calcutta as an added attraction to major invitation and sectional golf events has reached such proportions that the subject bears careful study, especially where the pools are featured in connec­ tion with tournaments for amateurs. This article is prompted by an inci­ dent in New Orleans during the Southern Amateur Championship in June. The incident is recounted, at the request of the USGA Journal, for varied reasons: First. An authentic report of what actually happened may correct biased rumors and unfair press stories. Second. It is about time to consider the effect of a so-called and uncontrol­ lable Calcutta pool on amateur golfers. Third. What should ultimately be done with and about Calcutta pools? Many Youngsters Present The Southern Amateur Championship always seems to draw an unusually large and brilliant field of junior golfers. In this year’s entry list of well over a hun­ dred, including the 1949 USGA Junior Champion and many other boys of im­ mature years, probably 25 capable youngsters of 20 years or less were well able to qualify in the championship flight of 64. Lee S. Read During practice rounds and even on the first day of qualifying, flagrant pub­ licity about a Calcutta pool, such as dis­ tribution of printed invitations to attend the auction in connection therewith, was encountered by contestants, officials and spectators at the tournament site. Offi­ cials were approached with requests for early pairing releases to facilitate auction program procedure. The proposed pool was to be conducted at the Metairie Country Club, a member of the Southern Golf Association and the USGA. (The Championship itself was being played at the New Orleans Country Club.) It immediately became obvious to the officials that many contestants were con­ cerned with the “prices to be put upon their heads.” At a meeting of 13 officers and direc­ tors of the Southern Association, it was 10 USGA Journal: August, 1950 unanimously decided to file a telegram of protest to the Metairie Country Club, quoting verbatim the USGA policy dis­ approving organized gambling, and to express the feeling of the Southern Asso­ ciation as being opposed to an organized and substantial gambling pool. An immediate reply came from the gentlemen who make up the directorate and the membership of the Metairie Country Club. The pool had not been planned by Metairie but the Club had granted permission to a group of indi­ viduals to hold a ticket sale and auction. Metairie now summarily withdrew this permission. The Club’s message indicated its complete willingness to cooperate with the Southern Association, and the plans for the pool scheduled for the fol­ lowing evening were promptly cancelled. As a result, there is no doubt that per­ sonal and organization friendships were strongly cemented between the member clubs, the individuals and officials. An almost audible sigh of relief es­ caped many of the more popular en­ trants. All fair-minded persons expressed approval of the action, as well as their understanding of the pressure put upon amateur golfers by advertised establish­ ment of their “cash-winning” value. The only persons in dissension were the opportunistic individuals interested in the operation of the gambling feature. They were without thought of the adverse influences on participants. The accom­ panying temptation is execrable. This one great realization has certainly been brought to all golf-minded persons in the area: Would it not be deplorable for the money involved in a gambling pool to preclude or overshadow the fun and the honor of winning a major amateur golf title? The very thought is incongruous. A Short Putt for a Young Fortune As for the second question in the be­ ginning of this article, there can be no doubt in the mind of any sportsman as to the harmful effect on any golfer, young or old, facing a short putt for a win if he stops to think that someone in the gallery stands to lose a young fortune if he should miss that putt. At Memphis some years ago, during the final match for the Southern Cham­ pionship, unsportsmanlike conduct was indulged in by gambling or biased spec­ tators. The President of the Association at one point stepped to the center of a green and threatened to clear the golf course of spectators should further un- gentlemanly manners be shown as a re­ sult of hostile interests and at the sacri­ fice of fair play. To add to the above, the possible USGA Policy on Gambling The following is a resolution adopted by the USGA Executive Committee: "This Association does not ap­ prove organized gambling in con­ nection with the playing of the game. "Section 1 of the Rules of Amateur Status defines what con­ stitutes an amateur golfer. Section 2 gives several examples of viola­ tions which are to be interpreted in the light of Section 1. In con­ sidering any individual case, the Committee would be guided by the intent for which an event is con- i ducted or the purpose for which a player has competed." effect on a player’s amateur status cer­ tainly must not be overlooked in connec­ tion with organized gambling of any kind. A fine budding amateur career could, indeed, be demolished in short order. Now for the third question: hat should ultimately be done with the Cal­ cutta pool idea? As one punster has said, “Why not send the pool back to the ‘Black Hole of Calcutta.’ ” It certainly does not add anything to the game as the true sportsman plays it. Year Old Congratulations to The Golfer maga­ zine, which celebrated its first birthday in San Francisco recently. USGA Journal: August, 1950 11 The Curtis Cup Teams The Curtis Cup Match this year will be a new experience for more than half the contestants. Of the seven players for the British Isles, two have been on previous teams. Four of the United States’ eight players are newcomers. The sixth Match in the series is to be played September 4 and 5 at the Country Club of Buffalo, Williamsville, N. Y. The USGA holds the trophy by virtue of victory in 1948, 6^2 to 2%, at Birkdale, England. The Match will consist of three four­ somes on Labor Day and six singles the next day, all at 36 holes for the first time. Among the spectators doubtless will Mrs. Porter be several prospective members of future American teams, for the USGA’s second Girls’ Junior Championship is to be played August 28-September 1 at the Vi anakah Country Club near Buffalo. The British Isles team is scheduled to arrive in New York August 22 on the SS Caronia. There will be several days of practice at the Maidstone Club, East Hampton, L. I., N. Y., and the Team will go to Buffalo August 27. Following the Match, the British play­ ers except their Captain, Mrs. A. C. Critchley, will participate in the USGA Women’s Amateur Championship at the East Lake Course of the Atlanta Athletic Club, September 11-16. The visitors then travel to Toronto for a match with Canada on September 20. They sail for home September 23 on the SS Mauretania. The American Team this year has a non-playing Captain, Mrs. Edwin H. Vare, Jr., six times USGA Champion. Following is information about the playing members of the Teams: BRITISH ISLES Mrs. A. C. Critchley, the Captain, is the former Diana Fishwick, who won the British Championship in 1930 by defeating Mrs. Vare in the final. Mrs. Critchley was a member of the Team in 1932 and 1934 and was selected again two years ago but did not play because of illness. She lives in Chertsey, England, and is a frequent winter visitor to this country. Miss Jeanne Bisgood lives in Bourne­ mouth, England, and is a barrister who golfs as an avocation. She interrupted her schooling at Oxford to join the WRNS in 1942 and first achieved recognition in golf last year when she took part in the international matches and defeated Miss Grace Lenczyk in the British Champion­ ship. She was a quarter-finalist this spring. Miss Jean Donald is a manufacturer’s rep­ resentative and lives in North Berwick, Scot­ land. She was a member of the Team in 1948, won her foursome and defeated Miss Dorothy Kirby in singles. She was runner-up in the British Championship that year. Miss Philomena Garvey is the lone rep­ resentative of Eire and has won the Cham­ pionship of that country four times since the war. She was runner-up in the 1946 British Cham­ pionship and was a member of the Team in 1948, halving with Miss Louise Suggs in the No. 1 singles. She lives in Dublin and is the youngest of the British players. Miss Elizabeth Price is a diabetic who has brought her ailment under control and hopes that other sufferers may take heart from her example. She lives in Farnham, England, and reached the semi-final round in the British Champion­ ship this spring after defeating Miss Lenczyk, Miss Frances Stephens and Mrs. Andrew M. Holm, a former Champion She is a farmer. Miss Frances Stephens won the British and French Championships last year and was defeated in the second round of the USGA Championship. In 1948 she won the English Championship. 12 USGA Journal: August, 1950 She lives in Liverpool, England, and is a caterer. Mrs. George Valentine is a housewife and has one child, 21/2 years old. She won the British Championship, as Miss Jessie Anderson, in 1937, was runner-up this year and was a semi-finalist on three other occasions. She was a member of the Team in 1936 and 1938 and has won twice in four­ somes and once in singles. Her home is in Perthshire, Scotland. UNITED STATES Miss Beverly Hanson divides her time between writing and golf, and reached the semi-final round of the 1948 Women’s Amateur Championship. Her home is in Fargo, N. D., and she attended the University of North Dakota. However, she is also identified with Califor­ nia since she attended Mills College, too, and has spent winters there. She now holds both the California and Southern California champion­ ships. She won the Texas Open last year. She engages in civic orchestra work and is a bassoon player. Miss Dorothy Kielty is proprietress of a dress shop in Los Angeles and, having been a WASP pilot during the war, she also gives flight instruction. She was runner-up in the 1949 USGA Women’s Amateur Championship and this spring went to the quarter-final round of the British championship. In the Match at Birkdale, England, two years ago, she won in both foursomes and singles, and later went to the semi-finals of the British championship. She has held the Western Amateur and Cali­ fornia titles. Miss Dorothy Kirby devotes most of her time to the sales department of an Atlanta radio station. She has twice been runner-up and last year was a semi-finalist in the USGA Women’s Amateur Championship. She has won the Southern and was runner-up again this year. She played with the Team in 1948, winning in the foursomes but losing to Miss Donald in singles, and later was a quarter-finalist in the British championship. She has been President of the Women’s Southern Golf Association and is a director of the Women’s Western Golf Association and a member of the USGA Women’s Committee. Miss Peggy Kirk has compiled an impres­ sive record in tournaments throughout the Midwest and the South. She makes a home for her father in Findlay, Ohio, and, during winters, in Florida. Recently she won the Eastern Champion­ ship and was runner-up in the Western Open. Last year she won the North and South and Titleholders’ tournaments and was runner-up in the Western Amateur. She was a quarter­ finalist in the USGA Women’s Amateur Cham­ pionship in 1948 and has been the Ohio champion for three years. She attended both the Sargent School and Rollins College. Miss Grace Lenczyk is a senior at Stetson University in Florida and the young­ est member of the Team, yet she is a veteran of the 1948 Match, in which she won in singles. Later that year she won the USGA Women’s Amateur Championship. She had held the United States Collegiate and the Canadian championships and this year reached the third round of the British and the final of the Collegiate championships. Her home is in Hartford, Conn. She paints in both oil and water color. Mrs. Mark A. Porter, the former Doro­ thy Germain, is a housewife and mother of two children, a girl nearly 2 years and a boy 3 months. Her game was developed on such a sound base that, when the USGA Women’s Amateur Championship was held in Phila­ delphia last summer, she was able to step out of her home and win it. In 1943 and 1944 she won the Western Amateur and in 1944 and 1945 was runner- up in the Western Open. Since her graduation from Beaver College and her marriage she has confined her playing to the Philadelphia area, where she has won several local champion­ ships. Miss Polly Riley is the fourth veteran of the 1948 Match, and she held her place by compiling a fine record in southern and western competitions. She won the Southern Champion­ ship this year for the second time and she also has won the Trans-Mississippi champion­ ship twice and the Texas Open. She has been a quarter-finalist in each of the last three USGA Women’s Amateur Championships. In the last Match, she competed in singles and won her point. She lives in Fort Worth, Texas, and is bookkeeper for a law firm and a director of the Women’s Southern Golf Association. Miss Helen Sigel, who operates a res­ taurant in Philadelphia, has twice been run­ ner-up and once a semi-finalist in the USGA Women’s Amateur Championship. She now holds the Western Amateur title. Last year she achieved her biggest thrill in golf by defeating Mrs. Porter for the Penn­ sylvania championship after being 6 down, and she has won many other tournaments in that area. PERFECT GOLF I once read a story about a golfer who, for one enchanted afternoon, had the magic power of playing perfect golf. Trouble was—the game was so easy that it wasn't any fun! That's the difference between fiction and golf. In real life, no matter how well you are playing, golf never loses its quality of challenge. Even our perfect golfer, our impossible ideal, will have his troubles—you can be sure of that. Golf is a humbling game! —Gene Sarazen in Pageant, August, 1950. USGA Journal: August, 1950 13 Mixed Foursomes by the Hundreds By FRED BYROD Golf Editor, The Philadelphia Inquirer It’s fairly safe to hazard the guess that no other trophy in the United States is adorned by as many names of renowned golfers of both sexes as the Fridolyn Cup, a prize for which Philadelphians have competed at the Philmont Country Club for the last 35 years. The late Ellis A. Gimbel, of the well- known department store family, origi­ nated the mixed foursome tournament in 1907. It became so popular that in 1916 Mr. Gimbel, Philmont’s President for 40 jears, donated a trophy, the Fridolyn Cup, named for his daughter. Philmont has two courses, the heavily- wooded championship North course and the less exacting South course. When the Fridolyn Handicap event was added as a South course sideshow, the field mushroomed until it has become generally recognized as the country’s biggest one- day golf event, often with more than 900 starters. Considering the ladies first, three members of winning teams in the Frido­ lyn Cup—Mrs. Edwin H. Vare, Jr., Mrs. Dorothy Campbell Hurd Howe, and Mrs. Clarence H. Vanderbeck—won ten Ameri­ can women’s championships among them. (Continued on Page 15) Mrs. Frank O'Neill, Jr., and Matt Scammell, Jr., the winners this year, receive the Fridolyn Cup from Leonard Geis. Courtesy The Philadelphia Inquirer 1-1 USGA Journal: August, 1950 A Public Links Milestone By JOSEPH C. DEY, JR. USGA Executive Secretary The light and casual touch can be just as effective a manner of playing Cham­ pionship golf among amateurs as the super-serious way—that is, if the example of Stanley Bielat is to be believed. Mr. Bielat is a gentleman who lives in Yonkers, N. Y., aged 37, driver of a delivery truck by vocation, and golfer by strong inclination. Much as he loves the game, he does not take himself very seriously at it, although he has played it since he started caddying as a lad of 1 fl and has enjoyed some success in public course events around Westchester County. He took a vacation last month and played in the USGA Amateur Public Links Championship in Louisville. He had not particularly “pointed” for the tournament — hadn’t done roadwork, nor gone to bed at 9 o’clock every night for the preceding month, nor otherwise become grim about it. In his own words, he “just went along playing golf, enjoy­ ing it all. I just played them one at a time and let them beat themselves.” That meek sort of approach brought Bielat some close squeaks — he had four extra-hole bouts in seven matches before the final — but it also helped bring him the Championship. And no one was as honestly surprised at Stan. If he had been “pressing” throughout the week, trying too hard to have it all his own way, who is to say who would be Cham­ pion now? So there is something to be said for the humble approach to the fickle fortunes of golf — there is some merit in the light and casual touch. At least, the game is fun that way, and maybe one object of golf is to have fun. The four extra-hole matches out of eight which Bielat played at Louisville’s Seneca Golf Course almost constituted a record. However, in 1934 Reynolds Smith played five extra-hole matches in a row in reaching the Amateur Cham­ pionship semi-finals at The Country Club, Brookline, Mass. When Smith was asked if he were nervous on the extra holes, the stocky little Texan replied: “No — mah mind was just as smooth as velvet.” That’s the way it seemed also with Stan Bielat in the Silver Anniversary Public Links Championship. For instance, in a semi-final with Frank Rutkiewicz, of Honolulu, Bielat was 1 down with 1 to go. He thereupon holed two magni­ ficent birdie 3s to win. His opponent in the final was John Dobro, of Chicago. They had a fine match of it for 23 holes, Bielat being 1 up at that juncture. But Bielat then bagged five birdies in eight holes with almost miraculous putting, and sealed a 7-and-5 victory. A Refreshing Tournament There is no tournament on golf’s calendar which seems to hold more sheer joy for its contestants than the Public Links Championship. Certainly no other event produces more sportsmanship, nor more avidity to know and to play by the Rules of Golf. It is a very refreshing competition, and the finest spirit of amateurism prevails. Many players schedule their vacations almost a year in advance in the hope of qualifying. All told, there were 2,389 entrants this year. After sectional qualifying, the field was whittled to 210 for the all­ match-play Championship at Louisville. Not a place went by default. With Bielat setting the pace, there were 23 extra-hole matches. The Team Championship went to the Los Angeles Section with a score of 217, compiled by Stephen Z. Shaw, 67; Robert Roux, 74, and James R. Griffitts, 76. New York and Oklahoma City tied for second at 223. Louisville’s committees, headed by Uncle Joe Dickson, saw to it that Kentucky hospitality was not lacking. USGA Journal: August, 1950 15 James D. Standish, Jr., now USGA Presi­ dent, was on hand and must have secretly been gratified by the high status of the event which he fathered back in 1922. He was then first Chairman of the USGA Public and Municipal Golf Courses Com­ mittee and donated the Individual Cham­ pionship Cup. REPORT ON THE JUNIORS (Continued from Page 8) benefited him in the Junior. Twice he had to win on extra holes, and in the final he broke another brave young player, Chuck Beville, of Los Angeles, 2 and 1. One of the rewards of victory is exemption from sectional qualifying for the Amateur Championship. Thus Mason is the only individual who can play in three USGA Championships this year. The play of the youngsters is edifying, particularly their speed. They report at the tee promptly. They have no time for lengthy surveys and cerebral proces­ ses; they simply step up to the ball and hit it with enthusiasm. They accept without question the doctrines of playing the ball as it lies and taking the course as they find it. Yet Johnny Brown, of Lexington, Ky., played out his bye holes one day for a 68, three under par, and Charley Strack, FOURSOMES BY THE HUNDREDS (Continued from Page 13) Another name engraved on the Cup is Miss Helen Sigel, twice runner-up for the USGA women’s crown. Among the men, Max Marston, 1923 USGA Amateur Champion, was the “male lead” in the Fridolyn Cup eight times. W. B. (Duff) McCullough, Jr., runner- up to Dick Chapman in the 1940 Ama­ teur Championship, has shared in four victories, three of them with his sister, Mrs. William G. Hamilton, Jr. For many years Mr. Gimbel personally attended to all the tournament arrange­ ments as well as donating all the prizes. He gradually relinquished these duties, but never missed a tournament prior to his death last April. Another driving force behind the Fridolyn Cup tournament was Raymond M. Slotter, long Philmont’s green chair­ man. When he died four days before the 1936 tournament, his daughter, Miss of York, Pa., Don Bisplinghoff, of Orlando, Fla., and Gene Hay, of Atlanta, all played the first nine in 32. It really was small wonder that Gerald H. Phipps, Chairman of the Denver Country Club’s Golf Committee, ex­ pressed the wish that the Club could conduct the tournament every year, and that the members were so generously hospitable. The competition was the first operated by the new Junior Championship Com­ mittee; and C. Dewey Allen, of Grand Rapids, Mich., Frank Emmet, of Wash­ ington, D. C., George A. Schrieber, of Albuquerque, N. M., and Robert M. Sieg­ fried, of Tulsa, Okla., aided N. C. Morris, of Denver, in conducting it. Their enthusiasm was keen. Emmet brought his seven qualifiers with him and shep­ herded them until the last was eliminated. Siegfried came for one day and stayed four. Frances (Topsy) Slotter, took over the supervisory chores and handled them until she left Philadelphia with her soldier husband during World War II. The Fridolyn Cup was played with­ out lapse through the War, as it had been through World War I. War Bonds took the place of the usual prizes, and. because of the curtailed use of auto­ mobiles, horse-drawn wagons were used to transport players to and from the Philmont railroad station, about a mile away. Sydney K. Allman, Jr., Harold Bayuk, and more recently Leonard Geis, Phil­ mont’s new President; Harold Blumen­ thal, and Joseph Simon have carried on v>hat was one of Mr. Gimbel’s most enthusiastic projects. The winners this year in the selective drive, alternate stroke competition—with a 74 despite a two- stroke penalty for playing the wrong ball —were Huntingdon Valley’s Mrs. Frank O’Neill, Jr., and Matt Scammell, Jr. 16 USGA Journal: August, 1950 Putting By JIM FERRIER PGA Champion 1947 Did you ever realize that with par golf, putting is about 50 per cent of your score? Good putting, like anything else in golf, takes practice. Hence, to be fair with your game, about half of your practice time should be spent on the putting green. Almost every golfer should be able to putt well, yet few can. Putting is merely the simple procedure of hitting a station­ ary target with a moving object. Vou don’t have to be a skeet shooter to be able to putt. But the average golfer makes a real problem out of putting, mainly by not following the fundamentals. First, line up your putt. Notice the roll of the green as well as its speed, as determined by the length and the grain of the grass. Now that you know the aim of your putt and the power you are going to apply, you are ready to take your stance. Take a position bending over the ball so as to be looking straight down at it. Play the ball off the left toe. Your palms should be directly opposed to one each other on the grip, and your hands should be close to the body, with the left elbow held out to point at the hole. Bend your knees slightly to give you a spring and keep you from becoming too rigid. Do not hold the putter so tensely as to prevent a smooth, easy stroke. Once you have acquired this position, hold it through the complete stroke—until the ball has either dropped in the cup or stopped rolling. Another thing to make sure of is the position of the putter blade. Keep it square with the desired line of putt. Bring the club back, and then, holding steady all the time, let it drop with its own force. The amount of backswing determines the force of the shot, as the putter should merely be dropped—not Jim Ferrier swung or forced—in the same arc as it was raised. Make sure that you hit the ball parallel to the ground. Do not hit down on it or lift it. The stroke is merely a pattern of hand and arm action to control the path of the club. Finally, as in all good strokes in sports, follow through com­ pletely on a straight line. Don’t be afraid of hitting your ball. That’s the idea in putting. A putt that’s short of the hole never has a chance to go in. Be careful of going too far past, especially on a downhill putt, but always play for a hole-in-one when you’re on the green. USGA Journal: August, 1950 17 “Golf House” Needs a Hand The halfway mark has been passed in the USGA’s effort to gather funds to finance “Golf House.” Contributions totaling $51,612.85 have been received from 2,973 donors at this writing. “Golf House” is the name of a modest building at 40 East 38th St. in New York City which has been acquired to serve as a national headquarters for the game. It will house the USGA’s Golf Museum and Library and other activities. The goal for the complete job is $100,000. Contributions are earnestly invited from all golfers and golf organiza­ tions, regardless of amount. The first 2,533 Founders were listed in previous issues of the USGA Journal. Following are the next 307: A J. C. Ackerman John Q. Adams Stanley Akers Hiram C. Allen, Jr. Harry Alvin Carl B. Anderson Mrs. Fred Apostoli Thomas D. Armour Maurice Aronsson B W. T. Banning Wayne Barbour Wilbur F. Bartels Mrs. John H. Bartol George A. Bates Guy C. Bates Mrs. James Beckett L. Beers-Jones Dr. Frank Bellino Edward Bernstein Harry H. Bielfield C. S. Bishop Hugh V. Blackwell James T. Blair, Jr. James T. Blair, III Tully D. Blair M. Grant Blakeslee Louis C. Blumberg Richard E. Bockenkamp Morton G. Bouge Charles H. Bradshaw Jack W. Brand Howard R. Brewster Chris Brinke H. Templeton Brown William S. Brown Henry Browne Miss Barbara Anne Bruning K. R. Burke c William Cain Edward J. Callahan Robert J. Cardinal William D. P. Carey, Jr. Michael Cestone Hiram S. Chamberlain Nelson N. Clabaugh R. J. Clements Charles R. Coe Stuart A. Cogsdill Ira Cohen Morton Cohn Ted Colbert F. Crunden Cole Rolland Parmeter Cole George L. Coleman, Jr. Fred L. Cone, Jr. Thomas A. Connors Norman M. Cox Edward Crump, Jr. John D. Culp, Jr. D John R. Daily Larry Dana, Jr. J. H. DeVisser Joseph S. Dickson Sam Dien Dr. Michael B. Di Leo A. R. Dismukes Wesley M. Dixon Frank F. Doak Frank M. Donahue S. P. Duffy E Kenneth A. Ellison Dave Emerman E. E. English Alvin Duane Everett F Gorton Fauntleroy Henry Faurot, Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Jim Ferrie Marshall Field Marshall Field, Jr. J. M. Flaitz W. W. Flenniken Dr. Clyde E. Flood Sol H. Friedman Harvey C. Fruehauf Irving Lowell Funston Oscar Furuset G Henry A. Gardner R. H. Gardner H. K. Gorges T. Richard Garlington Ronald C. Garretson Nathaniel C. W. Gennett, Jr. Capt. Nevin H. Gibson Cy Girard James S. Girmonde Sam J. Girmonde Mrs. Gene W. Goble R. C. Good H. S. Grant George R. Guy H George Halpin Charles Hamburger Louis Hamburger M. J. Hamilton Russell C. Harrington E. J. Harris W. C. Harris Earnest Harrison Max C. Harrison Stanley J. Harte Norman B. Hayden Frank H. Hedrick Charles Heine John Helfman George D. Henderson Walter L. Herrington Richard Lee Hickey W. G. Holloway, Jr. Dr. M. Edison Husted Daniel J. Hutchins I J. Harvey Irwin J Robert J. Jacobson Benjamin E. Jaffe M. C. James, Jr. Paul B. Jamison, Jr. Claude Jones Grady Jones Jack Jones R. D. Jones K Wesley Kelley Charles J. Kelly William J. Kemble Dr. E. J. Kempf Arthur S. Kendall Charles C. Kerwin Ernest J. Ketcham, Jr. 18 Clyde King, Jr. Rufus King Miss Evelyn R. Kitchen Charles M. Kittle William M. Krider L Harry H. Langenberg Earl R. Larson Dr. Stephen G. Lee John E. Lehman William Leide Leon Levy William A. Liddell C. C. Limbocker M. S. Little Charles T. Littlejohn, Jr. F. E. Lockhart Alfred Loewenstein Richard C. Long H. Norris Love Ted Luther Dr. Howard F. Lyboldt Joseph P. Lynch m L. McGiverin M Cargill MacMillan Joseph E. Magnus Pat J. Markovich Mrs. Lois Emde Marshall Peter C. Marshall Arch S. Martin Russell W. Martin Emil Mashie Robert F. Mathews A. B. Mayer Richard M. McDonough Dr. T. E. McGeachy Mr. and Mrs. Willia Dr. F. B. McGrath Robert McKendrick Bud McKinney Dr. Phillip McNeill Miss Bee McWane Edward Meister, Jr. Mrs. John A. Metcalf Gilbert Michel Lawrence J. Michelson Ed Miles Kenneth B. Miller Raymond S. Moers Don L. Moore Henry L. Moore Dorn Morano Theodore V. Morgenthaler Kenneth H. Morine Robert J. G. Morton Charles W. Mulcahy, Jr. N Harry J. Nederlander Foster Nichols Richard S. Norville Peter T. Noyes o Glenn A. Oatman Frank J. O'Brien Pat F. O'Brien L. W. Oehmig Harry C. Offutt, Jr. Richard Ordway Joseph J. Osplack Kenneth M. Owen P Mrs. D. Wilmer Parks C. Campbell Patterson, Jr. John S. Patterson, II William J. Patton Mrs. Daniel S. Pelletier Curtis Person Louis B. Peterson Glen E. Petters H. G. Picard James W. Pope T. Randolph Potter Charley Price Q Egon F. Quittner R Herman Radner S. J. Rands Dee A. Replogle Clyde S. Rine, Jr. A. S. Ritchie Jackson Robertson Dr. Stuart N. Rowe R. S. Rowland H. F. Russell William A. Ryan s Chet Sanok Herbert Scheftel Fred L. Schulz Theodore Schwartz Henry J. Sharkey J. Leonard Shaw C. Bernard Shea Edward A. Sheehan T. J. Sheehe John J. Sierge Leonard N. Simons Samuel Burr Sipers H. N. Slater Ben Smith Edward Byron Smith Irving G. Smith J. S. Smith Neil Smith Solomon A. Smith Solomon Byron Smith Thomas C. Smotherman Gene Spilker Abraham Srere George B. Storer Ralph Strafaci Carroll H. Sudler, Jr. Mrs. Willard Sullivan Joseph F. Switzer T Joseph Tereskiewicz Cecil L. Thompson Mrs. William M. Tingue George Townsend George T. Trumbull USGA Journal: August, 1950 u R. E. Upteg^aff V Robert E. Veigel George E. Victor John H. Victor R. C. Vilas w Arthur J. Wall, Jr. Gail M. Wanless Elmer L. Ward E. L. Ware Morrison Waud Donald P. Welles Horace O. Wetmore Thomas J. White Tom Whiteway Wheelock Whitney C. P. Wiel Orrin S. Wightman, Jr. James A. Wiley, Jr. Homer R. Williams Walter A. Wolfe John Wood, II William E. Work Mrs. Fred E. Wright Y James H. Young, Jr. z Michael Zambito Herbert P. Zimmermann CLUBS Allegheny Country Club, Pc. California Golf Club, Cal. Capital City Club, Ga. Country Club of Detroit, Mich. Hollywood Golf Club, N. J. La Paz Golf Club, Bolivia, S. A. Metropolis Country Club, N. Y. Minikahda Club, Minn. Monroe Golf Club, N. Y. Oakland Hills Country Club, Mich. Point Judith Country Club, R. I. Richmond Golf Club, Cal. Round Hill Club, Conn. Scioto Country Club, Ohio Seneca Golf Club, Ky. Siwanoy Country Club, N. Y. Swope Park Golf Club, Mo. Thorny Lea Golf Club, Mass. Wichita Country Club, Kans. ASSOCIATIONS Professional Golfers' Association of America Trenton District Golf Association Virginias Seniors Golf Association Women's Golf Association of Northern California Women's Metropolitan Golf Association OTHER Metropolitan Golfer Magazine USGA Journal: August, 1950 TWENTY YEARS AFTER (Continued from Page 7) of at least two strokes in Jones’ score, and he won that Championship by two strokes. It came about this way. Going into the second round, Bob was not playing too well. When it was over (as I recorded it in those days) a gang of 10 were in a position to take him for a ride. In the big gallery following him were two small girls, with the auto­ graph albums so popular in those days. They were after the Jones autograph. The gallery was being well handled, with ropes, and they hadn’t got within 10 yards of him for eight holes. Then came the second shot on the par-5 ninth hole, of 485 yards, which you may play cautiously around the pretty lake or with a bold drive toward the water and a wood shot across, looking for a birdie. As usual, Bob went for it in two shots, driving straight for the lake, but his drive faded slightly and stopped farther from the lake than usual, on a downhill lie. It was a tough spoon shot now, and as Bob’s backswing started those two dear little girls, in line behind the ball where his eye could not miss them, ducked under the rope and headed for him. Bob will deny this. He says I am blaming one of his worst shots on two innocent little girls. But the cold fact re­ mains that his half-topped spoon shot, traveling like a bullet across the lake, struck the water 20 yards from the far bank, skipped once, struck again and hopped out on the bank like a flat stone, 30 yards short of the green. One Shot in a Thousand Bob signed the autograph albums of the little maids while the gallery was getting its breath back. Then he walked slowly around the lake, probably getting some of his own wind back, stuck a wee pitch two feet from the flag and sank the putt for a birdie 4. That break saved him at least two strokes. He won that Championship by two strokes. Those two strokes? Take it or leave it. It’s 19 one of those things that wouldn’t happen again in a thousand shots. Bob’s 73 that round put him level with par and two strokes back of Horton Smith. He went out the next morning and shot a 33-35—68, the best score he ever made in the USGA Open, and apparently was on top of the world until he dropped three strokes to par on the first three holes of the final round that afternoon, and Mac Smith, playing an hour behind him, picked up six strokes in his first 13 holes and stood only one blow behind on the 14th tee. As the boys in the press tent said, it was the D’Artagnan of Golf who finished that round. Bob Jones rammed down a long putt for a birdie 3 at the 14th after his wretched 5 at the 192-yard 13th. He picked up another birdie 3 at the 16th, sliced a wild drive off the face of the earth at the 17th for another dismal 5 and then, with one of the great­ est galleries in the history of the Ameri­ can game assembled about the home green, sank a 40-foot putt for a birdie 3 on the last hole he ever played in the USGA Open. That putt barred the door for gallant Macdonald Smith, who, an hour later, stood on the last tee with two strokes left for a 430-yard hole to tie. He finished with a par 4, for a round of 70 and a total of 289. Jones’ 287 was a stroke behind Chick Evans’ record in 1916 at another Minneapolis course, Minikahda. Last Stop — Merion “Last Stop —- Merion,” said the head­ lines a few weeks later. And now the pres­ sure really was on. I remember writing something I fancied was great stuff, how “across the familiar fairways of Merion stood the last wall of the Impregnable Quadrilateral, which until now had been regarded only as the rosy dream of an impossible conquest.” Bob was playing badly in practice and kept on with the rehearsals until the last afternoon before the tournament began, a most unusual thing for him. His last round was a 69, and it apparently braced him up for he went out and shot another 69 in the first qualifying round. He had par left on the last two holes for a 71 20 USGA Journal: August, 1950 The Fourth Trick Teeing off at Merion in the USGA Amateur, Bob Jones was maneuvering the Fourth Trick of the Grand Slam when this photograph was taken at the start of the second round. His opponent was F. G. Hoblitzel. and a new record in the second round next day, but the old pressure and a long delay got him and he finished with a 73, for 142, tying the record of that era and winning the medal, with George Von Elm next at 143. On the board, Bob’s victories in the Fourth Trick look easy enough; his margin never was closer than 5 and 4. But a little episode cropped up in his 36-hole bout with Fay Coleman that perhaps reveals something of a strain under which he never had played before. Coleman was not playing well, and Jones was only 2 up at the end of the first round. I went up to his locker, where Mickey Cochrane, famous catcher for the Philadelphia Athletics and a very fair golfer, was talking to him. Mickey asked Bob how he felt, and Bob said fine. “Never felt better,” he said, “but I can’t get the shots going right. I don’t know what’s the matter.” As Mickey and I walked away, Mickey said he knew what was the matter. Cochrane's Explanation “It’s that fourth Championship,” said Mickey. “Pie’s got three in the bag, and that old strain is bearing down. It’s that way in baseball. When you simply have to win a series, and you’ve got it, all but the last game, you go out there feeling all right in every way, and every­ thing seems to go all wrong. The old strain is bearing down.” Bob beat Coleman 6 and 5. and that put him in the semi-final round with Jess Sweetser, who in the same round of the same tournament in 1922 at Brookline bad given him the worst drubbing of his major tournament career. This match at Merion was a good example of the cumu­ lative strain Mickey Cochrane was talking about. Bob won the first hole with a brilliant birdie 3 and won the third, fourth and fifth to be 4 up. He then fired a shot out of bounds at the seventh and took three putts at the ninth and 10th greens and was only 1 up. Then he got going again and was 4 up at noon. At the 10th hole of the matinee round he closed the match by sticking a short pitch against the pin for a birdie 3, the margin being 9 and 8. That inspired another affecting little memo. USGA Journal: August, 1950 21 In the locker room after the match, Jess came over to Bob’s locker. “I surely did want to carry you to the eleventh green,” said Jess, with a grin. “That would have made it eight and seven, the same as at Brookline. Then I could have said, ‘Well, Bobby, we’re all square, after eight years.’ But I couldn’t make it. You’re one up!” Remembrance of Things Past Well, it was at the 11th green next day that the good old Marines charged on to rescue Bob Jones from a somewhat hysterical gallery at the close of his final match with Gene Homans. That was a great spectacle. But the one I’ll remember best took place on a steep hill­ side looking down on the fourth green in the afternoon as the Jones-Homans match came slowly down the long fair­ way opposite. I was standing there, with Big Bob Jones, Bob’s daddy, and he was always worried about any match Bob was playing, no matter how it stood. Out of the vast gallery a chap emerged and came along at a brisk trot over the brook and up the slope toward the clubhouse. Somebody hailed him: “How’s the match now?” He slowed to a walk. “He’s eight up,” he replied. “It’s in the bag.” Big Bob never said a word. His expression never changed a line. He just looked out across the smooth valley and the little stream and up the fairway, where a stocky figure, very small in the distance, was swinging along. Big Bob was humming under his breath. If he had been singing the words, they would have been: “There’s a long, long trail a-winding into the land of my dreams.” Well, that was it, at Merion, where it started 14 years before. Sort of like the working out of a Plan we don’t quite understand until it’s on the board, and maybe not then. But there it is. The end of the trail. For this unique photograph. Bob Jones assembled, from left to right, the British Amateur trophy, the British Open trophy, the Walker Cup, the USGA Open trophy and the USGA Amateur trophy. His victories brought them together for the first and only time in 1930. USGA Journal: August, 1950 THE REFEREE Decisions by the USGA Rules of Golf Committee Example of symbols: "No. 50-1" means the first decision issued in 1950. "R. 7(3)" means Section 3 of Rule 7 in the 1950 Rules of Golf. Type of Stroke No. 50-22. D. 4; R. 10(1) Q: Is there any manner of stroking in putting that is considered illegal? Is it illegal to face the hole and execute the stroke between the legs in a forward swing? Richard C. Tongg Honolulu, Hawaii A: The Rules of Golf provide no restric­ tion on the type of stroke played provided the stroke is in fact a stroke and does not conflict with Definition 4 and Rule 10(1). Casual Water in Entire Hazard No. 50-26. R. 16(3) Q: If a player’s ball lie in a hazard in casual water and there is casual water com­ pletely covering the hazard, may she move the ball from deep water to shallow water within the hazard without penalty? In Rule 16(1 and 3) it says “on ground which avoids casual water.” Mrs. H. E. Pridmore Hinsdale, III. A: Yes. When a hazard is completely covered by casual water, the intent of Rule 16 (3a.) is to permit playing the ball from as little casual water as possible. The phrase "on ground which avoids casual water” cannot be taken literally when casual water completely covers a hazard; otherwise, the Rule would be inoperative. It should be noted that the object of this interpretation is to assure as much relief as possible from casual water, and not necessarily to permit changing the character or the line of the shot to be played. For example, if a hazard be almost completely covered by casual water and yet there remain a small area not so affected, a player desiring relief under Rule 16 (3a) would be obliged to drop a ball in the unaffected area. In a hazard completely covered by casual water, he would be obliged to drop a ball in the shallowest part. Provisional Ball for Ball in Water Hazard No. 50-38. R. 17(2c) Q: A player drives a ball from the teeing ground to the middle of the fairway. His second shot drops into a water hazard in front of the green. If he elects to play a provisional ball from the spot where the original ball was hit, is he playing his third stroke or his fourth stroke? Evans G. Morgan Larchmont, N. Y. A: He is playing his fourth stroke if the provisional ball ultimately becomes the ball in play. See Rule 17 (2c). Four-Ball Match Handicaps No. 50-43. Hdcp. Q: At my club when two players play two opponents, two points a hole, one on low ball and one on aggregate, if any strokes are given they are taken off the aggregate score only. When I was a guest at another club the three members had handicaps of 12 each, and, mine being 8, four strokes were added onto my ball. This arrangement permitted the opponents to win two points on some holes on one handicap stroke. It also seemed to work out that I was giving each opponent a stroke on the 4 handicap holes. It seems to me that if the handicap strokes are used in this manner only two strokes should be given instead of four. I would appreciate your comments. Dr. Frank W. Jordan Louisville, Ky. A: The Rules of Golf do not cover playing for points on a “low ball and aggregate” basis. However, it is customary in such matches for players receiving strokes to use them in determining both the low ball and the aggregate. If this were not so, it seems unlikely that two very high handicap players would ever win low ball from two low handicap players. The USGA Handicap Committee recom­ mends the following for four-ball match play; “Reduce the stroke play handicaps of all four players by the handicap of the low handicap player, the low handicap player then to play from scratch. Allow each of the other three players two-thirds of the resulting difference, strokes to be taken by each player as they come on the card.” When this method is followed, it is proper for a player’s net score on a hole to be used in determining both the better ball and the aggregate. Striking Flagstick No. 50-44. R. 7(7, 8) Q: Would you give me a ruling on what the penalty is for hitting the pin, whether it is attended or not, in match play? Also in medal play? Thomas J. McGinnis Groton, N. Y. USGA Journal: August, 1950 23 A: In match play Rule 7(7) governs. In singles, if the player’s ball strike the flagstick when it is held by or has been removed by the player or his caddie, his side shall lose the hole. If the player’s ball strike the flag­ stick when it is held by or has been removed by an opponent or his caddie, the opponent loses the hole. There is no penalty for striking an unattended flagstick. For other forms of match play, see Rule 7(7). In stroke play Rule 7(8) governs. When a competitor’s ball lying within 20 yards of the hole is played and strikes the flagstick or the person standing at the hole, the penalty is two strokes. When the flagstick is attended the penalty is incurred when the ball is played from any distance. When the flagstick is not attended and the ball is played farther than 20 yards from the hole, there is no penalty for striking the flagstick. Playing Through Slower Group No. 50-47. Et.; R. 8, 12(5b, 6) ; Tourn. Q 1: When no competition is being played and a course is fairly crowded, what is the proper procedure regarding precedence? Rules of Golf, Etiquette (Priority on the Course) does not not answer this question fully. Should four players offer to let two go through them even if they are not looking for lost balls? Is it very impolite for two players to ask four to let them play through when the four are playing much more slowly? Does a larger group not have to let a smaller group go through? A 1: The matter is governed by Etiquette (Priority on the Course). A club may sup­ plement this with local rules if it deems them necessary. Precedence is governed by courtesy. Slower players should invite faster players to go through whenever there is a clear hole ahead and the faster players are being delayed. It would not be impolite under such circumstances for the faster players to ask if they might go through. Ball Striking Fellow-Competitor's Caddie Q 2: In stroke play, if A’s ball hits himself or his partner or either of their caddies or their clubs, he is penalized two strokes under Rule 12(6). In match play, the penalty is loss of hole. If in stroke play A’s ball hits fellow-com­ petitor B’s caddie or B’s golf bag, B is not penalized. It is a rub of the green, except as provided in Rule 7(8), and A plays his ball from where it lies under Rule 12 (5b). Is there any Rule to protect A from having his ball stopped by B’s caddie in stroke play? We know B would lose the hole in match play. But B could cause A trouble and vice versa in stroke play with no penalty. A 2: There is no such Rule, and none is deemed necessary since golfers are presumed to be sportsmen and to be in control of their caddies. Your summarization of Rule 12(6) is in­ complete. In best-ball and four-ball matches, if a player’s ball strike himself, his partner, either of their caddies or forecaddies or their clubs, only that player shall be disqualified for the hole. Questions by: Mrs. George Johnston Caracas, Venezuela Water Hazard: Penalty in Re-teeing No. 50-48. R. 17(21 Q: We have a lake about 100 yards in front of one of our tees which has to be carried on the drive. We have a rule on our score card which states: “A ball driven into the lake — player may re-tee, playing 3." Is this correct? Of course, the player may drop a ball near the lake and also play 3 if he desires. Has there been a recent change in the Rules which states that a ball driven into such a hazard may be re-teed, playing 2? Jack Sabol White Plains, N. Y. A: The Rule on your club’s score card is correct but incomplete. Rule 17(2) provides: “If a ball lie or be lost in a water hazard (whether the ball lie in water or not), the player may drop a ball, under penalty of one stroke, either (a) behind the hazard, keeping the spot at which the ball last crossed the margin of the hazard between himself and the hole, or (b) in the hazard, keeping the spot at which the ball entered the water between himself and the hole; or (c) as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was played; if the ball was played from the teeing ground, a ball may be teed anywhere within the teeing ground.” There has been no change in the Rules which would permit remission of the penalty stroke for a ball lying or lost in a water hazard. Defining Boundaries No. 50-51. R. 9 Qt Is there a new Rule this year in regard to the placement of white out-of-bounds stakes approximately two feet inside the regular out- of-bounds fences denoting club property? Jim C. Russell Walla Walla, W^sh. A: No. It is the responsibility of the authority in charge of a course to determine boundaries. Distinctive stakes or a fence may be used, but there can be only one boundary and that line must be clearly defined. The only change in the 1950 Rules of Golf relating to Rule 9 is that now a ball is out of bounds ‘when the whole of it” lies outside the course. Formerly a ball was out of bounds when “the greater part of it” lay outside the course. 24 USGA Journal: August, 1950 Pairings for Consolation Flight No. 50-53. Tourn. Q: If 32 players are paired according to their scores for the championship flight and the first-round losers make up the first flight, is it proper to pair the players the same as if they were being paired in a consolation flight? Or. would it be wrong to make a new draw? 1 contend that they should be paired the same as if they were going into the consolation flight because the draw has already been made according to their scores. Everett Nelson Shreveport, La. A: The question is one for local com­ mittee to determine; it is not covered in the Rules of Golf. It is customary to pair losers in the first round for a consolation flight in the same order as they were originally drawn at the start of match play. Water Hazard: Local Rule Not Necessary No. 50-54. R. 17(2), LR. Q: You will find enclosed a rough sketch of the first and second holes of Shaker Ridge Country Club, near Albany, N. Y. (Sketch shows two parallel holes, with body of water in front of second tee extending into rough bordering first fairway 245 yards from first tee.) There has never been any question that a ball hit from the| second tee into the water in front of the tee is to be teed up again, the player shooting three. However, there always has been a question concerning a ball hit into the same body of water from the first tee, the distance measuring approximately 245 yards. The lower handicap player claims he is unfairly penalize^ for fading or slicing a long ball in having to shoot three off the first tee when a shorter hitter, never able to reach that distance but pushing or slicing a ball badly into the second fairway, has a clear shot for the first green with no penalty. What is the Ruling covering a ball driven into the water off the first tee? Where is it to be teed up or placed? Do you recommend a local rule to cover the play in question on our first hole, par­ ticularly in view of the impending Empire State Open Tournament? George Aronson Troy, N. Y. A: Rule 17(2) governs when a ball lies or is lost in a water hazard. It provides that “the player may drop a ball, under penalty of one stroke, either (a) behind the hazard, keeping the spot at which the ball last crossed the margin of the hazard between himself and the hole, or (b) in the hazard, keeping the spot at which the ball entered the water between himself and the hole, or (c) as nearly as possible at the spot from which the original ball was played; if the ball was played from the teeing ground, a ball may be teed any­ where within the teeing ground.” This applies unless superseded by local rule. The water hazard described is not of a type for which a local rule seems necessary. We recommend that Rule 17(2) govern all cases. There seems to be enough opportunity for a long hitter to take advantage of his length if he controls his drive. Control is the basic test of golf. Ball Struck Unintentionally: Stroke Is Counted No. 50-55. Def. 4, 7. Q: A player strikes a teed ball on the teeing round but contends that he was taking a prac­ tice swing and had no intention of hitting the ball. His opponent contends that he must count the stroke and play the ball from where it came to rest. Samuel E. Davis Los Angeles, Cal. A: If a player in making a swing strikes the ball, he thereby makes a stroke. The fact that he struck the ball supersedes the fact of intent under Definition 4. Striking the ball on the teeing ground also puts the ball in play under Definition 7. Reason for Relief From Casual Wafer No. 50-56. R 8, 16,17. Q: Can a player drop his ball behind a bunker, keeping the point of entry between himself and the hole, for a one-stroke penalty? This permission is directly granted in Section 2 of Rule 17 in the 1950 Rule book, providing the ball is in a hazard known as a water hazard. If the answer to the above question is “no,” why is a player permitted to drop behind a bunker if his ball has come to rest in casual water in a bunker? (Section 3 of Rule 16) ? Harry Winters Inglewood, Cal. A: A bunker is a hazard—see Definitions in Rule 17. Except as otherwise provided for special circumstances, when a ball lies in a bunker, the player must play it as it lies or declare it unplayable and proceed under Rule 8. There is no Rule which would permit him to drop behind the bunker under penalty of one stroke, under normal circumstances. Rule 17(2) provides specifically for relief, with penalty, when a ball lies or is lost in a water hazard. Rule 16(3) provides specifically for relief when a ball lies or is lost in casual water in a hazard which is not a water hazard. Relief is granted from casual water anywhere on the course because casual water is a special condition and not a regular part of the course. USGA Journal: August, 1950 25 Correspondence pertaining to Green Section matters should be addressed to: USGA Green Section, Room 307, South Building, Plant Industry Station, Beltsville, Md. IRRIGATION AND COMPACTION ON ESTABLISHED FAIRWAY TURF By J. R. WATSON, JR. Associate Professor, Department of Agronomy Agricultural and Mechanical College of Texas The purpose of this investigation was to study the direct and interacting effects of moisture and compaction on estab­ lished fairway turf of good quality. The investigation was conducted on the campus of Pennsylvania State College. The plots were laid out in the fall of 1947; treatments were initiated in the spring of 1948 and were continued through the fall of 1949. A good quality, hve-year-old turf, consisting of mixed bentgrass, red fescue and Kentucky bluegrass, was used for the study. All maintenance practices, other than the treatments themselves, conformed as nearly as possible to those followed on many modern golf courses. The treatments employed involved four levels of moisture and five levels of compaction in all possible combina­ tions. The levels of moisture maintained were: (a) Dry — received no supplemental irrigation. The average soil mois­ ture content for the growing season was approximately 12 per cent to 13 per cent. (b) As needed — received sufficient supplemental irrigation to sustain normal growth; i.e., turf kept green and vigorous throughout the growing season. The average soil moisture content for the growing season was approximately 16 per cent to 18 per cent. (c) Field capacity — irrigated often enough to maintain a moisture content of approximately 24 per cent, the field capacity of this soil. I d) Saturated — irrigated often enough to maintain a moisture content approaching saturation. The total water-holding capacity of this soil is 49 per cent. Due to the very excellent drainage of this soil an average moisture con­ tent of only 38 per cent, or approx­ imately 78 per cent of satura­ tion, could be maintained. This moisture content is very close to the aeration-porosity limit of the soil studied. The compaction treatments employed yvere: 11) None—received no compaction. 26 USGA Journal: August, 1950 (2) Light (2 weeks)—approximately 15 P.S.I. (pounds per square inch) applied once every two weeks. (3) Light (1 week)—approximately 15 P.S.I. applied once each week. 14) Heavy (2 weeks)—approximately 37 P.S.I. applied once every two weeks. I 5) Heavy (1 week)-—approximately 37 P.S.I. applied once each week. Water applications were made by use of 100-foot, %-inch pipe drilled and tapped every three feet with short-throw nozzles. This pipe covered an area approximately 9 feet by 100 feet with each setting; consequently, two settings were required to irrigate a single main plot. Observational determinations of the condition of the turf on the “as needed” plots governed the frequency of applica­ tion. Lark soil-moisture tensiometers were used to indicate the need for irriga­ tion on the “field capacity” and “satu­ rated” plots. The tensiometers were of the vacuum-gauge type. Compaction treatments were made by the use of two hollow steel rollers. The heavier of these rollers was filled with concrete, and sand bags were added to both rollers in order to obtain the weight necessary to deliver the pressure listed above under compaction treatments. The rollers were pulled by a half-ton Model A Ford truck. A Rototiller soil penetrometer was used to determine the relative degrees of soil compaction developed by the treatments. Twenty readings to the plot were taken, and these readings were averaged for the plot value. Hits occurring on stones were omitted. These readings were taken in September, 1948. and again in October, 1949. Effectiveness of the penetrometer and the justification for its use were estab­ lished by correlating the penetrometer readings with Geiger counter X ray spectometer readings in 1949. The intensities of the 1010, or secondary line of quartz, as measured by the X ray spectometer, were found to be highly Dr. Watson was selected to receive the USGA Green Section's first turf research fellowship at Penn State. He enrolled in February. 1947, and received his Ph. D. degree last February. Summary of his thesis appears on these pages. Dr. Wat­ son is employed in the Agronomy Depart­ ment at the Texas A. & M. College, where he was graduated in 1947. He spends three-fourths of his time in teaching and one-fourth in research. With his back­ ground and training, the turf program in Texas should get a real boost. correlated with penetrometer readings. Both methods were apparently effective indicators of the relative degree of soil evaluations of the following factors: Turf quality under the various treat­ ments was determined by comparative evaluations of the following factors: (1) Ecological changes of the perma­ nent species in the turf population. These were studied by use of the inclined-point quadrat. Density USGA Journal: August, 1950 and the percentages of bentgrass, red fescue and Kentucky bluegrass were considered. (2) Invasions of crabgrass and clover. Crabgrass estimates were made by the use of a modified string method in 1948 and a grid quadrat in 1949. Clover esti­ mates were based on inclined-point quadrat counts. (3) Severity of natural-disease inci­ dence. These estimates were based on inclined-point quadrat counts which were converted to percent­ ages from an arbitrary scale. (4) Root quantities and distribution. Samples were taken at one-inch intervals to a depth of six inches, washed free of soil, oven dried and weighed, and the percentage dis­ tribution in the upper two inches and lower four inches was cal­ culated. Moisture The dry moisture treatment did not influence the percentage of permanent species over the two-year experimental period. The density increased but the magnitude of change was significantly less than under the other moisture treat­ ments. The balance between the bentgrass, fescue and bluegrass was not materially altered, although there was a slight trend toward a higher percentage of bluegrass. Crabgrass and clover were negligible. Severe loss of color accompanied pro­ longed drought, but no serious permanent injury occurred since rain invariably stimulated growth. Disease infestation could not be evaluated as the maximum infestation on the watered plots occurred when the turf under the dry treatment was off-color. The deepest root system was developed under this treatment. The effectiveness of moderate irriga­ tion was shown by the “as needed” mois­ ture treatment- The percentage of per­ manent species was not affected greatly. This treatment promoted the greatest increase in the density of permanent species, while crabgrass, clover and disease were again negligible. Root quantities were significantly lower than under the dry treatment but significantly deeper than under the saturated treat­ ment. There was no significant difference in root development between the "as needed” and “field capacity” treatments. The use of sufficient water to maintain an average soil-moisture content of approximately field capacity produced an undesirable quality of turf. The per cent of permanent species increased signifi­ cantly, but the increase may be attributed to a highly significant increase in the bentgrass on these plots. Both fescue and bluegrass percentages decreased significantly under this treatment. Disease incidence averaged approximately 12 per cent to 13 per cent higher than on the "as needed” plots. Subsequent invasions of crabgrass and clover were heavy, averaging seven to eight times greater than the percentages of these two species on the dry plots. Root systems were not significantly different from those found under the “as needed” treatment; they were deeper than those under the satu­ rated and shallower than those under the dry treatment. The application of the large amount of water required for the saturated treat­ ment is of academic importance only. It serves to illustrate, however, the dele­ terious effects that may be expected from continuous saturation of turf. The soil was soggy, and the turf was shallow- rooted and easily injured throughout the growing season. The effects of this treatment on the permanent species, density, species balance, disease, crab­ grass and clover were not materiallv different from the values found for the “field capacity” treatment. In all proba­ bility only the very excellent surface and subsoil drainage of the soil prevented more severe deterioration of the turf under the saturation treatment. Compaction The measurable differences found to exist in the degree of soil compaction developed were small in magnitude but very highly significant statistically. Light and no compaction decreased the per­ centages of permanent species in the 28 turf: i.e., as the degree of compaction decreased, the percentage of permanent species decreased. Heavy compaction effected the smallest reduction in per­ manent species. The lower percentage of permanent species present under the light and no-compaction treatments may be attributed directly to the increased percentages of crabgrass and clover on these plots. Compaction exerted no influence on the density of the perma­ nent species. Likewise, there was no significance for the effect of compaction on the percentages of bentgrass and fescue present. Bluegrass was found to increase significantly under the heavier compaction treatments when compared to the light and no-compaction treat­ ments. Compaction decreased the per­ centages of crabgrass in the turf popula­ tion. From a replicated greenhouse experiment involving three levels of com­ paction (none, medium and heavy), it was found that heavy compaction sup­ pressed crabgrass germination. It has been concluded that the decrease in crabgrass percentages under field con­ ditions may be attributed to a suppression of germination by the compaction treat­ ments. Clover increased about equally for all levels of compaction, irrespective of the degree, when compared to the no­ compaction treatment. No observable differences were in evidence for the effects of compaction on disease. No signifi­ cance could be shown for the influence of compaction on root development. Interaction There were significantly negative inter­ actions for the effects of moisture by compaction on the percentages of per­ manent species and the percentages of crabgrass in the turf; i.e., as soil moisture content increased, the percentages of permanent species decreased and the per­ centages of crabgrass increased—as the degree of soil compaction increased, the percentages of permanent species in­ creased and the percentages of crabgrass decreased. Conclusions The results obtained in this study seem to warrant the following conclusions: USGA Journal: August, 1950 1. The soil penetrometer can be used to evaluate effectively relative degrees of soil compaction where existing plant population are uniform and where read­ ings can be made at uniform soil-moisture contents. 2. The Geiger counter X ray spectro­ meter may be used to evaluate relative degrees of soil compaction. 3. The limited evidence presented sug- gets that the Geiger counter X ray spec- tiometer may be used under a wider range of conditions than a penetrometer for evaluating soil compaction. 4. Moisture levels exerted a greater influence on turf quality, during the experimental period, than did soil com­ paction. 5. The moderate use of supplemental irrigation seems necessary to produce high quality playing turf that will remain green throughout the growing season when bluegrass, bent and fescue are in­ volved. 6. The unwatered plots were brown and in poor condition for play over an extended period of time. 7. Moderate usage of supplemental irrigation on intensively managed turf will favor development of bentgrass at the expense of the slower growing species, so that eventually the turf will consist largely of bentgrass. 8. Supplemental irrigation in quanti­ ties great enough to maintain a soil at approximately field capacity is unneces­ sary and encourages disease and the subsequent invasion of crabgrass and clover. 9. Excessive watering creates a soggy soil condition, promotes shallow rooting of the turf, encourages disease and the invasion of crabgrass and clover. 10. Higher percentages of permanent species occurred under the heavier levels of compaction than under the light and no compaction treatments. 11. Compaction increased the per­ centages of clover in the turf. 12. Compaction depresses crabgrass germination, but the deteriorating effects on soil structure should preclude using il as a control for crabgrass. USGA Journal: August, 1950 29 ANTIDOTE FOR PARATHION POISONING Parathion is mentioned frequently in the literature as a very highly effective insecticide. When the material is handled carelessly, it is potentially dangerous. H. J. Langhorst, Manager, Insecticide Department, American Cyanamid Com­ pany, makes the statement that tablets of atropine sulfate should be kept on hand for emergency use by all users of parathion insecticide. Atropine is obtain­ able only upon a doctor’s prescription. Atropine tablets should be taken only when symptoms of parathion poisoning appear. The essential precautions to be observed by users of parathion are con­ tained on all labels. For clarity these warnings are repeated here: “1. Do not breathe dust, vapors or spray mist. “2. Wear a proper respirator (airplane pilots should wear full face mask). “3. Bathe promptly with soap and wa*er after application of sprays or dusts. ■‘4. Wear waterproof or protective clothing, rubber gloves and hat. Wash clothing daily with soap and hot water before re-use. "‘5. Keep on hand an emergency supply of atropine tablets. Consult doctor immediately if parathion poison­ ing is suspected.” Dr. Lawrence E. Putnam, Medical Of­ ficer. Health Unit, Office of Personnel, U. S. Department of Agriculture, has reviewed the statements by Mr. Langhorst and concurs in all details. He states that the symptoms of parathion poisoning may be only dizziness and that death may follow within an hour. J. P. McAuley, Personnel Officer, in his memorandum to Heads of Divisions, adds the following to statements made by Dr. Putnam: “1. Parathion can be absorbed in the skin. ”2. It is lethal. “3. Work in pairs, or at least do not work entirely alone when using parathion. "‘4. Do not use continuously for long COMING EVENTS Aug. 8—Turf Field Day, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, N. J. Ralph E. Engel. Sept. 6-7—Turf Field Days, Rhode Island State College, Kingston, R. I. Dr. J. A. DeFrance. Sept. 7-8—*Turf Conference and Field Days, Southeastern Turf Research Center, Tifton, Ga. Dr. G. W. Burton. Sept. 11-12—Turf Field Days, State College, Pa. Prof. H. B. Musser. Oct. 15-17—■’’National Turf Field Days, Washington, D.C. USGA Green Se~tion. Beltsville, Md. Dr. Fred V. Grau. Oct. 25-27—Turf Conference, Man­ hattan, Kans. L. E. Lambert. Oct. 30-Nov. 3—American Society of Agronomy Annual Meetings, Cincinnati, Ohio. L. G. Monthey, Madison, Wis. Jan. 11-12—Maryland Turf Confe­ rence. University of Maryland, College Park, Md. Ernest N. Cory. Feb. 26-March. 1—Turf Conference, State College, Pa. Prof H. B. Musser. ‘These dates formerly were publicized as Sept. 14 and 15. ’’’October 15 (Sunday) is set aside expressly for the purpose of giving the graduate students and research workers in turf a chance to get together and develop coordinated plans and io discuss detailed phases of turf research, teaching and ex­ tension work. Those who wish to attend this session at the Hamilton Hotel, Sunday afternoon and eve­ ning, are cordially invited. The main Field Day starts Monday morning, October 16, at 9 A. M., at the Plant Industry Station. Belts­ ville, Md. periods, preferably no longer than four hours at a time. “5. In case of sickness use the atropine as prescribed and consult a phy­ sician promptly.” This information is distributed to readers of the USGA’Journal not to warn them against using parathion but to urge them to take all precautions necessary to prevent bodily injury during its use. 30 USGA Journal: August, 1950 USE AND MISUSE OF WATER The use of water in turf production should be examined in its many aspects. Consideration of its functions as a solvent carrier of nutrients and its effect on germination, plant tissue formation, food manufacture and number and activity of soil organisms is of great importance. Water is important also with respect to its day-to-day use by grass. There are differences in the water requirements of various grasses, and the actual weather conditions influence the rate of water loss from both the plant and the soil. The intelligent use of water is also dependent upon the relationship of both deficiencies and excesses to plant growth. Efficient water usage must be based upon a thorough understanding of all the foregoing aspects, and the relation­ ships of these aspects to one another. These factors tell us why we water, what are the consequences of improper water­ ing and when water should be applied. However, such information is of little value unless we know: (1) the quantity needed when we apply water and (2) the slowness or rapidity of application. The weather must be taken as it comes. We have no control over the weather, although it is possible to modify its effects through good management. The practical questions are, therefore: (1) what are the effects of over-water­ ing? (2) how much water should be used? and (3) what is the proper rate of watering? Effects of Over-Watering Experimental plots were established at State College, Pa., in 1947 to study the combined effects of watering and com­ paction. Tests on mixed bluegrass, fescue and bentgrass turf were laid out to include plots under four soil-moisture levels and were subject to different degrees of compaction. It will be noted from the chart on this page that heavy watering resulted in a decline of permanent grasses from 97 per cent in 1947 to 58 per cent in 1949. The decline of permanent grasses on the heavily watered, compacted plots was from 97 per cent to 72 per cent. The percentages included under crabgrass in­ festation explain the differences between the compacted and the uncompacted plots. It is apparent that heavy watering resulted in a significant increase of crabgrass on both the compacted and the uncompacted plots and that the increase in crabgrass is more pronounced on the uncompacted series because compaction inhibits crabgrass germination. The ex­ periment was established on a limestone soil noted for its good physical condition and excellent drainage. Thus it is small wonder that turf deteriorates rapidly under irrigation when soils are drained badly and are of poor physical condition. How Much Wafer These experimental results show the danger of over-watering as well as giving an indication as to how much water Composite Chart Soil Moisture Levels in 1949 % Soil Moisture under Various Water Rates in 1949 % Permanent Grass under Various Water Rates in 1949 No Compaction Compaction % Crabgrass Infestation under Various Water Rates in 1949 No Compaction Compaction Natural Rainfall Water as Needed Field Capacity Saturation 12.5 17.0 24.0 38.0 95.0 90.0 61.0 58.0 96.0 95.0 72.0 79.0 4.0 8.0 39.0 40.0 2.3 3.5 26.0 17.3 USGA Journal: August, 1950 31 should be applied. There is little dif­ ference between the percentage popula­ tions of permanent grasses on plots that received natural rainfall and on plots which received water as needed. How­ ever. the water-as-needed plots were green and in good playing condition during a drought period in July, whereas the unwatered plots were brown and hard. The population of permanent grasses in the unwatered plots did not deteriorate because the drought was of short duration. “The results should not be interpreted as indicating that irrigation is undesirable or unnecessary, but only that it must be used properly.” The amount of water to be applied in one application will be governed by the capacity of a given soil to store it in available form, and until better piactical methods are devised for testing the quantity of available water that a soil will hold, it must remain a matter of experience and good judgment. "From a practical standpoint, differ­ ences in storage capacity between sandy soils and silts or clay types mean that, although the sandy soils must be watered more frequently, the quantity applied in a single sprinkler run can be much lower ...” If either type soil is well drained, excess watering is wasted water because the surplus drains away. If soils are compacted, excessive watering is dangerous. Proper Rate of Watering Experimental evidence has shown that water intake is not governed by increas­ ing the volume applied. Soils have specific absorptive capacities, and in­ creasing the rate of application may result in a reduction of total intake. The importance of soil compaction should also be taken into consideration, because reduced pore space as a result of surface compaction further lowers the intake of water. This applies to soils under a turf cover as well as fallow soils. Also, as the rate of water intake is not constant, the sprinkler should run for 10 to 15 minutes before attempting to determine the intake rate of a given soil. Subsoil compaction and impervious layers below the surface also affect watering practices. Much has been written already concerning correction of these problems. The danger of sudden rains following water application can be reduced materially if minimum quantities are applied. Modern aeration equipment will correct the condition of surface compaction which results in slow water intake. The writer concludes with the state­ ment that, if we accept the experimental evidence, “we cannot escape the task of re-examining our watering programs in the light of the capacity of our soil and the rate at which it can take the water we apply. At the least, we will recognize that good watering practice must be based on something more than the capacity of our system and the size of the sprinkler heads.” Abstracted from an article by H. B. Musser in the March-April, 1950, issue of The Green- keepers’ Reporter. BRIEF BUT IMPORTANT Joseph Valentine, Merion’s golf- course superintendent and discoverer of Merion bluegrass, covered himself with glory during the Golden Anniversary Open Championship. Merion’s turf represented the tops for championship plav. Firmness characterized all areas and is the mark of championship turf. Close-cut and true are other identifying marks of tournament turf. Incidentally, joe is one of the few superintendents who has a hand in picking each new green committee chairman. M. E. Farnham’s interest in the newer grasses at the Philadelphia Country Club, Spring Mill, is focused on Z-52 zoysia, U-3 Bermuda and Merion bluegrass. A large nursery of U-3 was started from one square foot obtained from USGA Green Section. Z-52 is being increased by 2- 32 USGA Journal: August, 1950 inch plugs from original square foot. Farnham is testing 2-inch pluggers. Tees are being repaired by 2-inch plugs —-the regular tee divot cutter makes too hard work in sod of these new deep- rooted grasses. Crabgrass is catching “what for” in Penn State’s experimental setup at Spring Mill. Saucon Valley is readying for USGA Amateur in 1951 and is progressing soundly under joint guidance of Leonard Strong, Superintendent, V. J. Pazetti and Bob Bennett, with paternal guid­ ance of Eugene G. Grace. This will be a great course for the Amateur; every hole is a framed picture. Capon Springs Hotel and Farms, West Virginia, has a delightful, natural nine-hole course run by the Austin family. The course is a recent addition to the USGA family. Tee mats made of fibre board are helping to solve the bare-tee problem. Color television tests over WNBW in Washington, D. C., recently had Fred V. Grau and Maynard Speece show­ ing an audience the latest in turf. It is believed to have been the first time Merion bluegrass, U-3 Bermuda, Z-52 zoysia and Maleic hydrazide have been televised in color. The latter is for slowing down growth so people won’t have to mow so often; only trouble is it kills the grass after a while. Color engineers were pleased with the results. Dr. J. A. DeFrance, at Kingston, R. I., will have a great show for Field Days, September 6 and 7 — improved Colonial bents on the way, better seed-bed sterilization, crabgrass control, plots of zoysia, more emphasis on Arlington Con­ gressional mixture of creeping bent for disease resistance. Merion bluegrass is outstanding; surely wish we had more seed. Charlie Allen, DeFrance’s assis­ tant, is the mainstay of the turf plots. He grows grass nursery after hours to supplement his income and just sold his lawn. Dr. Glenn W. Burton, South­ eastern Turf Research Station, Tifton, Ga., announces a change in dates for Turf Conference and Field Days. New dates are September 7 and 8. A conflict with Dr. William Daniel is the new turf specialist in the Department of Agronomy at Purdue University. Dr. Daniel com­ pleted his studies for Ph. D. degree at Michigan State College early this year under a turf research fellowship spon­ sored jointly by USGA Green Section, Midwest Regional Turf Foundation and Detroit District Golf Association. He will head turf-research and turf-extension work at Purdue. Toro distributors’ meeting made the change advisable—many southern green­ keepers go to the meetings with their distributors. Burton and Robinson should have a real show. Penn State’s Turf F ield Days, September 11 and 12, under H. B. Musser will be worth traveling for. “Turf Management,” USGA’s new book, is in the galley-proof stage. Look for announcements of its release. Dr. James R. Watson, Jr., who recently finished his studies for a Ph. D. at Penn State under USGA Green Section fellow­ ship and is now in turf research at Col­ lege Station, Texas, reports first annual Turf Field Day at the Experiment Station, with encouragement. Jim did a great job on soil compaction and irriga­ tion at Penn State. USGA Journal: August, 1950 33 IT’S YOUR HONOR Saving Water TO THE USGA: One of the most provocative articles I have read was "LET'S SAVE WATER" (USGA JOURNAL for April 1950). I believe this will be our Problem No. 1 in these near years to come and earnestly recommend your Association to fight ail it can, NOW, to help obviate such a terrible crisis as a serious shortage of water would produce. Should such a moment approach, everybody would howl to stop watering golf courses. Our best and most ade­ quate rejoinder would then be to point out that golf had been one of the first to see the danger sign and had done much more than the yowlers to attempt to ward it off. The way in which we human beings are attempting to push nature around these days can only bring disaster unless some of us realize what we are doing, and rea’ize it quickly. ALBERT E. ESCOLME La Paz, Bolivia PGA Support for "Golf House" TO THE USGA: In conformity with the authorization of our Executive Committee, it is a pleasure to enclose herewith our check as a con­ tribution to "Golf House." This does not by any means represent all that we would like to do in this connection, but is a token of our hearty support of the great work being done by the United States Golf Association and of our most sincere thanks. It is our sincere hope that your efforts in connection with "Golf House" will ultimately be productive of the fullest possible measure of success. With our assurance that it has been a distinct pleasure to have had this oppor­ tunity to be of assistance, even though in a small way, in the very fine work which you and your associates are doing, T. W. CRANE Executive Secretary, Professional Golfers' Association of America Rules Changes TO THE USGA: May I suggest to your committee on Rules that they change the Rules only once in five or ten years so that the Rules of Golf booklet will not be obsolete a few months after it is received. After all, the game of golf has been played for hundreds of years, and by now there should be a standardized set of rules. In your 1949 edition regarding casual water in a trap, the player is forced to take a penalty of one stroke and drop the ball either in the trap or behind the hazard. In the 1950 Rules the player may drop in the trap without penalty or drop in the fairway behind the trap, penalty one stroke. Yours for fewer changes in the Rules, LESTER G. STRONG Holyoke, Mass. Bouquet TO THE USGA: Just want to tell you what a wonder­ ful job all of you did at Merion during the Open. If a player didn't have a good time there, he never will. ROBERT N. BABBISH Detroit, Mich. Back to the Indians! EXTRACT FROM A LETTER FROM AN AMERICAN IN BOMBAY, INDIA: "I have played golf several times but am about to give it back to the Indians. "On every tee and in the clubhouse signs warn to beware of cobras. "When you tee off, boys armed with long poles to which are attached bells and red flags run after the ball screaming and waving these poles to keep the crows from carrying off the ball. I could use a shotgun to better purpose, but the crows are sacred. It's very much like a circus." Editor's Note: The USGA Journal invites comments on matters relating to the welfare of the game and will publish them as space permits.