USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT HARBINGER OF SPRING Photo Courtesy of Saucon Valley Country Club, Bethlehem, Pa. One can only hope the owner of this equipment has placed it here while he consults the USGA Rules of Goff. If so, he will find it a breach of etiquette to drop the golf bag on the putting green. He will also find that the Rule regarding the flagstick has been changed. We join his golfing friends in the hope that he is brushing up on the Rules. That would be an added harbinger of better golf in ’56. USSA JOURNAL MO TURF MANAGEMENT Published by the United States Coif Association Permission to reprint articles herein is freely granted (unless specifically noted otherwise) provided credit is given to the USGA Journal VOL. IX, No. 1 APRIL, 1956 Through the Green ___________________________________________________________ 1 What Game Do You Play? ___________________________________ Ralph W. Miller 5 Federal Tax Rulings Affecting Golf Clubs _______________________ Fraser M. Horn 7 My Most Memorable Golf Experience _____________________________ Gene Littler 9 Research—A Tool for Better Turf _______________________ Dr. Marvin H. Ferguson 10 The Caddie Sunday School Is a Perfect Golf Partner _____________ Eddie Williams 14 Curtis Cup Teams _____________________________________________ Harry L. Staley 16 Interested in Junior Golf? This Is Kenwood’s Answer _______ Joseph M. Gambatese 20 The Referee _________________________________________________________________ 22 Turf Management: USGA Green Section Tifgreen—An Improved Turf Bermuda Grass _____ B. P. Robinson and J. M. Latham, Jr. 26 Written Agreements for Superintendents ___________________ John G. Clock 29 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 40 EAST 38th ST., NEW YORK 16, N. Y. Subscription: $2 a year. Single copies: 30c. Subscriptions, articles, photographs, and correspondence should be sent to the above address. Entered as Second-class Matter March 3, 1950, at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., under the Act of March 8, 1879. Edited by Joseph C. Dey, Jr., and John P. English. Managing Editor: Harry L. Staley. All articles voluntarily contributed. USGA COMPETITIONS FOR 1956 ” International Matches CURTIS CUP—June 8 and 9 at Prince’s Golf Club, Sandwich, England. Women’s amateur teams: British Isles vs. United States AMERICAS CUP—October 27 and 28 at Club Campestre de la Ciudad de Mexico, D.F. Men’s amateur teams: Canada vs. Mexico vs. United States. Championship Open Amateur Public Links Women's Open Junior Amateur Senior Amateur Girls' Junior Amateur Women's Amateur Championships Entries Close Mav 18 Sectional Qualifying Rounds June 4 Championship Dates Tune 14-15-16 *June 1 tjune 17-23 July 9-14 July 13 July 6 July 20 Aug. 10 Aug. 10 Aug. 31 None July 24 Aug. 7 None July 26-27-28 Aug. 8-11 Aug. 20-25 Aug. 27-31 Aug. 28 Sept. 10-15 None Sept. 17-22 Location Oak Hill C. C., Rochester, N. Y. Harding Park G. C., San Francisco, Cal. Northland C. C., Duluth, Minn. Laconic G. C., Williams College, Williamstown, Mass. Somerset C. C., St. Paul, Minn. Heather Downs C. C., Toledo, Ohio Knollwood C. Lake Forest, Ill. Meridian Hills C. C., Indianapolis, Ind. Dates entries close mean last dates for applications to reach USGA office, except in the case of the Amateur Public Links Championship. For possible exceptions in dates of Sectional Qualifying Rounds, see entry forms. * Entries close with Sectional Qualifying Chairmen. t Exact date in each Section to be fixed by Sectional Chairmen. Clubs of Champions Three more clubs have been added to the USGA’s collection of Clubs of Champ­ ions in "Golf House.” From Ben Hogan, winner of the USGA Open Championship four times and the British Open Championship once, we re­ ceived a No. 4 wood which played an important role in his victories. The balls with which he finished the British and USGA Open Championships of 195 3 al­ ready were in "Golf House.” Robert A. Gardner, Amateur Champion in 1909 and 1915, used a center-shafted wooden putter in winning the 1915 Championship. It was given to the USGA Museum by Frank Rodia, of San Diego. When Miss Pat Lesser won the Women’s Amateur Championship at the Myers Park Country Club, Charlotte, N. C., last Au­ gust, one of the most helpful clubs in her bag was a pitching wedge. That club is now in "Golf House.” "In the final round, I used this wedge to chip up for one putt on five of the first six holes,” wrote Miss Lesser. Age Limit Lowered Metropolitan Golf Association has low­ ered the age limit in its Junior Champion­ ship to the 18 th birthday. This brings MG A into line with the three junior tour­ naments conducted on a national scale by the USGA, Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Hearst newspaper organization. The MGA Junior formerly had the 21st birthday as its age limit. The MGA did not consider that its Junior Championship was justified simply as a vehicle for displaying the prowess of young men who had matured sufficiently to play in men’s championships. Rather, it considered that its objective should be to indoctrinate young men and boys dur­ ing their formative years. WGA Changes Amateur The Western Golf Association has changed its Amateur Championship. The winner of the event, to be played late in May at Belle Meade Country Club, Nashville, Tenn., is scheduled to play 216 holes. This includes 72 holes of qualifying over three days, to be followed by 36-hole matches during the next four days for the low 16 golfers. Last year WGA adopted 72 holes of stroke play to qualify eight for 36-hole match play. The 1956 format adds 36 holes to the 195 5 playing schedule. In addition, the champion will not be exempt, but must qualify with the rest of the field. James L. O’Keefe, president, also has announced that all future tournament con­ tracts of the WGA will include the clause that no gambling can be connected offi­ cially with the championship. This will place the long established policy on record and put the weight of WGA’s position on the side of golf for fun. USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL, 1956 1 New Club — Yes and No The USGA Executive Committee, dur­ ing meetings held in January, considered the original model of the newly designed utility club called "Mr. Flipper.” New features built into the club are in the width of the sole, which is 1 % inches, the additional loft, possibly 4 de­ grees more than any other club now being made, and a goose neck. The Committee ruled that the club does not conform to Rule 2-2e, since the shaft and neck do not remain in line with the back of the heel, or with a point to right or left of the back of the heel. The manu­ facturer promptly announced that he would produce a revised model conform­ ing to the cited rule. He did. Golf For Charity The nation’s golfers will soon have an opportunity to match scores with some of the top golfers in the country, and to assist various charities at the same time. Jack Fleck and Fay Crocker, USGA Open and Women’s Open Champions, re­ spectively, will play against all challengers on Saturday, June 9, in the fifth annual National Golf Day. Various charities and golf projects receive the proceeds of this event, held this year under the sole spon­ sorship of the Professional Golfers’ Asso­ ciation. The Champions will play their rounds at the Oak Hill Country Club, Rochester, N. Y., site of the 1956 Open Championship. In a slightly different tournament, golfers may challenge any of several "champions” during the week of July 1 through 8 for the benefit of United Vol­ untary Services Swing Clubs, serving Vet­ erans Administration hospitals and military installations. The challenger may play, at handicap, against such golf-lovers as: Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Harvie Ward, Chick Evans, Fred Waring, Patty Berg and Phil Rodgers. Plans were recently announced for a proposed Golf Day to be held in June for the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Fund, Inc. Clubs throughout the country will be asked to join the fund raising drive by holding tournaments or special golfing events. The Fund is to provide support, through grants-in-aid, to approved tumor clinics and cancer treatment centers for advanc­ ing detection and treatment of cancer and allied diseases. Club Management School A short course in club management will be offered at Cornell University from Au­ gust 20 to 24, under the joint sponsorship of the University and the Club Managers Association of America. The program will feature a panel of experts on the subject of club management, drawn in part from the regular faculty of Cornell’s School of Hotel Administration and prominent men in the field. Carl J. Jehlen, General Manager, Baltus- rol Golf Club, Springfield, N. J., is in charge of arrangements for CMAA, and Professor J. W. Conner, Secretary of the Statler Club, is representing the University. Registration fee for the course, covering all class work, five luncheons and the clos­ ing banquet, will be $71. Inquiries and reservations may be sent to Mr. Conner, Statler Hall, Ithaca, N. Y. Sonny Hiskey The tragic death of Marion (Sonny) Hiskey in a plane crash has claimed one of golf’s talented young amateurs. A na­ tive of Pocatello, Idaho, Sonny was on duty as a First Lieutenant in the Air Force when the crash occurred. The winner of several championships in the Idaho area, including the Idaho State Amateur and Utah State Amateur Champ­ ionships in 1952 and 1953, Sonny was well known in Texas, where he attended North Texas State College. In 1952 he was medalist in the Mexican National Am­ ateur Tournament and individual champ­ ion of the National Association of Inter- Collegiate Athletics. 2 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL, 1956 Handicapping the Novice The USGA Golf Handicap System is the approved method for determining handicaps but, like every other system, it will not solve some unusual problems. One of the most difficult is that of de­ termining fair allowances for convention and resort tournaments which attract nov­ ice and occasional players. In August, 1948, the USGA Journal published an article which explained the popular handicap system, devised by Lionel F. Callaway, of Lakewood, N. Y., for just this type of event. Under the Callaway system, a player is permitted to deduct from his gross score a certain number of the highest inividual hole scores he has made, the number being dependent on his total gross score. Recently, Callaway revised his system so that a player may deduct only a certain number of the highest individual hole scores he has made on the first sixteen holes. Scores on the seventeenth and eighteenth holes are now disregarded in determining worst hole scores. The change tends to prevent players from artificially building up handicaps. Summaries of the Callaway Handicap System are available upon request from the USGA. Women’s Low Scores We have recorded from time to time low scores by women in golf competitions. On September 1, 1937, Mrs. Opal S. Hill scored a 66, with all putts holed, in the first match-play round of the Missouri Women’s Championship. Her nine-hole scores were 32 and 34. Several women subsequently had 66s in competition, notably Miss Grace Lenczyk in the 1949 Women’s Western Open and Mrs. George Zaharias in the Weathervane Tournament in Dallas in 1951. Miss Patty Berg scored a 64 in the first round of the Richmond, Cal. Open in April, 1952. Mrs. Ann Casey Johnstone, of Mason City, last year won her fourth Iowa State Women’s Amateur title. In her semi-final match on July 21, 195 5, Ann scored 30 on the second nine, the lowest women’s CONTRIBUTORS TO “GOLF HOUSE’’ FUND INDIVIDUALS J. E. Baell Austin M. Brisbois Miss Marv Finley George T. Ramsden Robert R. Walker CLUB Rolling Hills Country Club, Saudi Arabia nine-hole competitive score to our knowl­ edge. Her score for the eighteen was 71, four under women’s par. While we have no record of a score lower than 30 for nine holes by a woman, our records are not conclusive. We would appreciate information on this subject, if any is available. Chapin Elected To USGA Executive Committee William C. Chapin, of Rochester, N. Y., has been elected to the Executive Commit­ tee of the USGA, replacing Thomas H. Choate, of New York, who has resigned. Mr. Chapin was elected to fill the vacancy by the remaining members of the com­ mittee. A member of the USGA Sectional Af­ fairs Committee since 1951, he is now serving his second term as President of the Oak Hill Country Club, in Rochester, N. Y., scene of the 1956 Open Champion­ ship in June. He was President of the Rochester District Golf Association in 1954. Stacey Bender, Sr. Golf lost another ardent friend in the passing of Stacey Bender, Sr., who died at his home in Westfield, N. J. He was 77. Mr. Bender formerly was a member of the Sectional Affairs Committee of the USGA, President of the Metropolitan Golf Association for three terms, from 1932 to 1941, and a member of the Executive Com­ mittee of the New Jersey State Golf Association. USCA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL, 1956 3 Pitch-and-Putt Rules Occasionally we are asked about the appropriate penalty for a ball out of bounds on one of the new pitch-and-putt courses which are springing up throughout the country. The following answer may there­ fore be of general interest: "Inasmuch as the holes of the course vary from 62 to 128 yards in length and the total yardage is only 1,5 83, it might appear on the face of it that your situation would warrant unusual treatment. However, we see no reason to modify any Rule of Golf, includ­ ing the stroke-and-distance penalty for a ball out of bounds as provided for in Rule 29-1. "The very fact that the holes are all unusually short means that em­ phasis is placed upon accuracy. The shorter the hole, the more readily can the player control the stroke, theoreti­ cally. Without having seen your course, we would assume that only quite bad shots would go out of bounds. Should not the accurate play­ er have a decided advantage in such a case? The stroke-and-distance pen­ alty emphasizes the premium on con­ trol. "Do you not apply all other Rules of Golf uniformly on the 'Palms’ course? If you introduce one devia­ tion, no doubt reasons could be ad­ duced for softening other Rules, to the general detriment of the game. "We would assume that one object of the short course is to help educate new golfers. That being so, play by rules other than the Rules of Golf would be a disservice. "Rule 36-7b provides: 'A penalty imposed by a Rule of Golf shall not be waived by a Local Rule.’ "For these reasons we recommend that you observe the Rules of Golf uniformly, and we shall be grateful for your cooperation.” USGA Publications of General Interest THE RULES OF GOLF, as approved by the United States Golf Association and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland. Booklet, 25 cents (spe­ cial rates for quantity orders). THE RULES OF AMATEUR STATUS, a page. No charge. USGA GOLF HANDICAP SYSTEM FOR MEN, containing recommendations for comput­ ing Basic and Current Handicaps and for rating courses. Booklet, 25 cents. Poster, 10 cents. THE CONDUCT OF WOMEN'S GOLF, containing suggestions for guidance in the conduct of women's golf in clubs and associations, including tournament procedures, handi­ capping and course rating. 25 cents. HANDICAPPING THE UNHANDICAPPED, a reprint of a USGA Journal article explain­ ing the Callaway System of automatic handicapping for occasional players In a single tournament. No charge. TOURNAMENTS FOR YOUR CLUB, a reprint of a USGA Journal article detailing vari­ ous types of competitions. No charge. PROTECTION OF PERSONS AGAINST LIGHTNING ON GOLF COURSES, a poster. No charge. MOTION PICTURES: "The Rules of Golf—Etiquette," an official USGA film (16 mm. color, with sound, runs 17Vi min. Rental $15). Descriptive folder. No charge. "Inside 'Golf House'," an official USGA film (16 mm. black and white, with sound, runs 28 min. Rental $15. In combination with "The Rules of Golf—Etiquette," $25.) Descriptive folder. No charge. List of films on golf available from other sources. No charge. List of films on golf course maintenance available from other sources. No charge. HOLE-IN-ONE AWARDS. No charge. GAMBLING IN GOLF TOURNAMENTS, a reprint of a USGA journal article by Richard S. Tufts. No charge. MISTER CHAIRMAN, a reprint outlining the duties of the Chairman of the Green Com­ mittee. No charge. TURF MANAGEMENT, by H. B. Musser (Mc­ Graw-Hill Book Co., Inc.), the authorita­ tive book on greenkeeping. $7. USGA CHAMPIONSHIP RECORD BOOK. De­ tailed results of all USGA competitions since their start in 1895. $2. USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT, a 33-page magazine published seven times a year. $2. a year. These publications are available on request to the United States Golf Association, 40 East 38th Street, New York 16, N. Y. Please send Payment with your order. 4 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL, 1956 WHAT GAME DO RALPH W. MILLER by YOU PLAY? Member, USGA Junior Championship Committee Los Angeles, Cal. Golf, or is it something else? Are you sure you play the game of Rule 1 defines Golf as follows: "The Game of Golf consists in playing a ball from the teeing ground into the hole by successive strokes in accordance with the Rules.” Thus golf is not just playing a ball from the tee and eventually getting it into the hole. It must be done "by succes­ sive strokes in accordance with the Rules.” There are forty-one Rules in the present code. Each Rule is just as important as another. They are all related to each other, and a breach of one Rule often involves another. If you disregard one Rule, you might just as well disregard another and still an­ other, or, for that matter, all of them. How could you play golf without any Rules? Suppose you were going to play a match or a round of stroke play against someone, and there were no Rules. It might go something like this: On the first tee, you tee off between the markers. Your opponent^-however, tees his ball 100 yards in front of the markers and plays from there. Such a thing would, of course, be unfair, but since you are playing without Rules, there is nothing which prescribes where he shall tee off. His ball comes to rest behind a tree and, not liking its position, he lifts his ball, takes it out in the clear and tees it up so he can get a good shot. He hits the ball into a sand trap and, after several unsuccessful attempts to get it out, he picks it up and tosses it on the green. Reprinted by permission from The Junior Golfer, published by the Junior Golf Association of Southern California. RALPH MILLER Your ball is already on the green in three strokes, and you putt it in the hole. Your opponent then concedes himself his putt—a thirty-foot one. You have holed out in four strokes and he has taken at least six, besides several tosses, and he hasn’t even holed out yet. However, he says he, is not going to count all his strokes, and he gives himself a four for the hole. There being no Rules, there is nothing which requires him to count all his strokes and hole out his putts. And so on, hole after, hole, for the rest of the round your opponent continues to play just as it suits his fancy. „ When the round is finished, you claim to have won because you played each hole in fewer strokes than he did. However, there being no Rules, there is no way to USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL, 1956 determine how a hole, or a match, or a round is won. Your opponent might just as well claim that he won because he took more strokes than you did. To play without Rules is impossible, and to disregard even some of them leads to unfairness, arguments and strained friendships and can result in a horrible mess. Careless About Rules Many people are careless about observing certain of the Rules. The ones most com­ monly disregarded are the Rules which prohibit: 1. Cleaning or changing the ball on the green. 2. Asking advice. 3. Agreeing to disregard a Rule or to waive a penalty. 4. Improving the line of putt. 3. Improving the lie of the ball. A common excuse for not observing those Rules is that "we are not playing in a tournament.” The Rules of Golf are not just for tournaments. They are for playing golf, no matter when or where in casual play, as well as in competition. It is more fun and more enjoyable to play by the Rules—not just by some of them, but by all of them. Moreover, to do so sets an example to those who are careless about observing them. Some people criticize this or that Rule as being too technical or having no merit. If the truth were known, such persons probably never saw a Rule Book, or if they did, they never studied it. They neither know the reasons for the Rule they criticize nor the principle behind it. They are blindly arguing against the considered judgment and experience of generations of golf. The first known code of golf Rules was issued by the Honorable Company of Edinburgh Golfers about 1744. It con­ tained thirteen Rules, and it is interest­ ing to note that the majority of those original Rules still remain in principle. There is now one uniform code of Rules. It is the code which is jointly ap- USCA FILM LIBRARY Latest addition to USGA’s Film Library is “Inside Golf House,” a guided tour through the shrine of golf in America. The viewer is given an opportunity to see the many interesting exhibits in “Golf House,” USGA headquarters in New York, and to re-live golf triumphs of the past with many of the game’s im­ mortals. Lindsey Nelson, Assistant Sports Director of the National Broadcasting Company, is the narrator. The film is a 16 mm. black and white production with a running time of 28 minutes. Thus far, more than 450 bookings have been made for USGA’s motion picture, “The Rules of Golf—Etiquette.” The film stresses the importance of etiquette by portrayal of various violations of the code in the course of a family four-ball match. Ben Hogan appears in several scenes, and Robert T. Jones, Jr., makes the introduc­ tory statement. A 16 mm. Kodachrome production, the film has a running time of 17 Vz minutes. The distribution of both prints is handled by National Educational Films, Inc., 165 West 46th Street, New York 36, N. Y., which produced the films in cooperation with the USGA. The rental is $15 per film or $25 in combination at the same time, including the cost of ship­ ping prints to the renter. proved by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club, of St. Andrews, Scotland, and the United States Golf Association. That code governs the play of golf all over the world. There is a reason, and a good reason, for each Rule. They are based upon fair play, and the two basic principles involved in the Rules are: 1. Play the course as you find it. 2. Play the ball as it lies. Each His Own Referee In golf each player is primarily his own referee. He is on his honor. Golf is, there­ fore, a game for sportsmen. A sportsman is defined as: "One who is fair and honorable in sports; a good loser and a gracious winner.” A true sportsman will play fair and will not take an advantage, and, you may be assured, he will observe the Rules of the game—all of them. 6 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL, 1956 FEDERAL TAX RULINGS by AFFECTING GOLF CLUBS FRASER M. HORN USGA General Counsel Conscious as most golf club members probably are of the 20%' tax they pay annually to the federal government on their club dues, there are other taxes ap­ plicable to golf clubs and membership therein with which it is believed they should also1 be familiar. Aspects of some of these taxes have been the subject of Revenue Rulings over the past year and it is to these rulings that this article is directed. Club Dues and Fees Section 4241 (a) (1) of the Internal Revenue Code makes the following pro­ vision for the 20%i tax on club dues: "A tax equivalent to 20%’ of any amount paid as dues or membership fees to any social, athletic, or sporting club or organization, if the dues or fees of an active resident annual member are in excess of $10 per year.” Two other subsections to Section 4241 provide for a 20%> tax on initiation fees and life memberships. Section 4242 (a) defines "dues” as fol­ lows: "As used in this part the term 'dues’ includes any assessment, irrespective of the purpose for which made, and any charges for social privileges or facili­ ties, or for golf, tennis, polo, swimming, or other athletic or sporting privileges or facilities, for any period of more than six days; * * * ” While Section 4241 (b) provides that the taxes imposed shall be paid by the per­ son paying dues, fees or holding a life membership, Section 4291 requires clubs to bill and collect this tax. If a member fails to pay the tax, the club is required FRASER M. HORN to report such fact, by letter, to the Dis­ trict Director of Internal Revenue, who then collects by direct assessment. 1 R B 1955 No. 29, Sec. 601. 104 (5). That 20%f is a substantial tax rate can hardly be questioned. Further, such a high rate has undoubtedly created hardships on bona fide athletic and recreational clubs where additional memberships have been needed and would have been forthcoming were it not for the tax. Periodically, efforts have been made to have this tax reduced. In fact, the USGA brought the matter to the attention of member clubs at the annual meeting in January, 1954. Doubtless, methods were devised to avoid the impact of the tax, such as instituting service charges to take care of needed rev­ enue instead of increasing dues. Perhaps this tendency gave rise to Revenue ruling 5 5-318 issued in May, 1955, which was addressed specifically to club charges for optional use or rental of lockers and bath­ houses for more than six days. It was ruled that amounts paid for such use or rental constitute dues and are subject to the 20%» federal tax. Prior to this ruling, no attempt has been made to tax such USCA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL, 1956 7 payments where the use or service was optional with the members. The ruling was not applied retroactively. It would seem to follow that charges by a club for storage and cleaning of golf clubs would also be subject to this tax. However, there would appear to be con­ siderable doubt that the tax should be as­ sessed in situations where this service is provided by the club professional and the club merely bills and collects the amounts charged for the account of the profes­ sional. Life and Honorary Memberships Although no tax is assessed as such on the amount paid for a life membership, Section 4241 (a) (3) of the Code specif­ ically provides for an annual dues tax on life members equal to the tax upon the amount paid annually by active resident members. Prior to Revenue ruling 5 5-198, issued in April, 195 5, certain special classes of honorary memberships were generally considered exempt from this tax. These classes included honorary memberships to public officials, ministers, outstanding ath­ letic or public figures, extraordinary long­ time members and widows of deceased members. Under this ruling, however, all honorary memberships, other than those granted for a definite period of time, are considered life members. The reservation of the right to terminate a life member­ ship at any time does not take it out of that category. Consequently, most honor­ ary memberships are now considered life memberships subject to annual tax. The exceptions would appear to be those mem­ berships which are honorary by reason of some public office having a definite ter­ mination date, or such memberships as are limited to a specified period of time. In this connection it might be well for clubs to review their honorary member­ ships with the view toward avoiding pos­ sible embarrassment. For example, during and after the last war there were outstand­ ing military men who became heroes. To do them honor and respect, they were of­ fered honorary memberships in clubs. The clubs had no intention of involving the recipient of such membership in a tax lia­ bility, and the recipient of the honor would, on his part, often graciously accept such membership without any intention of mak­ ing use of the facilities of the club. Since under this ruling such honorary member appears to be subject to the tax, it might be appropriate for the club to consider paying the tax or at least to advise the honorary member of his liability and give him an opportunity to decline the membership. Tournament Gambling On March 5 th of this year, Revenue ruling 56-72 was issued regarding a "Cal­ cutta” pool conducted by a hotel corpo­ ration in connection with a golf tourna­ ment it sponsored. Pursuant to this ruling, the hotel is liable under Section 4401 of the Code for the 10% tax on wagering. This includes the amount for which tickets are sold, as well as the amount for which players are auctioned. The hotel is also liable for the $50 spe­ cial tax under Section 4411, as is each individual or officer of the hotel corpora­ tion who received wagers for or on the hotel’s behalf. In this instance, the hotel retained a portion of the receipts for pro­ moting the following year’s tournament. The retention of a percentage of the pool and the indirect benefits accruing to the hotel from the tournament, supported in part by the wagering, constituted a wager­ ing pool conducted for profit within the purview of Sections 4401, 4411 and 4421 of the Code. This ruling raises two rather serious questions. First, does a club which retains part of the pool come within the scope of this ruling which specifically involved a hotel? Second, could the amount which a club takes out of such a pool be so sub­ stantial as to cause that club to lose its favorable tax-exempt status under Section 501 (c) (7) on the ground that it is no longer operated "exclusively” for non- profitable purposes? It is recommended that member clubs refer problems of this nature to their local club attorneys. 8 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL, 1956 MY MOST MEMORABLE GOLF EXPERIENCE by GENE LITTLER USGA Amateur Champion, 1953, now a Professional J believe my most memorable experience in golf was in the final of the Cali­ fornia Amateur Championship at Pebble Beach in 1949 with MacGregor Hunter, of Los Angeles. At least it was a match I shall never forget. I was 5 down after the morning round and had not played too well. In the after­ noon I started playing a little better and evened the match at the 3 5 th hole after chipping over Mac’s ball, which had sty­ mied me, into the hole. We were both on the last green in three, each about 15 or 18 feet from the hole. I was away with a side-hill putt, and I made it. Of course, I thought the match all but over, being in with a birdie 4. Mac had his down-hill putt on a fast green to keep the match alive. He made it, too. We went to the first tee, the 37th, and both hit good drives. Mac was away. His shot wasn’t a bad one, but it bounced down into the deep trap on the right side of the green. With the pin on the right, the next shot was a difficult one for him. I was pretty sure he couldn’t make a par from there, so I played a safe shot to the left side of the green, where I could have at least an even chance at a par. I was confident I couldn’t lose the hole and thought that if I could get down in 2 I would win. Mac climbed down into the bunker and took a swing. It was a beauti­ ful shot and the ball trickled down into the hole. I was dumbfounded that he even could have gotten the ball close from that position. I was off the putting surface a couple of feet and decided to chip the GENE LITTLER ball. This decision proved to be the right one. I holed out. We halved the next hole, a par 5, in birdies, and I lost the next hole, the 39th of the match, after missing the green to the left and taking three to get down. Hunter was the victor to end the most exciting golf match I ever played. USGA IOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL, 1956 9 RESEARCH—A TOOL FOR BETTER TURF by DR. MARVIN H. FERGUSON Southwestern Director and National Research Coordinator, USGA Green Section Research, of itself, does not provide better turf. Research provides many new tools, but it is the user of those tools, the golf course superintendent, who pro­ duces better turf for better golf. The standards of golf course mainte­ nance have indeed reached progressively higher levels. Why? Perhaps there is no single reason for this improvement. The demands of golfers for better playing con­ ditions have had much to do with the progress. The willingness of golfers to pay for improved playing conditions has, for the most part, kept pace with their de­ mands for improvement. Then, perhaps, we ought to consider the fact that golf course maintenance in the United States has reached a certain degree of maturity. Pioneers in the busi­ ness of maintaining golf courses will re­ member that standards of maintenance were not very high thirty years ago. The first golf courses in this country were maintained under the supervision of pro­ fessionals or by greenkeepers who had come to this country from England or Scotland. Maintenance of turf for golf use in this country had no precedent or experience and it was necessary to borrow from the countries from whence golf came to us. We owe much to these men who came to us and contributed their knowl­ edge and experience. Fortunately, the first golf courses in America were in the North­ east. The climatic characteristics of our northeastern states approach those of Eng­ land and Scotland more nearly than do those of any other section of our country. For that reason, our borrowed information on maintenance worked quite well. DR. MARVIN H. FERGUSON New Problems As golf has moved to all parts of the United States, new conditions have been encountered and it has been found that many new problems are associated with those conditions. The modern golf course superintendent in America, to be success­ ful, must use knowledge and tools that were unavailable to his predecessors of thirty or forty years ago. We must ac­ knowledge that much of the progress has been accomplished and many of our meth­ ods have evolved from trial and error. One of the greatest contributions to better turf for better golf has been the spirit of sharing knowledge and experience. This is the spirit fostered by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and by the many local superintendents as­ sociations. The profession would never have reached its present stage of maturity without this spirit of helpfulness and shar­ ing. No amount of knowledge, experi­ ence, or new developments would have made so great an impact upon the excel­ lence of golf course turf if the members of this profession had not been prompted 10 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL. 1956 to share their knowledge and experience. Now, let us consider another reason for the improvement of turf on golf courses, i.e., research. Research is rather difficult to describe in exact terms. It takes many forms. We normally think of basic or fundamental research and applied or prac­ tical research. We have a rather difficult time, however, when we attempt to place a bit of research in one category or the other. We are quite likely to find that research thought to be of fundamental nature today is of intensely practical im­ portance tomorrow. Perhaps the most startling example we can mention is in the field of atomic science. Fifteen years ago, few of us imagined that by the year 1956 we would have submarines and elec­ trical generators powered by atomic en­ ergy. Fifteen years ago, the nuclear phys­ icists, with their theories and laboratory experiments, were thought to be indulging in the purest form of fundamental re­ search. Yet, we realize now that we are on the threshold of an era in which atomic energy may be our major source of power. Fundamental Research We have no developments in the field of turfgrass management as spectacular as the development of atomic energy, but we have many examples of fundamental research having produced tools that are of great practical importance. Organic chemists, through pure research, have pro­ duced numerous fungicides and insecti­ cides which have an important place in practical turfgrass management. Practical or applied research is a little closer to our work than is basic research and we have a tendency to appreciate it more. It is the kind of research where one tests herbicides or other materials under a given set of conditions. The best mater­ ial is found in a relatively short time and the information is ready to be put to work immediately. This kind of research can be done by a golf course superintendent and it is no less important in the overall picture than is the elaborate investigation of a highly trained scientist. We like to think of all types of research as being parts of a factory for developing building blocks of knowledge. One type of research turns out a particular type of block while another phase of research develops a different type block of knowl­ edge. We use blocks of knowledge of many different kinds in building a sound pro­ gram of turfgrass maintenance. Because we build our programs under different conditions, we may not all use the same kinds of building blocks or we may use them in different proportions. Sometimes blocks of knowledge are developed prior to the time our building has progressed to the point where we can use them. A good example is DDT. This com­ pound was first described by a German chemist named Zeidler in 1874. It was not until 1939 that its insecticidal value became known. In 1943, the material began to be manufactured in the United States for use by the armed forces and became widely used as an insecticide about 1946. A period of 72 years elapsed be­ tween the time this addition to our knowl­ edge was discovered and the time it found a place in the structure which represents our turf management program. When we contemplate developments of this kind, we cannot escape the conclusion that the development of new information is worthwhile even when the newly dis­ covered facts are not immediately usable. Sooner or later we are quite likely to find the place where these building blocks of knowledge can be incorporated into our structure. Positive Contributions Let us enumerate some of the positive contributions that research has made to the business of turf management in the last 10 years. We think that research pro­ duces results slowly, and to get a better measurement of progress we must pick out some reference point in time past. In enumerating the contributions, we do not differentiate between practical, "on the golf course” research, institutional re­ search, and industrial research. All have contributed richly to better turf manage­ ment. USCA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL, 1956 11 NEW GRASSES: Merion bluegrass, Meyer zoy­ sia, Emerald zoysia, Tiffine Bermuda, Tiflawn Bermuda, Gene Tift Bermuda, T-3 5A Bermuda, Pennlu bent, Penncross bent, and many other lesser known strains and varieties. NEW FERTILIZERS: Urea-formaldehyde prod­ ucts and high analysis soluble materials. NEW INSECTICIDES: DDT, chlordane, ben­ zene hexachloride, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, isodrin, methoxychlor, parathion, heptachlor, toxaphene, systox, and many others. NEW FUNGICIDES: Cadmium compounds, new organic mercury materials, and complex mix­ tures of fungicidal materials for control of a broad range of pathogenic fungi. NEW HERBICIDES: 2,4-D is a little more than 10 years old but many new formulations and methods of use have evolved in the last 10 years. Potassium cyanate, phenyl mercury compounds, methyl bromide, disodium methyl arsenate. NEW TOOLS: Aeration equipment, vertical mowers, power sod cutters, improvements in older standard items of equipment. Somewhat less definite, but equally im­ portant, are the contributions to a better understanding of many standard practices such as irrigation, fertilization, cultiva­ tion, physical characteristics of soils, and thatch control. This list of improvements is rather impressive when we remember that it represents only ten years of prog­ ress. Any person engaged in turf manage­ ment today would feel that he was work­ ing under a severe handicap if any of these tools were taken away from him. One could not provide the excellent golf turf that is demanded today if he were ten years behind the times. If we were to use February, 1926, as our reference point from which to measure progress, the developments would be even greater. As a matter of fact, the Bulletin of the USGA Green Section for 1926 con­ tains the address by Dr. R. A. Oakley, made at a meeting of the Royal Canadian Golf Association in Toronto on February 6, 1926. That was just 30 years ago. The title of Dr. Oakley’s paper was "Contribu­ tions to Greenkeeping by the Trained In­ vestigator.” Dr. Oakley listed two general ways in which a trained investigator might contribute. These ways are: "(1) by ex­ posing mysterious and fake practices and materials and doing away with honest but erroneous practices, and (2) by making discoveries in new lines.” Fortunately, now­ adays we have few "mysterious and fake practices” which need exposing. We be­ lieve that trained investigators are still "making discoveries in new lines.” Dr. Oakley’s paper also sheds some light on the status of pest control in 1926. The following three paragraphs are quoted from his paper. "Putting greens have their diseases and insect pests. Fortunately in Canada the notorious disease of putting greens called brown-patch is as yet not a serious prob­ lem. Southward in the United States it constitutes one of the most serious putt­ ing green menaces. Trained investigators are at work on it and already have done much in developing measures for its control. These involve the use of re­ sistant strains of grasses, special fungi­ cides, fertilizers, and the adaptation of certain of the features of culture com­ mon to greenkeeping. “In the fight against earthworms and insects which injure turf, the trained investigator has helped and promises greater help. The improvement of the carbon disulfid emulsion method of ex­ terminating grubs has assisted very greatly in solving the problem created by the June bettie, Japanese beetle, and others of their kind. Within a few days there will be published the results of three years’ experiments which point quite clearly to the possibility of ren­ dering the soil of putting greens im­ mune to the attacks of earthworms and grubs by mixing with it certain sub­ stances that are poisonous to these pests but are not harmful to the grasses. Lead arsenate and sodium silicofluoride have been used very successfully in experi­ ments, but a large number of others will be tried out thoroughly. This line of investigation promises much. "Diseases and insect pests are serious enough, but after all are secondary as compared with weeds. When the earth was cursed to bring forth 'thorns and 12 USCA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL, 1956 thistles,’ chickweed, pearlwort, crab­ grass, and a dozen other putting green weeds were included with them. The weed problem is always before the green­ keeper. It is his Nemesis. Thus far hand methods have been his heavy artillery in the fight against nearly all of the important putting green weeds. Rela­ tively recently, however, careful investi­ gations have pointed to another and simpler method of warfare. In brief, it involves the systematic and continuous use of such fertilizer as ammonium sul­ phate and ammonium phosphate, nitro­ genous fertilizers which tend to produce an acid condition in the soil. The ex­ planation seems to be relatively simple. The best northern putting green grasses —that is, the bents-— are able to thrive on soils that are regarded as highly acid to a much greater degree than can the weeds that compete seriously with them on relatively alkaline soils. Fertilizing to produce acidity in the soil, then, is the greenkeeper’s hope in his fight against weeds in the future—not all weeds probably, but the most trouble­ some ones. This means that he must avoid lime or similar alkaline substances which have been used extensively either as soil amendments or fertilizers in the past.” Of course, we believe now that the theory of producing acid soils to control weeds was a faulty one. We believe you will agree, however, that pest control is easier now than it was thirty years ago today. What of Future? Thus far, we have considered the con­ tributions research has made in the matter of tools for turf management. What of the future? Is research being done at the present time going to contribute to turf excellence in the future? We believe the answer is "yes.” There are approximately ten times as many in­ vestigators in the field of turfgrass research today as there were ten years ago. About half of the state experiment stations have some turf investigations in progress. There NEW MEMBERS OF THE USGA Regular Arrowhead Country Club, S. D. Bridgehampton Club, N. Y. Campbellsville Country Club, Ky. Dartmouth Country Club, Mass. Forsyth Country Club, N. C. Fort Morgan Country Club, Colo. Harlingen Country Club, Texas Jordan Point Country Club, Va. Lake Forest Country Club, Texas Merrill Hills Country Club, Wis. New Bern Golf and Country Club, N. C. Pine Brook Country Club, N. C. Pine Valley Country Club, N. C. Pleasant Valley Country Club, Pa. Shenandoah Retreat Country Club, Va. Sleepy Hollow Golf Club, W. Va. South Hills Country Club, Cal. Southmoor Country Club, W. Va. Stanly County Country Club, Ohio Sulphur Springs Country Club, Texas Associate Coonamessett Golf Club, Mass. Foundation Club, Ga. is a greater awareness of the value of turf than ever before. The individual who owns a lawn or the public authority which maintains a park area has a stake in better turfgrass management. As greater pressure is brought to bear upon state institutions in behalf of turf research, more effort is going to be directed to the solution of turfgrass problems. Much information that is developed as a result of this demand will be directly usable on golf courses. There can be little doubt that research will continue to produce building blocks of knowledge or tools whereby a turfgrass manager can do a better job. Whether these additional tools contribute to better turf for better golf depends entirely upon the golf course superintendent. It is he who must take the building blocks of information that research develops and fit them together in the structure of a sound turf management program. Golf course superintendents have demonstrated that they are good builders throughout the history of golf in America. We will con­ tinue to have "better turf for better golf.” USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL, 1956 13 THE CADDIE SUNDAY SCHOOL IS A PERFECT GOLF PARTNER by EDDIE WILLIAMS Golf Professional, Louisville Country Club, Louisville, Ky. Early Sunday morning golfers carry their own clubs at Louisville Coun­ try Club. There are plenty of caddies around, but they are not for hire—that is, not until the boys have returned from the caddie Sunday School held at the ninth green. Started several summers ago, the caddie Sunday School is now an honored tradition at Louisville Country Club. It offers each boy an opportunity to continue working as a caddie without forfeiting the benefits to be derived from Sunday morning re­ ligious services. This unique Sunday School, thought to be the only one of its kind in the country, is the direct result of the sincere concern of the Professional at Louisville Country Club over the fact that caddies were unable to attend their respective religious services on Sunday morning, due to their presence at the golf course, After devoting consid­ erable thought to the situation, the matter was brought to the attention of the Rev­ erend Edwin Perry, pastor of the Broadway Baptist Church. Mr. Perry agreed with the Professional’s thoughts on the situation, and suggested that a combined effort be made to "bring the church to the boys.” This was the beginning of the caddie Sunday ' l School. Non-Sectarian Service During the first summer, Mr. Perry ar­ ranged for students of the Southern Bap­ tist Theological Seminary to conduct ser­ vices of the caddie church. Since the boys represented many religious backgrounds, the service was non-sectarian. Several of the boys were attending Sunday School for the first time. No sanctuary was needed. It is doubtful that a more perfect natural setting could have been found than the area around the ninth green of the Louisville course. The pulpit was the broad expanse of the green; the pews, a shaded, sloping bank at the green’s edge. From where they gathered for the service, the boys could look down neatly trimmed fairways, lined by majestic trees, swaying gently in the morning breezes. It was quiet, beautiful, inspiring —an ideal place of worship. In this setting, the "ninth hole Sunday School” soon became an established part of caddie life at Louisville Country Club. However, the climax of its success was yet to come. It remained for Bernie Alwes, a professional sign painter, to completely capture and maintain caddie interest in the Sunday School. Late in the first summer, Bernie ap­ peared one Sunday morning to give one of his well-known chalk talks to the boys. He walked to the ninth green with them, placed his easel at the edge of the green and began the service. Deftly drawing pic­ tures as he talked, Bernie’s approach to religion strongly attracted the attention of his congregation. They all liked it and they all wanted more of Bernie. The at­ traction was mutual and Bernie agreed to return the next Sunday. He’s been return­ ing every Sunday since. A Former Caddie No theologian, Bernie relies on his ex­ periences, personal observations and artistic talent to bring the message to the boys. He, too, grew up in the same area and caddied at Louisville Country Club from the time he was 12. He understands the problems of boys, particularly caddies, and his presentations find in them an appre­ ciative audience. In a typical service, Bernie talked to 14 USCA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL. 1956 Ninth Hole Sunday School A Louisville Courier-Journal Photo. Members of Louisville Country Club's Caddie Sunday School listen intently as Bernie Alwes delivers another of his chalk talks. Services are held at the ninth hole location every Sunday morning during the summer. the boys about "the size of God.” Illus­ trating his point, he drew pictures of a huge man, towering over a tree and a house. Then he acknowledged that "no­ body knows how big God is.” He drew on his experiences in the Navy during World War II in a brief, direct, under­ standable talk. As he closed with a prayer, the only noise was the chirping of the birds as the boys bowed silently. After each service, Bernie stays for a while to talk informally with the caddies. He gets to know them pretty well and tries to maintain contact, particularly dur­ ing the winter. One Christmas he per­ sonally visited the home of each boy to present him with a pocket knife. The club sees that Bernie is remunerated for his services. His efforts have been successful. The caddie Sunday School opens each summer with Bernie at his easel, and a steady, interested congregation waiting to share the message. Club Members Delighted Louisville Country Club members are delighted with Bernie’s success, and stead­ fastly maintain that the benefits of the Sunday School are lasting and noticeable ones. Club members have frequently com­ mented on the markedly improved be­ havior of the caddies on the course. They are content to credit the lessons taught at the Sunday School for the improvement. There are important lessons of life to be learned, if one is so inclined, in the game of golf. To these lessons, the club Professional has added those of religious significance to be learned in the Sunday School. They make a perfect match. The young men privileged to enjoy both can only be better men for the experience. USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL. 1956 15 CURTIS CUP TEAMS HARRY L. STALEY by USGA Executive Assistant "For this year’s Curtis Cup match we can have the utmost confidence and we shall be very disappointed if our girls do not win. ... We shall give the Americans a very warm welcome, but will say right now that we don’t think they stand a chance this time.” These are the words of Golf Illustrated, British golf weekly, and they typify Brit­ ish sentiment regarding the ninth Curtis Cup Match to be played at Prince’s Golf Club, Sandwich, England, on June 8 and 9. The British are optimistic and deter­ mined to make a strong bid for Curtis Cup honors with what they consider one of their better teams. On this side of the Atlantic, the eight women golfers carrying United States hopes for victory will board the S.S. Amer­ ica in New York on May 26. Led for the second time by Mrs. Harrison F. Flippin, of Ardmore, Pa., non-playing Captain, the Team is equally determined to retain pos­ session of the Curtis Cup. The seven playing members are: Mrs. Philip J. Cudone, Caldwell, N. J. Miss Mary Ann Downey, Baltimore, Md. Miss Patricia Lesser, Seattle, Wash. Miss Jane Nelson, Indianapolis, Ind. Miss Polly Riley, /Fort Worth, Texas Miss Barbara Romack, Sacramento, Cal. Miss Margaret (Wiffi) Smith, St. Clair, Mich. Mrs. Scott Probasco, Jr., of Lookout Mountain, Tenn., was originally named to the team, but declined the invitation. Mrs. Cudone, first alternate, replaced Mrs. Probasco. Alternates named, other than Mrs. Cu­ done, were Miss Jacqueline Yates, of Red­ lands, Cal., and Miss Ann Quast, of Marys­ ville, Wash. In addition to Curtis Cup play, all mem­ bers of the Team will compete in the Brit­ ish Championship at Sunningdale Golf Club, Sunningdale, England, from June 26 through 29. The Misses Nelson, Ro­ mack and Smith will also play in the French Championship at Chantilly, France, from June 14 through 17. The British Isles will field a Team led by Mrs. Sloan M. Bolton, of Ireland, non­ playing Captain. Other members are: Miss Veronica Anstey, England Miss Philomena Garvey, Ireland Mrs. Nigel Howard (Ann Phillips), England Miss Elizabeth Price, England Miss Janette Robertson, Scotland Mrs. Roy Smith (Frances Stephens), England Mrs. George Valentine (Jessie Anderson), Scotland Miss Angela Ward, England Of the eight prior matches, the United States has won six, British Isles one, and one match was halved. Sketches of the United States Captain and players follow: Mrs. Harrison F. Flippin Mrs. Flippin, the non-playing Captain, is serving in that capacity for the second time. She was non-playing Captain of the 1954 Team, which defeated the British Isles, 6 to 3, at the Merion Golf Club, Ardmore, Pa. She attended Bryn Mawr, lives in Ardmore, Pa., and is a member 16 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL. 1956 of the Merion Golf Club. She is the United States Senior Women’s Golf Association Champion and Chairman of the USGA Women’s Committee. MRS. HARRISON F. FLIPPIN As Miss Edith Quier, she won the East­ ern and Pennsylvania Championships in 1936, and has held the Philadelphia Championship on three occasions. She de­ feated Miss Marlene Stewart, the Canadian and former British Champion, in the first round of the Women’s Amateur Champ­ ionship last summer. Mrs. Philip J. Cudone Mrs. Cudone is the Metropolitan New York Champion, but this is her first ap­ pearance on the Curtis Cup Team. She represents Montclair (N. J.) Golf Club and lives in West Caldwell, N. J. Mrs. Cudone was a semi-finalist in the Women’s Amateur Championship in 195 3, lost in the fifth round in 1954, and in the third round last year. She is the New Jer­ sey match-play champion and has been the New Jersey stroke-play champion for the last four years. She is a member of the board of the Women’s Metropolitan Golf Association. MRS. PHILIP j. CUDONE Miss Mary Ann Downey Miss Downey lives in Baltimore, Md., attended Chestnut Hill College, and rep­ resents the Baltimore Country Club. This is her first appearance on the Team, al­ though she was second alternate in 1954. She has reached the fourth round of the USGA Women’s Amateur the last two years. She is the Eastern Champion, and MISS MARY ANN DOWNEY USGA IOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL, 1956 17 foursomes. She did not compete in singles competition. Miss Jane Nelson Miss N|elson, a teacher of social studies in Indianapolis, was runner-up in the Wo­ men’s Amateur Championship last year. She attended Indiana University and rep­ resents the Country Club of Indianapolis. previously won the title in 1953. She won the 1951 Trans-Mississippi Championship and was runner-up to Miss Riley in that event last year. In 1954 she won the Mary­ land Championship for the third time. Miss Downey is a member of the board of the Women’s Trans-Mississippi, South­ ern and Western Golf Associations. Miss Patricia Lesser Miss Lesser, the USGA Women’s Am­ ateur Champion, lives in Seattle, Wash., where she is a senior at Seattle University and plays at the Sand Point Country Club. She was a member of the 1954 Team. MISS JANE NELSON A first-time member of the Team, she won the Indianapolis District Champion­ ship last year for the third time and has won the Tri-State Championship (Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio) for the last two years. She lost in the quarter-finals of the West­ ern Amateur in 1954 and was runner-up the previous year. In 1952 she was Indiana State Champion, and was runner-up in 1951 and 1953. Miss Polly Riley Miss Riley, who is playing on her fifth Curtis Cup Team, is employed in the man­ ager’s office of an aircraft manufacturer in Fort Worth, Texas, and plays at the River Crest Country Club. In the 1948 Match at Birkdale, England, she defeated Miss Maureen Ruttie, 3 and 2, but did not compete in foursomes. She was beaten in the second round of the British Championship. In the 1950 Match, she defeated Mrs. Valentine, 7 and 6, and again did not compete in foursomes. In the MISS PATRICIA LESSER She is also the Western Amateur and the South Atlantic Champion and has been second amateur in the Women’s Open Championship the last two years. In 1953 she won the Collegiate and Pacific North­ west Championships and was first amateur in the Women’s Open. Miss Lesser was the USGA Girls’ Junior and Western Jun­ ior Champion in 1950. In the 1954 Match at Merion, she and Miss Claire Doran (now Mrs. Robert J. Stancik) defeated Mrs. George Valentine and Miss Philomena Garvey, 6 and 5, in 18 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL, 1956 MISS POLLY RILEY 1952 Match, she defeated Miss Moira Pat­ erson, 6 and 4, but she and Miss Pat O’Sul­ livan lost to Miss Paterson and Miss Garvey, 2 and 1, in foursomes. She lost in the fourth round of the British Champ­ ionship to Miss Jeanne Bisgood, 4 and 3. In the 1954 Match, she defeated Miss Elizabeth Price, 6 and 4, in foursomes. She has been an officer and/or director of the Women’s Southern Golf Association for the last seven years. Miss Barbara Romack Miss Barbara Romack, the Women’s Am­ ateur Champion in 1954, and runner-up in the British Championship in 195 5, is a life insurance sales representative in Sac­ ramento, Cal., and represents the Del Paso Country Club. She was a member of the 1954 Team. Miss Romack was the 1953 Canadian Champion and won the Sacramento Valley Open that year. In 1952, she won the North and South and the California Championships. In the 1954 Match, she and Miss Doro­ thy Kirby defeated Mrs. R. T. Peel and Miss Janette Robertson, 6 and 5, in four­ somes, but she did not play in singles. She is a member of the USGA Girls’ Junior Committee and a committee mem­ ber of the Women’s Golf Association of Northern California. Miss Margaret (Wiffi) Smith A new member of the Team and, at 19, its youngest member, Miss Smith lives MISS BARBARA ROMACK in St. Clair, Mich., and represents the St. Clair Country Club. Miss Smith was a quarter-finalist in the USGA Women’s Amateur the last two years and a semi-finalist in 1953. She reached the third round of the British Championship in 1954, losing to Miss Marlene Stewart, and was the 1954 Girls’ Junior Champion. She now holds the Mich­ igan and Detroit District Championships and was the Mexican Champion in 1953. MISS MARGARET (WIFFI) SMITH USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL, 1956 19 INTERESTED IN JUNIOR GOLF? THIS IS KENWOOD’S ANSWER by JOSEPH M. GAMBATESE Chairman, Junior Golf Committee, Kenwood Golf and Country Club, Bethesda, Md. What can my club do to stimulate interest in junior golf? With a new season fast approaching, many club offi­ cials are probably attempting to answer this question as they complete summer plans. An example of what can be done with junior golf on the club level is the pro­ gram of Kenwood Golf and Country Club in Bethesda, Md. Kenwood junior golfers are now preparing for what promises to be their most active program to date. Last year, 130 participants were attracted, most of them in the 12 to 14 age group. Program Objectives In analyzing Kenwood’s rapid success with junior golf, it is well to begin with the objectives of the program as outlined by the club’s Junior Golf Committee. The first objective is to enable Kenwood fam­ ilies to derive the maximum benefit of their membership. Secondly, the program teaches juniors how to play properly, en­ joy golf, and how to conduct themselves on the course. Indirectly, the program has the added benefit of publicizing Kenwood as an active club interested in junior golf, thus making the club more attractive to present and prospective members. A study of last year’s schedule of events reveals why Kenwood’s juniors responded so enthusiastically. The formal program began with golf movies in mid-May, and ended in late August with a Field Day and picnic supper to award season trophies and prizes. Highlight of the picnic supper was the showing of 200 feet of 8 mm. color movies taken as the junior program pro­ gressed. The movies will be expanded this summer. As a prelude to the season, the Junior Golf Committee sponsored the District of Columbia’s first Junior Girl’s Talent Hunt in May. As a postlude, the juniors were guests of the Kenwood women golfers in a lady-junior foursome tournament in Oc­ tober. During the summer, the juniors took part in a well-planned, active program designed to build and maintain interest. There was constantly something to do and something worth while on the way. There were five weekly clinics; a clinic-exhibi­ tion featuring the then Women’s Amateur Champion, Miss Barbara Romack, and other top women golfers; a midget tourna­ ment; a parent-junior twilight event; and the junior championships by age groups. To keep the Kenwood juniors informed of planned activities, six newsletters were mailed during the summer. Each news­ letter was printed on a distinctive letter­ head with a three-hole punch for suitable placement in a notebook. In this manner, the juniors were informed of coming ac­ tivities at Kenwood and in the District of Columbia, results of past events, and other information designed to stimulate their interest and participation in golf. One newsletter offered tips on golf etiquette and good conduct. Handicap System A handicap system was established with a card box and handicap rack in George Diffenbaugh’s golf shop. A wallet-size handicap card was issued to juniors turn­ ing in at least ten nine-hole scores, prop­ erly attested. They were urged to play on Monday mornings when the course had least play and, unless they had played enough to carry a handicap card, were asked not to play at other times unless playing with an adult or another junior with a handicap. Scores for handicaps were turned in by 44 juniors and 16 of them received handicaps and cards. 20 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL, 1956 Kenwood Junior Champions Photo by Robert J. Hawkins, Kenwood Golf and C. C. Climax of last year's junior golf program at Kenwood Golf and Country Club, Bethesda, Md., was the presentation of trophies. Here Johnny Dunn, boys champion, and Daphne Dutton, girls champion, accept their prizes. At the left is Frank Emmet, Director of Junior Golfers of Washington and member of USGA's Junior Championship Committee, and on the right is Joseph M. Gambatese, Chairman of the Junior Golf Committee. A special bulletin board was maintained at the entrance of the golf shop. In this way, all members of the club, and juniors, were kept fully informed of junior ac­ tivities. Financially, the 19 5 5 program cost Ken­ wood a total of $175, less than the dues of one member. The Junior Golf Commit­ tee raised $70 for defraying of incidental expenses with a "Hit the Green” contest in mid-summer. Needless to say, the ben­ efits resulting from the program were con­ sidered well worth this slight expense. Highly gratified by last year’s response, Kenwood approached 1956 with no reser­ vations about junior golf. Registration cards have been mailed and the program will open at ceremonies in May. Clinics, a balanced tournament schedule, and con­ tinuation of the junior handicap system will remain a part of the program. Group lessons will be added this year after the spring clinics are completed. A Kenwood Junior Golf Association is being organized so that juniors may begin learning how to run their affairs with adult advice. As in USGA junior play, participation in the Kenwood program is limited to juniors who have not reached the age of 18. Those who reach that age before May 1 are ineligible. During championship play, age at the time of play applies. Indications of Success It is hoped Kenwood’s interest in junior golf will produce more good golfers like Johnny Dunn. Johnny, 195 5 Kenwood Junior Champion, competed in the 1953 Junior Amateur Championship at Tulsa, Okla., and in the 1954 tourney at Los Angeles. Kenwood juniors have taken an active part in tournaments in the District of Columbia area. In this respect, Frank Emmet, Director of the Junior Golfers of Washington and a member of USGA’s Junior Championship Committee, consid­ ers Kenwood’s program an ideal adjunct to junior golf on the district level. Of primary importance is the fact that all Kenwood juniors have been given every encouragement and opportunity to play and enjoy the benefits of golf. The Kenwood program is the result of much hard work, but the benefits have been rewarding. The increased junior in­ terest in golf has resulted in better golf for everyone, and the training junior golf­ ers of Kenwood are receiving will bring them lasting enjoyment of the game USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL, 1956 21 THE REFEREE Decisions by the Rules of Golf Committees Example of symbols: “USGA” indicates decision by the United States Golf Association. “R & A” indicates decision by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland. “56-1” means the first decision issued in 1956. “D” means definition. “R. 37-7” refers to Section 7 of Rule 37 in the 1956 Rules of Golf. All of Tree Being Sawed Is Ground Under Repair USGA 5 5-50 D. 13; R. 32-1 Q. t About two weeks before the tourna­ ment, a large tree was blown down in the rough and was not attached to its roots. In the meantime the greenkeeper had been in the process of sawing up the tree and stacking up the wood. My ball came to rest under the remainder of the log that had not been cut but was in the process. The log was too heavy to move, but could have been moved without moving the ball. Question by: Charles E. Boucher Jacksonville, Fla. A.: In the circumstance you cite, the tree in its entirety had become ground under repair by Definition 13 because it was clearly in the process of being re­ moved. You were entitled to proceed un­ der Rule 32-la, which permits a player to lift and drop the ball without penalty as near as possible to the spot where it lay, but not nearer the hole, on ground which avoids the condition. Ordinarily, a loose limb or tree is a loose impediment by Definition 17 and a player, except in a hazard, is entitled only to re­ move the loose impediment, not the ball, under Rule 18. Putting From Wrong Location USGA 5 5-53 R. 22-4, 40-3g Q.: A, B, C and D are playing a four- ball match. A and B are playing C and D two points a hole (high ball, low ball). All players are playing each other indi­ vidual Nassau matches. A, B and D are on the green. C requires A’s ball to be marked. In playing to the green, C’s ball comes to rest six feet nearer the hole than A’s. C then marks his ball legally. B and D putt. A replaces his ball, putts and is short of the hole. As C goes to replace his ball, it is noticed that A putted from C’s marker, which was ap­ proximately six feet inside A’s correct posi­ tion. What rule covers this action? What is the ruling on the individual matches? What is the ruling on the four-ball match? Question by: Col. O. C. Kreuger Fort Benning, Ga. 22 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL, 1956 A.: A violated Rule 22-4 (Rule 22-5 in the 1956 Rules of Golf). He thereby disqualified himself from the hole in the four-ball match, but the penalty did not apply to his partner (see Rule 40-3g) (Rule 40-3i in 1956 Rules of Golf). While the Rules do not contemplate combination matches, a player who putts from the wrong place in a single match also violates Rule 22-4 (Rule 22-5 in the 1956 Rules of Golf) and loses the hole. Intentional “Whiff” Is Not a Stroke USGA 5 5-54 D. 30; R. 15-1, 3 Q.: In a mixed foursome medal com­ petition A, the gentleman, played the tee shot some yards short of a bad water haz­ ard. The ball was in an excellent lie with only poor lies round about and the hazard in front. He advised his lady partner B to take a "stroke” or swing but not touch or disturb the ball and promised to put the next shot on the green. This was done. The captain ruled the pair was disquali­ fied, as they did not strike alternately. Later when some of the poorer players making a sincere "stroke” failed to strike the ball, some played another stroke or strokes until they did strike the ball, while others allowed the partner to take the next stroke, with the result that considerable argument developed. Was the captain’s ruling correct? If not, what should the procedure be and why? Question by: Norman Falkner Weston, Toronto, Can. A.: B’s swing was not made with the intention of moving the ball and did not constitute a stroke; see Definition 30. Therefore, her partner A played out of turn. Rule 15-3 governs order of play in a stroke-play foursome and provides in part: "If the partners play a stroke or strokes in incorrect order, such stroke or strokes shall be cancelled, and the side shall be penalized two strokes. A ball shall then be put in play as nearly as possible at the spot from which the side first played in incorrect order. This must be done before a stroke has been played from the next teeing ground or, in the case of the last hole of the round, before the side has left the putting green. If they fail to do so they shall be disqualified . . .”. When, in fact, a stroke has been made by the player, whether he succeeds in mov­ ing the ball or not, the player’s partner must play the next stroke, in accordance with Rule 15-1. Course Must Be Same For All in Stroke Play USGA 55-57 R. 36-4a Q.: Our golf association had an eight- een-hole medal tournament. After sixteen players had played their eighteen holes and their scores were posted, all of the pins were moved and all of the tees were moved back five to ten yards. As an officer in the association and chairman of the tournament committee, I protested the entire tournament and claim that all scores turned in should be thrown out and the tournament played over. Would you please send me a ruling on this issue, as we are holding up all prizes. Question by: J. C. Roubison Indio, Cal. A.: Your position is correct. It is un­ derstood that a number of competitors played the altered course. It is a basic principle of stroke play that the course should be the same for the entire field, except for changes caused by nature and by normal play. Your atten­ tion is invited to Rule 36-4a. Ball at Rest on Green? USGA 56-1 R. 6-2, 25-1, 26-2b, 3 5-lf, 3 5-2d, 37-7, 40-3 Q.: A question has come up regarding Rule 3 5-2d. A putt hung on the lip of the cup. The player as well as one of the opponents, and his partner, thought the ball was still moving, and yet another mem­ ber of the foursome, his opponent, stepped up quickly and tapped the ball back to him. There was some question as to whether the ball had come to rest or not. USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL, 1956 23 What Rule would prevail? We under­ stand it is within the option of the op­ ponent to concede the next stroke and tap the ball back to the player; however, the question of whether the ball had come to rest or not is to be settled by someone, but who? How long, if any, time should elapse? Has the opponent the right to tap the ball back to the player, conceding the next stroke? Question by: William L. Goodloe Valdosta, Ga. A.: Whether a ball has come to rest is a question of fact, and without agree­ ment on the facts there is no way to in­ terpret the Rules. Rule 35-If entitles the owner to only a momentary delay to deter­ mine whether or not his ball is at rest. There is no specified time limit other than "momentary.” The owner of the ball should be given the benefit of any doubt. If he plays while his ball is moving he incurs a penalty un­ der Rule 25-1 (with certain exceptions which do not apply to this case). How­ ever, he must not delay play in contra­ vention of Rule 37-7. In the present case, three of the con­ testants thought the ball was still moving. Thus, the weight of evidence is against the opponent who knocked the ball away; he apparently had no right to do so and violated Rule 40-3c in four-ball match play (26-2b in a single match). The op­ ponent’s side lost the hole (unless an op­ ponent had holed out and Rule 6-2 were invoked). When a ball is at rest, the next stroke may be conceded by knocking it away as provided for in Rule 3 5-2d. Ball Holed After Carom USGA 56-2 R. 25-2, 3 Q.! Suppose A’s ball lies beside the hole and B putts and his ball strikes A’s ball and falls in the hole, in a sort of billiard shot. In stroke play, of course, he is pen­ alized two strokes if he putted from within 20 yards, but in match play he holes out on the putt. Am I right? If such is the case, looks to me if, under the new Rule, A is getting a bad deal if he is powerless to do anything about it when he sees it and knows that it could and is likely to happen, with his ball lying there as it is. If there is any relief for A in this situa­ tion, I would like to know the rule and if there is a penalty against B, I would like to know the Rule governing it. According to my interpretation this new Rule is very unfair in singles match play, unless there is a penalty on B’s ball for striking A’s ball. Question by: Dr. Ermal C. Baker Indianapolis, Ind. A.: You are correct in your assump­ tion that, if A’s ball lies beside the hole and B putts and his ball strikes A’s ball and falls into the hole, B is considered to have holed out in match play but, if B putted from within 20 yards of the hole, B is penalized two strokes in stroke play (Rules 3 5-2c and 3 5-3c). A has no control over the lifting of his ball in match play and there is no penalty against B for hitting it in match play (Rule 35-2a and c). We would suggest that you defer a final opinion on this Rule until you have had some experience with it over the coming year. It has compensating advantages in that it is simpler, clearer and tends to speed play. Interference Must Be Physical USGA 56-3 R. 3 5-2a, 3a Q.: This organization would appreciate a clarification of what is to be considered interference in Rules 3 5-2a and 35-3a in the 1956 Rules of Golf. Does a ball have to be in a direct line to the hole to be considered interfering, is any ball catching the eye of player to be considered as inter­ fering as a mental hazard or is the decision up to the player himself? Question by: Mrs. Gilbert R. Levy Chairman, Rules Committee Women’s District of Columbia Golf Association Cheverly, Md. 24 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL. 1956 A.: Interference in the sense of Rules 3 5-2a and 3 5-3a means only possible phys­ ical interference. The possibility of such physical interference must be reasonable. Ball Moving Before Address USGA 56-4 R. 27-lc Q.: The ball of a competitor stopped in the middle of a hill. The competitor reached the place for the next shot and took his stance. The ball began to move and stopped at the lower part of the hill. This competitor was only drawing near the ball and just took his stance but never addressed the ball when it started to move. He took stance again and hit. A fellow-competitor insisted that he had violated a Rule and had incurred a one- stroke penalty. The competitor did not believe he had violated a Rule. The Com­ mittee was consulted and ruled a one- stroke penalty. Question by: George H. Sogoh Osaka, Japan A.: Rule 27-lc is the basic Rule in this case, since the player had not ad­ dressed the ball (Definition 1). It pro­ vides that, when a ball is in play, if a player, his partner, or either of their cad­ dies accidentally move it, or by touching anything cause it to move (except as otherwise provided in the Rules), the player shall incur a penalty stroke and the ball shall be played as it lies. In the case you cite, the competitor incurred a penalty only if it was deemed that he had caused the ball to move. The question is one of fact. Rules 27-Id and 27-le both apply after a player has addressed his ball, but they are not pertinent to this case. After Putt Is Conceded, Score for Hole is Complete USGA 5 6-6 R. 3 5 -2d Q.: When you concede the putt, is it necessary to knock the ball away? You are allowed to concede the putt as soon as it comes to rest, but if you do concede it as soon as it comes to rest and do not knock it away and it falls into the hole, is the player considered as having holed out with his last shot? Question by: S. W. Creekmore Fort Smith, Arkansas A.: It is not necessary to knock away the ball in conceding a stroke under Rule 3 5-2d. When a putt has been conceded (Rule 35-2d) and the Rules have not been in­ fringed, the player is considered to have holed on his next stroke and neither the concession nor the acceptance of it may be recalled. The fact that the ball might subsequently fall into the hole in such a circumstance is not material to the score. Ball Lifted by Opponent With Owner’s Consent USGA 56-7 R. 23 (Preamble); 27-2a Q.; The preamble to Rule 23 now pro­ vides: “A ball to be lifted under the Rules or Local Rules should be lifted by the owner or his partner or either of their caddies. For ball lifted by opponent or fellow-competitor, see Rule 27-2a or 27-3.” The preamble is not included in the sub­ sequent statement of penalty "for breach of Rule 23-1 or 2.” Checking Rules 27-2a and 27-3, I note that, in match play, if a player’s ball be touched or moved by an opponent, "the opponent shall incur a penalty stroke,” although in stroke play, if a competitor’s ball is moved by a fellow-competitor, no penalty is incurred. If the owner of a ball consents to have it lifted and marked on the putting green by an opponent in match play, is there a penalty? Question by: Mrs. H. F. Wohlers San Diego 8, Cal. A.: No. Lifting and marking a ball by any person at the request or with the con­ sent of the owner is deemed to be the act of the owner, and the owner is subject to the appropriate penalty if a Rule is vio­ lated in the process. Rule 27-2a is not ap­ plicable. The USGA does not recommend such procedure (Preamble, Rule 23). USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL, 1956 25 TIFCREEN—AN IMPROVED TURF BERMUDA CRASS By B. P. ROBINSON AND J. M. LATHAM, |R. Southeastern Director, USGA Green Section, and Assistant Turf Specialist, Tifton, Ga., respectively. A major project in the turf program at Tifton, Ga., since its establish­ ment in 1946, has been the breeding and selection of Bermudagrasses for putting green purposes. Improvement was first ac­ complished by selecting and testing com­ mon Bermudagrass types {Cynodon dac- tylon), resulting in the release of Tiflawn in 1950. The next step was to obtain finer textured Bermudas which possessed desir­ able characteristics for putting greens. Hy­ bridization of Cynodon dactylon types with South African Bermuda {Cynodon trans- vaalensis) produced 89 hybrid plants from which Tiffine was selected and released in 1953. Since no selection has all the characteristics desired by the golfer and turfgrass producer, the program has con­ tinued in order to discover even better Bermudagrasses. The Origin of T if green During 1946, W. G. Thomas, Chairman of the Green Committee, and Walter Harkey, Superintendent of the Charlotte (N. C.) Country Club, observed a fine- textured Bermudagrass growing in their no. 4 green. The Bermuda was planted in the turf plots at Tifton for further obser­ vation. Eight selections of common Ber­ mudagrass (C. dactylon), including the 26 Charlotte Country Club strain, were hy­ bridized with the South African Bermuda­ grass (C. transvaalensis) in the spring of 1951. Evaluating Tif green "Tifgreen” (selection carrying Tifton 328 number) is one of the hybrid plants resulting from the cross between Charlotte Country Club selection and the South Af­ rican Bermudagrass. It has a medium, or forest green color, fine texture, and low spreading type of growth. Tifgreen’s fine texture and type of growth make it es­ pecially adaptable for putting greens and other turfgrass purposes. Four hundred and thirty-two seedlings resulting from the crosses and their par­ ents were planted in a screening nursery in April, 1952. Ratings (Table I) on height of growth, rate of speed, disease incidence and turf quality were taken be­ fore making selections and transplanting into the putting green plots. Twenty­ eight seedlings were selected for further evaluation. "Tifgreen” possessed desirable characteristics and received good ratings in the seedling screening nursery. The twenty-eight new hybrids, their parents and several other promising selec- (Continued on page 28) USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL, 1956 TABLE I Comparative Ratings of Tifgreen and its Parents Growing in a Screening Nursery at Tifton, Ga., 1952 Bermuda Selection Tifgreen Charlotte Selection C. transvaalensis Growth in Inches Height Spread 2.0 1.5 2.0 33 20 18 Disease Rating* 2 3 3 Turf Quality Rating 1 2 2 Ratings of 1 were for no disease and good quality and 5 for heavily diseased and poor quality. Comparative Ratings of Several Bermudagrass Selections Growing in an Experimental Putting Green, Tifton, Georgia, 1953-1955 TABLE II Bermudagrass Selection 1953 Ratings* On: Cover­ age Rate 1.5 3.5 _ 2.0 1.0 1.5 5.0 2.0 1.6 2.2 Height Pinene ss of Turf (in.) 1.8 2.5 _ 4.0 3.5 3.5 1.8 8.0 1.1 1.5 of Leaves 2.0 4.5 _ 1.0 4.5 6.0 4.0 10.0 1.6 2.2 1954 Ratings On: Turf Quality 1.6 4.5 4.5 5.8 4.4 3.0 4.0 8.8 1.1 1.5 Recovery from Ryegrass Over­ seeding 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.0 2.0 _ 4.0 5.0 1.2 1.7 1955 Ratings On: Lateral Spread in inches 11.5 9.0 5.5 —1.0 —1.5 4.5 3.0 —7.5 NS NS Average Rating 1.7 3.8 4.1 4.0 3.4 4.3 4.9 6.9 Turf Quality 1.9 3.9 4.4 7.1 5.0 6.8 7.9 8.8 1.2 1.7 Tifgreen Tiffine Charlotte C C C. transvaalensis Gene Tift Everglades No. 1 C. magennisii Common (seeded) .05 LSD .01 LSD Rating of 1 was used for best and 5 or 10 poorest. Ratings by Golf Professionals and Golf Course Superintendents on the Putting Quality of Several Bermudagrass Selections During the Eighth Annual Southeastern Turfgrass Conference, Tifton, Ga., 1954 TABLE III Selection Tifgreen Tiflawn x C. transvaalensis Tifton 55 x C. transvaalensis Gene Tift Best 6 2 ___ 36 Number of Individuals Rdting Selections As Second Fourth Third 9 20 5 13 1 4 1 8 TABLE IV Fifth 3 9 1 1 TOTAL 24 15 2 78 Results of Survey Among Golf Course Superintendents Comparing Tifgreen with Several Other Bermudagrass Selections, December, 1955 Comparison Better Equal Poorer Percent Reporting Tifgreen As Turf Quality Fineness Putting Quality Rate of Spread Disease Resistance Color Frost Resistance Winter Green Establishment Winter Green Quality Weed Invasion Resistance 75 81 80 63 40 26 57 83 50 25 19 20 31 60 47 14 17 50 0 0 0 9 0 26 29 0 0 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL, 1956 27 (Continued from page 26) tions from Florida, Texas, South Africa and the past breeding program were es­ tablished in the putting green plots in April, 1953. Many ratings (Table II) on rate of coverage, height of growth, fine­ ness of leaves, recovery in spring after overseeding with ryegrass in the fall, lateral spread (aggressiveness), disease incidence, seedhead production, color, general appear­ ance, etc., were made during 1953, 1954, and 195 5. Tifgreen received the best av­ erage rating of all Bermuda selections. It was outstanding in all the comparisons given in Table II. The recumbent growth of Tifgreen makes it especially adaptable for putting green management. Tifgreen (Charlotte Country Club se­ lection x C. transvaalensis) was appraised (Table III) by golf professionals and su­ perintendents during the 1954 Southeast­ ern Turf grass Conference. Since the grasses were not identified at the time of the com­ parison, the ratings are unbiased. Tifgreen received more votes for the best putting Bermudagrass than any other selection. Similar results were obtained in 195 5. Results of a survey (Table IV) among golf course superintendents who have had Tifgreen under observation from 3 to 36 months indicate that its performance was superior to other Bermudagrasses. Out of 10 comparisons, Tifgreen was rated best for 6 and better or equal for 4. Sixteen superintendents reported, representing nine states. Ten golf courses have planted Tif­ green in their putting greens. Ninety per cent of the golf courses desire to plant more greens to Tifgreen. Eighty-nine per cent reported that Tifgreen produced less seedheads than other Bermudagrass selec­ tions and sixty-six per cent reported less mat formation. Superintendents reported that Tifgreen was compared with such well known Bermudagrass selections as Gene Tift, Tiifine, Tiflawn, U-3 Bermuda, com­ mon seeded Bermuda, Everglades 1 & 2, Ormond and Cynodon magennisii. Summary Tifgreen is a hybrid between Cynodon transvaalensis and a selection from the Charlotte Country Club. It has a forest GOLF COURSE DEVELOPMENT One hundred twenty-seven new golf courses and additions to existing courses were opened for play during the last year to set a new high in post-war golf course development, according to the annual re­ port of the National Golf Foundation. Vice-president Rex McMorris said the newly opened facilities added 1,337 holes of golf to those already in play. McMorris said the 108 new golf courses and 19 additions were opened in 36 of the 48 states, California leading with 21, Texas second with 12, Pennsylvania third with 9, followed by Florida with 6, and New York and the state of Washington with 5 each. Of the 127 new courses and additions, 37 percent are private clubs, 30 percent are semi-private operations, 22 percent are municipal and the remaining 11 percent includes 8 military, 3 industrial and 2 college golf courses. green color, fine texture, and a recumbent growth habit. This hybrid ranked first in three years of experimental testing in the Tifton turf plots. Observations by golfers and growers have reflected this superiority over other Bermudagrass selections for putting quality. These observations, made throughout the South, indicate the general acceptance of Tifgreen by the men who must produce high quality turfgrass. Planting Stock Foundation planting stock of Tifgreen Bermudagrass was released to certified growers from March 15 to April 11 by the University of Georgia Coastal Plain Ex­ periment Station, Tifton, Ga. Those who wish to qualify for certification should contact Mr. Hugh A. Inglis, Georgia Crop Improvement Association, Inc., 208 Hoke Smith Annex, Athens, Georgia. Commer­ cial supplies of certified Tifgreen should be available by late spring. A Blade of Grass A common thing is a grass blade small, Crushed by the feet that pass. But all the dwarfs and giants tall, Working till doomsday shadows fall. Can't make a blade of grass. Julian Stearns Cutter 28 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL, 1956 WRITTEN AGREEMENTS *»y JOHN C. CLOCK FOR SUPERINTENDENTS Vice-President, United States Golf Association The golf course superintendent is a member of a truly fine and dis­ tinguished profession calling for a great deal of training and experience. While most people appreciate the useful and impor­ tant work performed by superintendents throughout the country, the relationship of the superintendent to the country club goes beyond that of the technical phases of playing the game, or the technical phases of turf culture. There is a legal relation­ ship between the golf course superinten­ dent and the country club, or golf course, by whom he is employed. This legal relationship is, of course, that the club, or golf course, is the employer and the superintendent is the employee. He is employed by the club to perform the particular services delegated to him in either his oral or written contract of employment. The employer controls and directs the services he is to perform and, as an employee, he is required to perform those services. Although this service may call upon him to direct and control other persons working on the course under his direction, it does not affect the basic rela­ tionship existing between the club, as em­ ployer, and the green superintendent, as employee. Elements of Contract The basic elements of a contract are, of course, two people competent to con­ tract, who agree upon the terms and pro­ visions of their contract in either oral or written fashion. Without a definite meet­ ing of the minds upon the terms of em­ ployment, no contract will have been created. We realize that many superintendents have worked for years under an oral con­ tract. The natural thought arises: Why should there be a written contract? USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL, JOHN C. CLOCK We cannot say that a written contract is absolutely necessary, but, as we will point out, we believe it would constitute a better and more satisfactory practice to both the superintendent and the club if at least a written memorandum of the terms of agreement were executed. While the relationship under an oral contract may have been lasting and satisfactory, it un­ doubtedly would have been just as lasting and successful with a written contract. The fact that the superintendent has main­ tained the course to the satisfaction of not only the Green Committee, but the club members, is the fundamental basis of his success and the reason his employment has been continued from year to year. While many have been successful and their term of employment lasting under an oral contract, we do not know how many have encountered difficulties while operating under oral agreements and whose 29 1956 relationships have consequently not been as lasting and successful. It might have been more satisfactory under a written contract. The oral contract does not seem to offer any advantages over a written contract. Anything that has been agreed upon ver­ bally can quite easily be reduced to writ­ ing. By reducing the oral contract to a written memorandum or agreement, it is possible to avoid any and all misunderstand­ ing arising where club officers change and their ideas do not correspond with those of former officials on the terms and nature of the oral understanding. While it is quite easy to make a short oral agreement, bound with a handshake, it would be no trouble for the club official to have the agreement written out and signed by the club and the superintendent. Then each would have something in writing to rely upon. Authority to Purchase The club auditor would definitely know the nature of the superintendent’s duties and responsibilities in connection with the purchase of equipment, supplies, or ma­ terial, and if there were any question as to his authority to make the purchase, the superintendent could promptly have it rectified by obtaining authorization from the proper club official. This would re­ move any question that his action had been improper, and one for which there might attach some personal responsibility in the event the club did not approve the action he had taken. A further disadvantage of an oral con­ tract is a very vital and important one. An oral contract is not enforceable if the term is for more than a period of one year. Ac­ cordingly, an employment agreement which has as its object the creation of employ­ ment for a period in excess of a year must be evidenced by an instrument in writing. This law is considered a beneficial enact­ ment intended to be used as a shield and not as a sword. It does not mean that those superintendents employed for many years under an oral agreement have been employed under an illegal contract, be- NEW SUBSCRIBERS TO USGA RESEARCH FUND Goldthwaite’s Texas Toro Co., Fort Worth-Houston-Dallas, Texas Golf Course Superintendents Association, St. Charles, Ill. Golf Course Superintendent Association of Northern California, Oakland, Cal. Golf and Lawn Grass Nurseries, Atlanta, Ga. Mallinckrodt Chemical Works, New York, N. Y. Metropolitan Golf Writers Association, New York Philadelphia Association of Golf Course Superintendents, Pa. Ranelagh Golf Club, Buenos Aires, Argentina Vineland Chemical Co., Vineland, N. J. Western New York Golf Course Superintendent Association, Hamburg, N. Y. Winmesa Farms Company, Phoenix, Ariz. cause the oral contract was good for a year, and has been extended year by year with the mutual consent of the superin­ tendent and his employer. The contract is not in itself illegal, but is unenforceable after the first year. Some might consider that an oral con­ tract, if only good for one year, would be more advantageous to the golf course superintendent, because he would be free at the end of the year to look for another position at possibly an increase in salary. In an area where there may be a shortage of superintendents this might seem ad­ vantageous, but it would be very simple to provide for the possibility whereby the superintendent, or the club, would have the privilege of terminating the contract at the end of the season, or upon the giving of such notice as might be adequate. Consequently, it would not seem that an oral contract has any advantages over a written one. Regardless of whether the employer or the employee want it for merely one season with an option to renew for another, this, as well as anything else, can be written out very easily and both parties will have removed the chance of controversy over the terms of employment. 30 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL, 1956 Suggested Provisions The written contract does not neces­ sarily have to embody all the form of a strictly formal written agreement. It would be adequate if it were a written memo­ randum outlining the terms of employ­ ment. When entering into a written con­ tract, the following are a few suggestions (4) concerning provisions that would seem ap­ propriate: (1) The term of employment, that is, whether it is for one year or several years, and a statement defining the superintendent’s job position, that is, that he is being employed as a golf course superintendent, and if other duties of any kind are to be . included they should likewise be stated. (a) A provision setting forth the basis upon which either he or the club may terminate the contract, if such a provision is desired by both parties. (2) The salary the superintendent is to receive and how and when it is to be paid. ' ' (a) Any other considerations he might receive, either in the way of a bonus, furnishing of a (g) house, how many meals, gasoline for his car, whatever expenses or privileges, if any, over and above his salary, that he is to receive, including the payment of ex­ penses of a trip to turf meet- (7) ings, or such other meetings as he and the club might deem it advisable to attend. (3) The superintendent’s duties and responsibilities, which should pro­ vide that he is to do the job of, and be responsible for, greens maintenance within the limits of an approved budget and in accord­ ance with the policy developed by the Green Committee. He should keep the turf and the course in the best condition for golf, with the assistance of the person or persons working under his orders. It would hardly seem advisable to specify in detail the routine operations of maintenance, but the memorandum could refer to a maintenance pro­ gram such as the one found in the August, 195 5, issue of the USGA Journal. To look after and keep in good repair all of the equipment and implements belonging to the club and used by the superintendent in maintaining the course. To specify just what his authority is in mak­ ing purchases; whether he is to make purchases within limits speci­ fied in the budget, or have them first approved by some club official. To provide from whom the super­ intendent is to receive instructions, as it would certainly seem advis­ able that his instructions come from only one source. It is, of course, a customary practice for those instructions to come from the Chairman of the Green Com­ mittee. It would certainly seem advisable to have this stated for the superintendent’s benefit, so there could be no confusion in this respect. Naturally, to obey orders consist­ ent with his knowledge of turf culture, to devote his whole time to the job, and to honestly and in good faith carry out and direct the work to the best of his ability. Whether he is to furnish reports and, if so, what kind and how often? How long a vacation he will be entitled to and when it may be taken. Whether the club will pay his hospitalization in the event of an illness and any other details agreed upon in this connection. Whether he or the club may renew the contract and, if so, upon what terms; the working hours; and, if in your state there is not a com­ pulsory workman’s compensation law, whether the club should pro­ vide some insurance that would afford protection for wages and USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL, 1956 31 medical expenses in the event of an extended period of disability. The latter would apply only to any disability or injury received in the course of his employment. (8) The tournament chairman should furnish a schedule of the tourna­ ments the club will hold during the year, so the superintendent can co­ ordinate his work with the tourna­ ment schedule. He would naturally desire to have the course in its best possible shape before these events are held. (9) Whether he or the club desire a provision concerning his relations with suppliers and whether he would be permitted to engage in any out­ side activities, such as advising other clubs and individuals on turf grass matters. In connection with the superintendent’s relations with suppliers, it would seem to be a good suggestion for the golf course superintendents association to adopt a code covering relations between superintendents and suppliers. These are merely suggestions which both parties to a proposed agreement could con­ sider and use as they deemed necessary. They cover most of the principal items to be considered in making such a contract. In conclusion, it might be well to con­ sider the obligations and remedies of each party to a contract of employment. They are really quite simple. The employer is bound to furnish em­ ployment within the terms of the contract and the employee must perform, or be ready and willing to perform, the services called for by the contract. The employer can recover from the employee any differ­ ence in wages he might have to pay be­ tween the amount agreed to be paid to the employee and the amount the em­ ployer would have to pay to someone in place of the employee, had he wrongfully left his job. Also, the employee can com­ pel the employer to pay the employee the salary agreed upon for the balance of the term of employment, less whatever amount TURF MANAGEMENT The book “Turf Management,” sponsored by the United States Golf Association and edited by Prof. H. B. Musser, is a complete and authoritative guide in the practical development of golf-course turfs. This 354-page volume is available through the USGA, 40 East 38th Street, New York 16, N. Y., the USGA Green Section Re­ gional Offices, the McGraw-Hill Book Co., 350 West 42nd Street, New York 36, N. Y., or local bookstores. The cost is ^7. the employee might have earned from other employment during the balance of the term. It is importance for both the golf course superintendent and the club to have a clear and definite understanding of the duties and responsibilities of each party. There is no better way of accomplishing this than to have a written contract or memorandum, resulting in the establish­ ment of a better and stronger relationship between the superintendent and his em­ ployer. Men Behind the Scenery They write about the amateur, print pictures of the pro, But the man you seldom hear about is there to run the show. They never think to praise him when they get a perfect lie, But when they miss a ten-foot putt they scream, "What ails that guy?" They often don't recall his name. To know what's on his mind Would still some comments caustic and explosions unrefined. In the morning when you're sleeping and playing great in dreams, At work, and never thought of, is the man who keeps the greens. The slumbers of his patient self were ruined for the night As he laid awake and tried to plan his watering just right. He tossed and thought of grubs and weeds, of costs and brown patch, too. The greensman's sure a lucky guy, with nothing much to do. AL SCHARDT —Reprinted from Golfdom by permission 32 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL, 1956 IT’S YOUR HONOR Changes in the Rules To the USGA: To the USGA: Let me say that I like the Rules on the flagstick and marking the ball very much. It’s about time we ended all the monkey business of marking the ball as soon as one gets on the green, plus the uncertainty of whether to have the stick held. In medal play, there has always been great frustra­ tion when you are just outside 20 yards and want the stick in, but your playing partner’s caddie takes the stick. You hesitate to wave him away be­ cause it might look like you were try­ ing to take some unfair advantage. Joseph M. Gambatese Bethesda, Md. To the USGA: I am not so sure that I approve of the two major amendments. I feel that while they will speed play they will at times unfairly benefit the player. In match play the player has the advantage of having his ball hit the flagstick and thus be left a short putt. When putting, his ball may have the benefit of caroming off his op­ ponent’s ball into the cup. When mak­ ing a long putt down hill, it may strike his opponent’s ball below the cup and be left a short putt back. Freedom to hit the flagstick from any distance also gives the player n stroke play a considerable advantage. Norman B. Beecher Clearwater, Florida To the USGA: We have been playing the new flag­ stick Rule and so far have found it does not speed play. The uncertainty of the players as to leave it in or take it out does cause delay. Maxwell Heymann Brooklyn, N. Y. First, let me express my approval of the Rules changes made for 1956. I think they are sound. While serving as a member of the Rules Committee for the Los Angeles Open I discussed the changes with many of the pro­ fessionals and several expressed their disapproval, but my comment was that as they became more familiar with them they would see the con­ sistency of the changes. Brig. Gen. Stanley Ridderhof Newport Beach, Cal. For the Game’s Sake To the USGA: I would like to congratulate you on the recent statements made by the USGA concerning gambling, Calcut- tas and the like in golf. It has been something that has been long needed. Undoubtedly the professional amateur and the hustler will be much dis­ tressed. But to those of us who play golf out of sheer love of the game, it promises to restore amateur golf to the high level where it belongs. I was personally annoyed twice this past summer while participating in amateur tournaments by people who cannot seem to enjoy a round of golf without betting. I am hoping that the USGA’s rul­ ing will do much to eliminate this sort of thing. You can be assured that any future action you contemplate along these lines will be enthusiastic­ ally received by the millions of golfers who play not for money but for the unique recreation it gives. Bob Larkin Pelham, N. Y. USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: APRIL, 1956 33 USGA OFFICERS, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN PRESIDENT Richard S. Tufts, Pinehurst, N. C. VICE-PRESIDENTS John D. Ames, Chicago, III. John G. Clock, Long Beach, Cal. SECRETARY Charles L. Peirson, Boston, Mass. TREASURER J. Frederic Byers, Jr., Pittsburgh, Pa. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE The above officers and: C. W. Benedict, White Plains, N. Y. Emerson Carey, Jr., Denver, Colo. William C. Chapin, Rochester, N. Y. John W. Fischer, Cincinnati, Ohio T. R. Garlington, Atlanta, Ga. Richmond Gray, Richmond, Va. Gordon E. Kummer, Milwaukee, Wis. Edward E. Lowery, San Francisco, Cal. F. Warren Munro, Portland, Ore. John M. Winters, Jr., Tulsa, Okla. GENERAL COUNSEL Fraser M. Horn, New York, N. Y. COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN RULES OF GOLF: John M. Winters, Jr., Tulsa, Okla. CHAMPIONSHIP: John D. Ames, Chicago, III. AMATEUR STATUS AND CONDUCT: John W. Fischer, Cincinnati, Ohio IMPLEMENTS AND BALL: Charles L. Peirson, Boston, Mass. MEMBERSHIP: Gordon E. Kummer, Milwaukee, Wis. GREEN SECTION: T. R. Garlington, Atlanta, Ga. WOMEN'S: Mrs. Harrison F. Flippin, Ardmore, Pa. SECTIONAL AFFAIRS: F. Warren Munro, Portland, Ore. PUBLIC LINKS: Edward E. Lowery, San Francisco, Cal. HANDICAP: William O. Blaney, Boston, Mass. JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP: J. Frederic Byers, Jr., Pittsburgh, Pa. SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP: John G. Clock, Long Beach, Cal. GIRLS' JUNIOR: Mrs. John Pennington, Buffalo, N. Y. MUSEUM: Emerson Carey, Jr., Denver, Colo. BOB JONES AWARD: Totton P. Heffelfinger, Minneapolis, Minn. FINANCE: J. Frederic Byers, Jr., Pittsburgh, Pa. USGA HEADQUARTERS "Golf House", 40 East 38th Street, New York 16, N. Y. Joseph C. Dey, Jr., Executive Director John P. English, Assistant Executive Director USGA GREEN SECTION USGA GREEN SECTION MID-ATLANTIC OFFICE South Building, Plant Industry Station, Beltsville, Md. Charles K. Hallowell, Mid-Atlantic Director USGA GREEN SECTION NORTHEASTERN OFFICE Rutgers University, New Brunswick, N. J. Alexander M. Radko, Northeastern Director USGA GREEN SECTION SOUTHEASTERN OFFICE Georgia Coastal Plain Experiment Station, Tifton, Ga. B. P. Robinson, Southeastern Director USGA GREEN SECTION SOUTHWESTERN OFFICE Texas A. and M. College, College Station, Texas Dr. Marvin H. Ferguson, Southwestern Director and National Research Coordinator USGA GREEN SECTION WESTERN OFFICE 1709 West Eighth Street, Los Angeles 17, Cal. William H. Bengeyfield, Western Director