^ T I N J V USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT A WINNING SMILE Rochester Times-Union photo The broad smile of victory is ample evidence of Cary Middlecoff’s delight in winning his second Open Championship. The former Memphis dentist withstood the last ditch efforts of Ben Hogan, Julius Boros and Ted Kroll to overtake him as he finished with a winning score of 281. He then became the ninth man privileged to pose for the second time with the Open Championship trophy. JULY 1956 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT Published by the United States Golf Association Permission to reprint articles herein is freely granted (unless specifically noted otherwise) provided credit is given to the USGA Journal VOL. IX, No. 3 JULY, 1956 Through the Green ______________________________________________________ 1 Middlecoff To Fore In A New Golden Age ____________________ Joseph C. Dey, Jr. 5 The Curtis Cup In A British Home_______________________ Miss Jeanne Bisgood 10 Hurricane Damage In the Northeast _____________________________ A. M. Radko 13 Wiffi Smith Enlivens International Golf________________________ Harry L. Staley 17 Beharrell Brightens British Golf Hopes_____________________________ Tom Scott 18 Champions Made At Harding Park_________________________________________ 20 Cast Of Characters In The Open_________________________________ Bill Beeney 21 The Referee _____________________________________________________________ 22 Turf Management: USGA Green Section Trends In Golf Course Maintenance______________ Dr. Marvin H. Ferguson 25 Maintenance Manuals Are Meant To Be Read_________________ Cecil Putty 30 Questions And Answers _____________________________________________ 31 Safety Code _________________________________________________________ 32 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 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 Women's Open Junior Amateur Entries Close Closed Closed Championships Sectional Qualifying Rounds Championship Dates None July 26-27-28 July 24 Aug. 8-11 Senior Amateur July 20 Aug. 7 Aug. 20-25 Girls' Junior Aug. 10 None Aug. 27-31 Amateur Aug. 10 Aug. 28 Sept. 10-15 Women's Amateur Aug. 31 None Sept. 17-22 Location Northland C. C., Duluth, Minn. Taconic 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 dates of Sectional Qualifying Rounds, see for applications entry forms. to reach USGA office. For possible exceptions in Insured for Aces? If you have any interest in hole-in-one insurance, there are three Philadelphia in­ surance executives who now rate as ex­ perts in both fields. Frank Kelly, W. P. Arnold and Radford Sexton highlighted a recent insurance executive tournament by scoring holes-in-one at the Atlantic City Country Club, Northfield, N. J. This very probably constitutes a record for the num­ ber of holes-in-one scored in a single tour­ nament. It becomes even more unusual in view of the fact that the field con­ sisted of only 43 players. Like Father, Like Son Aspirants for the Texas Amateur Golf Championship are frankly worried about the event becoming a Goldman family af­ fair. While it may seem unlikely that one family could dominate the golf enthusiastic Lone Star State, the Goldmans, of Dallas, seem bent on trying. David Goldman, Jr., nineteen year old engineering student at S. M. U., is the 1956 Texas Amateur Champion by virtue of his 2 and 1 final victory over Jim His- key, of Houston. David’s victory marked the first time in the 50-year history of the tournament that a son succeeded his father as Texas State Amateur Champion. David "Spec” Goldman, Sr., won the title in 1955. To prove that this may only be the be­ ginning, Kenny Goldman, Dave’s 13 year old brother, is already shooting in the 80’s and professses to be a threat for the champ­ ionship about 1961 or 1962. Kenny, inci­ dentally, is named after his uncle, Ray Kenny, Texas Amateur Champion in 1942 at the age of 17, the youngest man ever to win the championship. Not to be for­ gotten is little six year old Bobby Goldman who is just now starting to learn the game. Women’s Collegiate Champion Miss Marlene Stewart, of Fonthill, Ont., the 195 5 Canadian Women’s Amateur Champion, became the 1956 Women’s Na­ tional Collegiate Champion by defeating Miss Ruth Jessen, of Seattle University, 3 and 2, in the final round of play at Purdue University, Lafayette, Ind. Miss Stewart, a recent graduate of Rollins Col­ lege, scored a 5 and 4 semi-final victory over Miss Jacqueline Yates, of Redlands University, the defending champion. A Distinguished Member USGA President Richard S. Tufts re­ cently had the pleasure of welcoming the Hillandale Golf Course, Durham, N. C., as the two thousandth Member Club of the Association. In welcoming his fellow North Carolin­ ians to membership in the USGA, Mr. Tufts informed the club that their accep­ tance was distinguished by the fact that it marked the first time USGA member­ ship had reached the two thousand mark. Subsequent acceptances have increased membership above the two thousand total. USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, 1956 1 Annual Tri-City Match The first annual tri-city match between public links golfers of Chicago, Ill., Mil­ waukee, Wis., and Peoria, Ilk, resulted in victory for the Milwaukee golfers in competition held at the White Pines Golf Club, Bensenville, Ill. Milwaukee captured first place honors by finishing one-half point ahead of Chi­ cago, with Peoria taking third. Medalist was J. McIntire, of Peoria, with a one- over-par 71. Consisting of four-ball and individual competition, the match was played in three sixsomes. Highlight of the day was the score turned in by the Peoria team on the 18 th hole. In a strong finish they scored three eagles, two birdies and one par. The match was arranged by William B. Langford, Chicago, Andrew J. Paul, of Peoria, and Raymond O. Fischer, of Green­ dale, Wis., members of the USGA Public Links Committee. Final scores: Milwaukee Four Ball Individual Chicago Four Ball Individual Peoria Four Ball Individual 10 22% ll1/’ 20% 3%2 13 A Legless Race? Our reading sometimes takes us into unexpected by-ways. We were exploring a little publication entitled "The Latch String”, published by the W. S. Tyler Company, and came across this otherwise anonymous nugget: "Golf was all that was saving us from becoming a legless race. The automobile not only gets you to the golf club, but is now creeping out on the course to replace the caddie system which has meant so much to young Americans. The happy four have broken up into two twos. "Who wants to speed up a golf game? Walking is the best exercise for the tired USGA 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 607 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 17^2 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 015 per film or 025 in combination at the same time, including the cost of ship­ ping prints to the renter. businessman and one of the greatest bene­ fits of golf. The watered fairway not only gives you a better lie, but it also gives you a thick, springy green rug that greatly adds to the enjoyment of walking. After you hit the ball, do not gallop after it with the only idea of socking it again as quickly as possible. Take your time and walk leis­ urely. Enjoy the scenery and visit with your jolly good companions. "Some golfers only see the ball, the cup and the nineteenth hole. There is a lot more enjoyment in a golf game, and you are entitled to all of it.” Golfing Literature One of the missing biographies of a distinguished golf career is now recorded in "The Walter Hagen Story,” published by Simon and Schuster. The book pre­ sents an interesting picture of the man golfers knew as the "Haig,” master of fashion, psychology and the mashie. 2 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, 1956 Hagen, one of the outstanding profes­ sionals of this century, reveals his golf­ ing life in as bold and relaxed a manner as he played the game. He retells many of the myths and stories developing from a twenty-six year career of exhibition and tournament golf. The book contains many photographs which serve to document the narrative. "Golf Secrets of the Pros” are revealed by Larry Robinson, golf writer for the New York World Telegram and Sun, in his presentation of the winning techniques of 17 leading tournament professionals. Highlighted by over 400 photographs, sketches and film slides, plus biographical information on the personalities, careers and style of each player, the book becomes more than the conventional golf instruc­ tion volume. Arco Publishing Co., Inc., New York, is the publisher. Golf Behind the Iron Curtain There is a total number of 242 golf courses in Europe, two of them behind the Iron Curtain in Communist-controlled Rumania, according to a survey taken in connection with the centennial of the Pau Golf Club, in southern France. Very little is known about the game as it is played behind the Iron Curtain, but the Bucharest Golf Club is apparently still in operation. It is reported to have a mem­ bership totalling 250, an eighteen hole course with a par of 70, and a telephone. The only information available concern­ ing the course at Ploesti is its name, Taleajen. Elsewhere in Europe the game is faring well. The Pau Golf Club, one of 66 in France, is the oldest course still operating outside the British commonwealth. It was founded in 1 8 5 6 beside an old golfing ground reputedly used by some of Welling­ ton’s soldiers who fought against Napoleon in 1814. European courses range from Pau, in the Basse Pyrenees, to the course near Trondheim, Norway. The latter doubles as a ski run in the winter. SPORTSMAN’S CORNER For most of the good golfing citizens of Rochester, N. Y., there was only one disap­ pointment growing out of the Open Cham­ pionship at the Oak Hill Country Club. That was the fact that Sam Urzetta did not qualify to play. Sam has been the city’s golfing idol since his caddie days. As Amateur Champion, Walker Cup player and now associate professional at the Country Club of Rochester, he has earned universal respect and affection. All Sam’s home-town friends wanted to see him do well when the Open came to Rochester, and Sam naturally wanted to justify their good-will. SAM URZETTA In the first round of sectional qualifying at his home course, however, Sam stepped up to address a putt and carelessly let his putter glance off his shoe against his ball. Whether the ball left its original position and came to rest in another place, in violation of Rule 27-1c, was open to question, as far as Sam’s two playing companions were concerned. But Sam promptly added one penalty stroke to his score. When all the scores were in, Sam’s 72-77— 149 left him tied with four others for the last two qualifying places and he was out-distanced in the play-off. “The only thing that bothers me about the episode,” said Sam later, “is that some people talk about it as if I shouldn’t have called the penalty on myself. “Can you imagine thinking that way?” Amputee Tournament The eighth National Amputee Amateur Golf Tournament, open to all amputees who play golf, will be held August 24 and 2 5 at the Lake Shore Yacht and Country Club, Syracuse, New York. This year’s competition will consist of 36 holes of USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, 1956 3 stroke play, with contestants divided into six divisions—four based on skill and two on age. Inquiries concerning the tournament should be addressed to Mr. Dale S. Bouris- seau, National Amputee Golf Association, Solon Center Bldg., Solon, Ohio. Robert A. Gardner Amateur golf lost a great friend and a distinguished former champion in the re­ cent death of Mr. Robert A. Gardner, of Lake Forest, Ill., on June 21, 1956. Twice a winner of the USGA Amateur Championship, Mr. Gardner attained the added distinction of becoming the young­ est man ever to win the championship when he was victorious in 1909 at the age of 19. He won his second Amateur Championship in 1915. In addition to his record as a competi­ tor, Mr. Gardner served as a member of the USGA Executive Committee in 1917 and as Vice-President from 1921 through 1925. Mr. Gardner played a prominent role in pioneering international amateur golf competition. In 1919, he was a member of the U. S. team invited by the Royal Canadian Golf Association to meet a Cana­ dian amateur team in that country. The match, won by the U. S. team, was the first step toward present-day international amateur golf competition. As a member of the first Walker Cup team in 1922, Mr. Gardner contributed a 7 and 5 victory over W. B. Torrance to the 8 to 4 win by the U. S. team. He subsequently served as Playing Captain of the Team in 1923, 1924 and 1926. As a Walker Cup competitor, his record in­ cluded three singles victories against only one loss. Competing four times in four­ somes, he was defeated only once. Mr. Gardner was a graduate of Yale University where he held the United States collegiate pole vaulting record of 13 feet, one inch. He joined the firm of Mitchell, Hutch­ ins & Co., securities and brokerage dealers, in Chicago, in 1919. Mr. Gardner was a partner in the company at the time of his death. NEW MEMBERS OF THE USGA REGULAR American Legion Countrv Ch’F. Pa. Atlanta General Deoot Golf Club, Ga. Barbour Country Club, W. Va. Casa Grande Valley Country Club, Ariz. Casey Country Club, Ill. Dothan Country Club, Ala. Fresno Municipal Golf Club, Cal. Gardiner’s Bay Country Club, N. Y. Highfield Country Club, Conn. Humble Recreation Club, Texas Lander Country Club, Wyo. Liverpool Golf and Country Club, N. Y. Osage Hills Country Club, Okla. Rockrimmon Country Club, Conn. Saratoga Inn Countrv Club, Wyo. Skyline Country Club, Ala. Sites for the Open The USGA has accepted invitations from the following clubs to entertain the Open Championship: 1958—Southern Hills Country Club, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Dates will be June 12, 13 and 14. 1959—Winged Foot Golf Club, Ma­ maroneck, New York. Dates will be fixed later. As was previously announced, the 1957 Open Championship will be played at the Inverness Club, Toledo, Ohio, on June 13, 14 and 15. A Matter of Age If Ben Hogan had won the Open Championship last month, he would have been the oldest winner by a matter of seven months. The oldest winner was Ted Ray, the Englishman who won at the Inverness Club in 1920. He was 43 years old at the time, his birthday being March 28, 1877. Hogan also is 43, but his birthday is August 13, 1912. Joins Green Section Staff Mr. Jim Latham, Agronomist, has been appointed to the staff of the USGA Green Section. A graduate of Texas A & M Col­ lege, Mr. Latham will assist Mr. A. M. Radko, Northeastern Director, in servic­ ing clubs in that area. The Northeastern Office of the USGA Green Section is lo­ cated at Rutgers University, New Bruns­ wick, N. J. 4 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, 1956 MIDDLECOFF TO FORE by IN A NEW GOLDEN AGE JOSEPH C. DEY, JR. USGA Executive Director {^offers being what they are, it would be surprising if the USGA did not receive surprising letters in a fairly steady flow. Somewhere near the top of the col­ lection was one from a promising young amateur declining membership in the Walker Cup Team. This was in 1947, and there were two points about the letter that were particu­ larly revealing of what was going on inside Cary Middlecoff'. The first point is well known—having made up his mind to turn professional, he refused to exploit the Walker Cup opportunity to enhance his reputation before actually leaving ama­ teurism, at the expense of some other amateur who would be denied member­ ship in the Team. The second point is a timely one to recall just now. The young Memphis den­ tist wrote: "I have planned to play the tourna­ ments until I have proved to myself one way or the other if I am good enough to make golf playing a life work. "Ever since I can remember I have wanted to play golf without being wor­ ried about one thing or another, but have never had the chance. I know that I would never be happy practicing den­ tistry without knowing for sure if I were a good player or a great one.” The vision which Cary Middlecoff had back there nine years ago may at the time have seemed a foolish springtime fancy. Here was a likeable, attractive young den­ tist who had excellent prospects in his vocation; in his hobby of amateur golf he was recognized nationally. His world seemed well-established, secure, pleasant. Yet he chucked it for a vision of golfing greatness as a professional. Often the pro­ fessionals run the amateurs a close race in the spirit of amateurism, since amateurism essentially means doing a thing for sheer love of the thing. Now that Cary Middlecoff is National Open Champion for the second time, it has become a great deal easier to appraise his stature. Certainly, in his own day, he is a great player. How about his position in the full sweep of golf history? It is probably too early to make an evaluation —Middlecoff is 3 5 years old and must have many years of first-class golf stored up. But he is surely on the way. It is scarcely necessary to look beyond the USGA Open record to relate Middle­ coff to the superlative players. Only nine have won the Open as much as twice, and Middlecoff is now one of them. Only Willie Anderson, Bob Jones and Ben Ho­ gan, each with four victories, have sur­ passed him. With some, the desire to achieve great­ ness is merely vainglorious. With others, it is the natural urge to test oneself and do one’s best; and among these is Cary Middlecoff. This is a golden age of competitive golf —an era of thrilling contests, brilliant performances, and, above all, a host of marvelous players. Some nostalgic souls have been waiting, with sighs, for days like the "good old days.” They have them, right now, if they only have eyes to see. We have been in a golden age of competi­ tive golf for some time now, with the great Ben Hogan as chief protagonist. Cary Middlecoff’s climb to a lead posi­ tion in this era has not been an easy one. Although he was Open Champion in 1949, just two years after he became a profes­ sional, he has had to strive and wrestle with might and main. Not the least of USCA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, 1956 5 his struggles was that with himself, as is often so with keenly strung people like Cary. He was the first to suggest that he "choked” a bit in the last few holes of the recent Open at the Oak Hill Country Club, Rochester, N. Y. But generally throughout the Championship he seemed a happy golfer—and yet he had two 7’s in the first two rounds. He was cheerful, chatty on the course, and it was fun to watch him play. The Finishing Holes The Championship was blessed with an­ other splendid course. Oak Hill’s west course was a true test by any standard, and the contestants uniformly rated it as a fair test. Its par of 70 was broken occa­ sionally, but for the four rounds Middle- coff’s winning total of 281 was one above par. After an opening 71, Middlecoft had three 70’s. The last three holes are stout par 4’s, requiring not only accuracy but some length, the shortest being 441 yards. Mid- dlecoff had his Championship won by the time he reached the last three holes, as it turned out, but he almost frittered it away there with 5 on 16, and 5 on 17. Then he scrambled a 4 on the home hole, thanks to a brilliant pitch-and-run third which stopped a couple of feet from the hole. He was an early starter on the final day, and he set up his 281 as the mark at which others fired. Three fired very close indeed. First, Ho­ gan came to the 16th needing three pars to tie. He missed by a stroke when a putt of perhaps 30 inches on the 17th failed to drop. Then Julius Boros wanted one birdie in the last three to tie Middlecoff’s 281. Julius had to be content with three straight pars and a second-place tie with Hogan at 282. Finally, Ted Kroll, needing four pars to win, went 4-7- 5-4 against par of 3-4- 4-4. A hooked drive under a tree on No. 16 contributed to his undoing. went on the last three holes: (a) For all four rounds, the top six finishers all lost their bouts with par on 16, 17 and 18; to wit: Cary Middlecoft — 8 over Ben Hogan — 4 over — 1 over Julius Boros Peter Thomson — 6 over — 6 over Ted Kroll — 4 over Ed Furgol (b) The 51 players who qualified for the last 36 holes had a total of 306 chances at birdies on those last three holes in the last two rounds. They made eight. The holes were fair; they just consti­ tuted a heroic finish. Some time before the Championship there was sentiment in Rochester that the rotation of holes on the course should be altered so that the regular 13 th would become the 18 th and thus provide a large natural amphitheatre for the spectators at the finish. Other counsel prevailed and, as matters developed, the Championship was in a sense decided by the strong finishing holes. As evidence of how fine courses reward fine players, note that of the first six scorers, four have won the Open—Hogan, Boros, Ed Furgol and Middlecoft—and a fifth, Peter Thomson of Australia, was British Open Champion in 1954-1955- 1956. He was the 36-hole leader at Oak Hill, with 70-69—139. Peter must be re­ garded as an all-time "great.” The Championship brought another frus­ tration to Ben Hogan in his aim to become the only player to win the Open five times. Last year it was Jack Fleck who thwarted Ben—Jack came from obscurity with two birdies in the last four holes to tie Hogan and then won a play-off. This year, if Middlecoft had missed his two-foot putt on 18 and Hogan had made his 30-incher on 17, Hogan probably would have been Champion. It is on such fine lines that the Open is often decided. Jack Fleck, defending, had 150 for the first two rounds and failed by one shot of qualifying for Saturday’s 3 6 holes. Here is how the leaders stood at various To give a further notion of how things stages: USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, 1956 18 holes Bob Rosburg ........... 68 Peter Thomson .... 70 Errie Ball ................ 71 Julius Boros ........... 71 Wesley Ellis ........... 71 Doug Ford .............. 71 Ed Furgol ................ 71 Jay Hebert .............. 71 Cary Middlecoff ... 71 54 holes Cary Middlecoff ...211 Wesley Ellis ............ 212 Ben Hogan ...............212 Ted Kroll .................212 Julius Boros ............ 213 Ed Furgol .................214 Arnold Palmer ....214 Peter Thomson ... .214 36 holes Peter Thomson .... 139 Ben Hogan ...............140 Jerry Barber .......... 141 Wesley Ellis ............ 141 Ed Furgol .................141 Cary Middlecoff ...141 Julius Boros .............142 Ted Kroll .................142 Arnold Palmer .... 142 72 holes Cary Middlecoff ...281 Julius Boros ............ 282 Ben Hogan .............. 282 Ed Furgol .................285 Ted Kroll .................285 Peter Thomson ....285 Arnold Palmer ....287 (A)Ken Venturi ..289 (A) Amateur Oak Hill not only provided a grand test of golf but warm hospitality and a highly efficient tournament organization under William C. Chapin, General Chair­ man and President of the Club. Attendance on the last day was larger than at any previous USGA Open of which we have record, with a crowd estimated at 13,914. The three-day attendance, esti­ mated at 3 8,767, closely crowded the total at Baltusrol in 1954. Following are figures for Oak Hill, subject to final check, com­ pared with those of 1954: 1956 10,705 1,200 Friday: Thursday: 11,748 1,200 Paid Free Total Paid Free Total Paid Free Total ) TOTAL Free attendance estimated ... 12,714 1,200 GRAND 11,905 12,948 Saturday: all working personnel (such as club radio, television) and guests. 1954 11,249 1,200 12,218 1,200 12,465 1,200 12,449 13,418 13,665 13,914 38,767 39,532 at 1,200 daily covers staff, press, __ Prize money totaled $24,000, with Mid­ dlecoff receiving $6,000. The entry list, after withdrawals for sickness, was 1,921, just seven under the all-time record of 1,928 set in 1954. There was a two-hour nationwide telecast on the last afternoon by NBC, sponsored by Eastman Kodak Co. Several unusual cases arose under the Rules of Golf, almost all on the first day. Some of them raised new questions, and the decisions given by a five-man USGA Committee at the Open are being reviewed by the USGA Rules of Golf Committee and the USGA Executive Committee. Pur­ suant to current practice, the views of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews will be invited; the USGA and the R. & A. try to agree on uniform in­ terpretations under the world-wide code. After full consideration of the jnost un­ usual aspects, it is hoped to issue formal decisions for the guidance of . other com­ mittees. These are some of the cases which were presented: Late Start CASE 1 : On the first day, Walker In­ man, Jr., was due to start at 9:04 A.M. He did not report when his name was called. His playing companions started without him. The next group also started before young Inman came running to the starter, twelve minutes late. He had been on the grounds for almost an hour before his scheduled time of 9:04, but had mis­ read the time to be 9:40! Rule 37-5 provides that "Players shall start at the times and in the order ar­ ranged by the Committee,” and the pen­ alty for breach is disqualification. But Rule 37-7, which requires players to play with­ out undue delay, calls for a two-stroke penalty in stroke play (unless there is repeated offense, in which case disqualifica­ tion may be imposed). Decision: Walker Inman was penalized two strokes, under Rule 37-7. He was not permitted to start until the entire field had started, at about 3:10 P.M., and he played alone, with a marker. This does not mean that Rule 37-5 is not still effective. Players who are seriously late will be disqualified. Young Inman’s case was judged by the Committee to be al­ most at the border-line between a penalty of two strokes and disqualification. Wafer Hazard Complication CASE 2: Not long later, Doug Ford’s second shot on the par-4 tenth hole was seen to splash into a creek crossing the fairway. Without seeking to locate his ball, the national PGA Champion dropped a ball behind the water hazard, as if to proceed under Rule 33-2. Before he had opportunity to play a stroke with the second ball, his attention USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, 1956 7 Wide World Photo Cary Middlecoff, right, relaxes for a moment on the practice putting green at Oak Hill Country Club, as Ben Hogan tries a practice putt. Hogan's failure to hole a 30-inch putt on the 17th cost him a tie. was called to the fact that the original ball had skipped across the water and lodged on the bank of the hazard on the far side, in a playable position. Ford thereupon aban­ doned the ball he had dropped behind the water hazard, and finished the hole with the ball he had driven from the tee. It should be noted that he did not play a stroke with the ball dropped behind the hazard; he dropped it, and then aban­ doned it. This presented a new question. The USGA Committee ruled that Ford had violated Rule 22-2, which provides in part that "A ball is in play when dropped.” For removing the second ball from play, Ford suffered a two-stroke penalty pre­ scribed for violation of Rule 22-2. Although Rule 22-2 was originally writ­ ten for reasons other than those in the Ford case, it seemed pertinent. Ford had given himself the advantage of choosing between the original ball as it lay in the hazard and the second ball he dropped be­ hind the hazard; a two-stroke penalty seemed adequate. 8 USCA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, 1956 It could have been held, with some logic, that once Ford dropped the second ball, it became the ball in play, the first ball was out of play, and when he resumed play with the first ball he was in fact playing a wrong ball. He holed out with that first ball. Rule 21-3 not only pre­ scribes a two-stroke penalty for playing a wrong ball outside a hazard but requires that the player rectify his mistake by holing out his own ball (in this case, the second ball, which Ford dropped behind the water hazard). Failure to do so calls for disqualification. Rule 23-3 provides that if a ball is illegally lifted before holed out, it may be replaced under a two-stroke penalty, and that failure to do so before teeing off on the next hole entails dis­ qualification. Ford thought he had disqualified himself. But the USGA Committee felt that the two-stroke penalty for violation of Rule 22-2 adequately covered the matter, espe­ cially since the only strokes Ford made on the hole were with the ball he drove from the tee. There was some public misunderstand­ ing because some press reports referred to Ford’s second ball as "provisional” under Rule 30. It was not a provisional ball, and Rule 30 did not enter into consideration. Wrong Scores CASE 3: Jackie Burke and his marker both reported his score for Hole 18 as 4. Actually, he played five strokes. Jack had not checked his score hole by hole when he finished but had signed his card without looking at the details. A little later in the day Burke noted on the scoreboard that he was credited with a 4 on 18. He reported the error to the USGA, knowing full well that Rule 3 8-3 says in part: "If the competitor return a score for any hole lower than actually played, he shall be disqualified.” The USGA Committee invoked Rule 3 6-5 and modified the penalty to two strokes. This Rule gives a Committee cer­ tain discretionary powers and provides as follows: "The Committee has no power to waive a Rule of Golf. A penalty of dis­ qualification, however, may, in excep­ tional individual cases, be waived or be modified under Rule 1 if the Committee considers such action warranted.” This was the first time within memory that the USGA had not applied disquali­ fication for violation of Rule 38-3. Next morning Gil Cavanaugh, a Long Island professional, reported to the USGA that on the previous day he, too, had re­ turned a lower score than actually played on one hole. He, too, was penalized two strokes. The decisions in these two cases have caused natural concern among some golf­ ers. They wonder when, if ever, the disqualification penalty should be applied for breach of Rule 3 8-3. The USGA is reviewing its policy and intends to issue a clarifying decision. Mean­ while, committees would be well advised not to modify the penalty when the in­ tention of the player is in serious question, or when the player does not correct his error promptly, or when the interests of other players may have been affected, as, for example, in a qualifying round. The decision in the Burke and Cava­ naugh cases was based on the existing facts of these cases, and cannot be construed as a decision that a violation of Rule 3 8-3, for returning a score for any hole lower than actually played, has a two-stroke penalty instead of disqualification. OTHER CASES: At the time the Jack Burke case came up, the USGA Committee was considering a question raised as to the correctness of Henry Cotton’s score on Hole 17. The three-time British Open Champion and his marker both reported his score as 5. Independent reports volunteered to the USGA stated that Cotton had made an extra stroke at the ball when it lay near the lip of the hole. Cotton twice re­ viewed the case for the USGA Committee, as did his marker. Since the Rules assign the scoring to the marker and the player, the Committee accepted Cotton’s score as posted. USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, 1956 9 THE CURTIS CUP IN A BRITISH HOME by MISS JEANNE BISCOOD Member of British Isles Curtis Cup Team 1950-52-54, English Champion 1951-53 Qhortly after five o’clock on the after- noon of June 9, Mrs. Roy Smith (known better on both sides of the Atlan­ tic as the former Miss Frances Stephens), holed a 15 inch putt on the last green of Prince’s Golf Course, Sandwich, England. As the ball dropped into the hole, the tension snapped in a roar of triumph from several thousand spectators. The Curtis Cup was once more in British hands. Mrs. Smith’s putt had closed out a 1-up victory over Miss Polly Riley. It provided Britain with the last point needed for a victory over the United States, 5 matches to 4, in the two-day series. Weather A Factor The match had started on as vile a June day as I can remember. The wind, which had blown consistently from the south throughout the practice week, had veered to the northwest, bringing steady, chilling rain. Those who thought this would favor the British were soon disillusioned. The Americans adapted themselves to the change in the course, managed somehow to keep warm, and hit the ball low and straight through the gale. At lunch-time in the first day’s four­ somes, the Match was slightly in Britain’s favor—one contest was all square, and the British were 2 up in both of the two others. But as the afternoon went on, hopes of a British lead disappeared. In the top match, Mrs. Jessie Valentine and Miss Philomena Garvey were conced­ ing some 3 5 yards in two full shots to Miss Pat Lesser and Miss Wiffi Smith. They had had a chance to win the last three holes before lunch, but shortish putts went astray and though they hung on in the afternoon, the fates did not forgive and they lost, 2 and 1. It is not often that British golfers out­ play Americans on the greens, but the su­ perb judgment of Mrs. Smith and Miss Elizabeth Price on the fast and tricky greens was the deciding factor in their match with Miss Barbara Romack and Miss Polly Riley. The British pair won, 5 and 3. The last match was rather a tragedy for the home side. The young British play­ ers, Miss Janette Robertson and Miss Ver­ onica Anstey, who had played regularly to­ gether in Australia last year, delighted us by establishing a five-hole lead by the 14th over Mrs. Philip Cudone and Miss Mary Ann Downey. Then came disaster. Miss Anstey, who covered herself with glory in the Antipodes, has almost in­ evitably suffered from something of a re­ action since her return. Her method is not yet entirely sound and did not stand up to the testing conditions and the strain of the occasion. The lead began to slip and the American pair, keeping up a steady pressure, won 12 out of the next 18 holes for victory by 6 and 4. Outlook Pessimistic With a 2-1 deficit in the foursomes, there was such pessimism in the British camp that a leading journalist, a Scot moreover, gave me 4-1 against. And in­ deed, looking at the order for the singles, it was difficult to see where four wins were to come from. Saturday was a comparatively pleasant day. The gale had dropped to a strong breeze, and the sun appeared from time to time. Once again the British Isles got away to a good start. After nine holes the score 10 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, 1956 '■5 ’V I H •' ' I < ■■■ Wide World Photo Mrs. Sloan M. Bolton, Captain of the British Curtis Cup Team, holds the trophy for her victorious team­ mates to admire. The 5-to-4 victory over the United States marked the second time a British Team has won the trophy in nine attempts. From left to right: Miss Veronica Anstey, Mrs. Nigel Howard, Miss Angela Ward, Miss Elizabeth Price, Mrs. Roy Smith, Mrs. Bolton, Miss Philomena Garvey, Miss Janette Robertson and Mrs. George Valentine. board showed: all square, 1 down, 3 up, 2 up, 4 up, 4 up; and our hopes soared again. By lunch the position was less encourag­ ing. Mrs. Valentine had dropped to 2 down against Miss Lesser, and looked tired. Miss Garvey had missed the chance to get ahead of Miss Wiffi Smith before the latter set­ tled down, and was also 2 down. Mrs. Roy Smith, who had forged ahead while Miss Riley tacked from one side of the course to the other, was pulled back to all square by the Texan’s homeward 3 5. Miss Romack had got into her stride and was now 2 up against Miss Robertson. But Miss Angela Ward, who off the course is a most refreshing and engaging person, bubbling with vitality, had played her first international match in a state of cool con­ centration and composure, and with a round of 73 now stood 5 up on Miss Downey. Miss Price, to whom the hole must have looked rather like a large bucket, was round in 71 and gave Miss Jane Nelson no chance at all. After lunch I went out with the Smith- Riley match. Soon after the start the great news came back to us that Miss Valentine had won the first three holes, and as the afternoon went on it became clear that she was confounding the critics and achiev­ ing one of the greatest victories of a great career. Miss Wiffi Smith and Miss Romack, prob­ ably the two best stylists on the American team, were out in 34 and 3 5, respectively, and that was two points in the bag for the U. S. A. Behind them, Miss Ward kept USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, 1956 11 her head and her lead. Though Miss Nelson, to her great credit, went on getting her figures, she could make no real impression on Miss Price. Smith-Riley Match So the issue was clear. Everything de­ pended on Mrs. Smith and Miss Riley, both small in build, but each in her own way the greatest competitor on her side. Miss Riley’s aggressive, determined tem­ perament is obvious to everyone who watches her play golf; Mrs. Smith’s relent­ less will-to-win is concealed under a quiet, almost modest demeanor. It was fitting that these two, each un­ defeated in Curtis Cup singles play, should carry the burden of directly deciding the fate of the trophy. How they did so is already golfing history. In an atmosphere of mounting excite­ ment, which even to a spectator was hardly bearable, they completed the last 12 holes in par and one over par, respectively. It was a truly magnificent performance and the cheers on the 36 th green were not only for a great British winner but for a most gallant American loser. American golfers may feel that we get over excited at the winning of a Curtis Cup Match. I hope they will be patient with us and remember that out of 15 international golf matches against the U. S. A. for the Walker, Curtis and Ryder Cups since the war, we have won only one other, the 1952 Curtis Cup match at Muirfield. Although that win was perhaps even more thrilling because it was the first ever, this last was really a greater victory. The standard of golf was far higher, the issue was in the balance up to the very last putt, and our team proved that, contrary to general belief, it is pos­ sible to be behind on the foursomes and yet beat the United States. It only remains to add that, as one would expect under the captaincy of two such delightful people as Mrs. Harrison Flippin, of the United States, and Mrs. S. M. Bolton, the two teams fulfilled the primary purpose of the donors of the Cup in furthering good relations between the golfers of the United States and the Brit­ ish Isles. When the British team comes to the States in 1958, they will be trying to score their first away win; but, should they fail, we cannot ask more than that they will be as gracious and sporting in defeat as the Americans at Prince’s. 1956 INTERNATIONAL MATCH FOR THE CURTIS CUP Held at- Prince’s Golf Club, Sandwich Bay, Kent, England June 8 and 9 FOURSOMES Points UNITED STATES BRITISH ISLES Points Miss Patricia Lesser and Miss Margaret Smith (2 and 1 ) .................... 1 Mrs. George Valentine and Miss Philomena Garvey ...... 0 Miss Polly Riley and Miss Barbara Romack ........... 0 Miss Mary Ann Downey and Mrs. Philip J. Cudone (6 and 4) ........................... 1 Mrs. Roy Smith and Miss Elizabeth Price (5 and 3) ........................... 1 Miss Janette Robertson and Miss Veronica Anstey ____ ___ ____ __ ____ 0 Total ................................... 2 Total ............................................................. ] SINGLES Miss Patricia Lesser _________________ ______ __ 0 Miss Margaret Smith (9 and 8)____ ____ ______ 1 Miss Polly Riley .............. 0 Miss Barbara Romack (6 and 4)............... 1 Miss Mary Ann Downey ............. 0 Miss Jane Nelson ........................................................ 0 Mrs. George Valentine (6 and 4).............. 1 Miss Philomena Garvey ...................... 0 Mrs. Roy Smith (1 up) ........................................... 1 Miss Janette Robertson .................... 0 Miss Angela Ward (4 and 3) ........... 1 Miss Elizabeth Price (7 and 6) ........... 1 Total ........................... 2 Total ...... 4 Grand Total—United States .... ........ 4 Grand Total— British Isles ........................ 5 Captain—Mrs. Harrison F. Flippin Captain—Mrs. Sloan Bolton Reserve—Mrs. Nigel Howard 12 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, 1956 HURRICANE DAMAGE IN THE NORTHEAST by A. M. RADKO N ortheastern Director, USGA Green Section J^xperience with the hurricanes of the past two seasons has had Northeast­ erners reeling and on the ropes. Damage, devastation and raging floodwaters remain vividly in mind for many. As in 1954, the major portion of hurricane damage in this country in 195 5 occurred in the Northeast­ ern United States, an area formerly con­ sidered out of the hurricane belt. Damage from South Carolina southward to Florida and westward to Texas, normally consid­ ered the hurricane belt, was comparatively minor. What will 1956 bring? Has the pattern of the devastating hurricanes changed? In an article appearing in the "Saturday Evening Post,” Dr. Hurd C. Willet, Pro­ fessor of Meteorology at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, dismissed specu­ lation that the hurricane belt had per­ manently moved from the West Indies to New England. Those who have experienced the terrible fury of a hurricane cannot help crossing their fingers in the hope that it never happens again. Total Damage The total hurricane damage in the United States in 195 5 was over one billion dollars; the total casualties numbered 218. The floods caused by rains from "Diane,” following so closely after those of "Con­ nie,” did more damage to property in the United States than did any other hurri­ cane in history. Rainfall from "Connie” was heavy from North Carolina to New England, with amounts reported varying from about six inches at many stations to the 12.20 inches which fell on La Guardia Field, Long Island, New York, in a 38-hour period on August 12-13, 1955. Although this rain did not cause excessive damage, it did sat­ urate the ground, fill the streams, and in general set the stage for the devastating floods which followed the passage of hur­ ricane "Diane” a few days later. Rainfall from "Diane” in excess of eight inches was reported at many stations, while more than 18 inches fell in the highlands north­ west of Hartford, Conn. The combined total of rainfall from "Connie” and "Diane’’ exceeded 20 inches in many places, all of the rain falling within one nine-day period. Since hurricane damage was so wide­ spread, it was inevitable that some golf courses in the Northeast would be severely affected. The following are representative comments from some of those who ex­ perienced disaster from hurricanes in the last two years: Mr. Ray Dennehy, Pro-Supt., The Kit- tansett Clttb, Marion, Mass. "The storm ('Hazel,’ 1954) hit the course at 10:30 A.M. and, within an hour, nine greens, tees and fairways were inundated with salt water. Some of the fairways and greens had seven to eight feet of water over them; the rest had four to five feet of water. The course remained under water for about five hours. "When the tide began to recede, we immediately started the sprinklers going on as many greens as possible. About an hour later the Town of Marion or­ dered us to shut off all sprinklers. How­ ever, that hour of fresh water really helped. "The following week tees and fair­ ways turned brown. We then aerated stricken greens, tees and fairways heav­ ily. The Patron Saint of Greenkeepers USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, 1956 13 Kittansett Photo The full fury of Hurricane Hazel was experienced by The Kittansett Club, in Marion, Mass. The Pro Shop, left, and the Clubhouse, right, were battered severely by raging flood waters. Approximately half the course was inundated by salt water, carrying and depositing large amounts of debris. Prompt action by club officials kept damage to a minimum. must have been with us for right after aerating a nice rain fell. After the rain we applied gypsum to greens, tees and fairways at approximately 1,000 pounds to the acre. "Fortunately, ninety per cent of the debris washed up by the hurricane ended in the rough and bushes. It took two men over three months to clean it up. "A great deal was learned about salt tolerant native bentgrasses from prior hurricanes, and we began plugging those that appeared tolerant in our number six fairway. This fairway always bears the brunt of the floods. After 'Hazel’ this fairway was in fine shape, so we are now plugging these salt tolerant bentgrass strains into our other fair­ ways.” Mr. Ralph De Masi, Supt., Hampshire Country Chib, Mamaroneck., New York. "In September, 195 5, all fairways and most greens were flooded with approxi­ mately seven feet of salt water. The amount of silt deposited measured be­ tween one-fourth to three-eighths in­ ches. The debris washed up took 12 men two weeks to clean up. "Flooded greens and tees were imme­ diately washed with fresh water as soon as the flood water receded. They were also sprayed with liquid fertilizer. As soon as we could get machinery on fair­ ways we chain-harrowed and aerated thoroughly; we then applied a light ap­ plication of organic nitrogen, also gyp­ 14 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, 1956 sum at the rate of 1,000 pounds to the acre. The bentgrass population took it rather well; however, some of the Kentucky bluegrass and most of the creeping red fescue were lost.” Mr. William Harding, Chairman Green Committee; Mr. James McCormack, Supt., The Dedham Polo and Country Club, Dedham, Mass. "This past year we ferried green mowers by rowboat to mow greens. The flooding rains brought the level of the Charles River to within two inches of the all-time record flood of 1866. The water almost completely covered two fairways and roughs, and sections of fairways of five holes for about four weeks. The Charles River floodwaters contained sewerage and algae was quick to form, a severe crust forming before the water receded. Due to rigid control of the River’s flow downstream and through the city of Boston, it took about four weeks to run off sufficiently to al­ low us to begin repair work. "As each area became free of water we immediately treated it as follows: 1. The semi-dry scum layer was shredded with a vertical mower. 2. Intense aeration with a small unit followed—the areas were too wet for larger units. 3. Fresh water was applied as quickly as possible. 4. A harrow was used as soon as practicable to further break up the algae. 5. Dolomitic lime was applied at the rate of 1,000 pounds to the acre. 6. Some rough areas were burned. 7. Fertilizer mixed with insecti­ cide was applied soon thereafter. "We feel that we got out of quite a pickle at practically no expense. "We are now grateful that we decided not to plow and begin from scratch, for a week or two after aeration new shoots from the bentgrasses began to sprout. Hampshire Photo This was the view across the J 3th green at Hampshire Country Club, Mamaroneck, N. Y., in September, 1955. All fairways and most greens were covered with approximately seven feet of salt water. Sound turf principles, quickly applied by club officials, are credited with saving the course from crippling damage. USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, 1956 15 We are grateful, too, that the grass plant is as rugged as it proved itself to be.” Mr. W. W. Fisher, Chairman, Green Committee, and Mr. William Du Bie, Supt., Country Club of Farmington, Farmington, Conn. "Our course is divided by U. S. Route 10. Seven holes are located on the easterly or high side, and the re­ maining eleven holes are located between the highway and the Farmington River. Normally the river is about 100 to 150 feet wide and shallow enough to be waded in the summer. When the flood of August 19 was at its crest, the Farm­ ington River was so wide that it was impossible to see where the water ended —perhaps some five to five and one- half miles wide. "On the lowest part of the course the depth of water was between 20 and 25 feet. Substantially all fairways and rough, and all but three greens on the easterly side, were flooded. A silt de­ posit three-quarters of an inch in depth was left on these areas. "Immediately after the water receded, we had every available man using rakes, brooms, shovels and scrapers to remove the silt from greens. This chore took about three days, after which all af­ fected greens were aerated, washed and partially seeded. By October 15 they made very good recovery. "It was impossible to remove the silt deposit from fairways. We hoped that it would dry and crack, allowing the grasses to come up through it as in previous years. Unfortunately, it did not dry soon enough and the blanket­ ing effect completely killed all fairway grass on the middle lower holes. "Therefore, it was necessary to use a disc harrow to turn the silt in, and these fairways were reseeded in mid­ September. An excellent stand was ob­ tained and it looked as though the situa­ tion was well in hand when we were hit with the first October flood. This flood crested about six feet lower than the August flood, but brought with it about one-half inch of fine sand, the cumulative effect of which was terrific. "As a result, we have had to sod six greens completely. We had hoped to work on these greens last fall, but the soil became so saturated each time it rained that we had what, prior to the year 195 5, would have been considered a major flood. Consequently, it was im­ possible to get in to do the work. "The unseasonable April snows fur­ ther hampered our renovation program, throwing us about a month behind our planned operations. Spot-seeding of fair­ ways and re-seeding of most of the rough had to be done this spring, along with the re-turfing of aprons. The ap­ proximate cost of reconditioning the course has been $15,000 to date.” From the hurricane experiences of the persons quoted above, it appears that the following practices would be most helpful in minimizing damage in the event your club should face a similar situation: 1. Remove deposits of silt, sand or soil from turf as soon as possible. 2. Water the turf as soon as possible, especially after salt water flood- o ing. 3. Aerate the soil thoroughly, as soon as practicable. 4. If algae forms, break through the crust with convenient imple­ ments. A vertical mower can be used on greens, aprons or tees; a chain harrow on fairways. 5. Apply gypsum at the rate of 1,000 pounds to the acre; or, apply 1,000 pounds of agricul­ tural or dolomitic limestone to the acre; or, a combination of limestone and gypsum totalling approximately 1,000 pounds to the acre. 6. Fertilize the afflicted areas. 7. Introduce salt-tolerant strains of bentgrass into areas that become flooded regularly. 8. Study and improve drainage, where possible. 16 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, 1956 WIFFI SMITH ENLIVENS by INTERNATIONAL GOLF HARRY L. STALEY USGA Executive Assistant the age of 19, Miss Margaret (Wiffi) Smith has the unique distinction of having won national golf championships in four countries. Two of them were gained just last month, the French and the British ama­ teur championships. In 195 3 Miss Smith won the Mexican Amateur and in 1954 the USGA Girls’ Junior. June was an eventful month for Miss Smith. Before her two Championships, she represented the United States against the British Isles in the biennial Curtis Cup Match, and she was a winner in both singles and foursomes. The British Women’s Amateur Champ­ ionship has been particularly elusive to Americans. Only Mrs. George Zaharias and Miss Louise Suggs had won it befo^, this year. Miss Smith is the only American who has ever won the French title. Those who have followed Wiffi Sifhith’s golfing fortunes in recent years were not surprised by her success abroad. She is a powerful player with a fine temperament for golf; she enjoys the game so much that sometimes it has been difficult for her happy, easy-going nature to bear down at crucial times. She has been a factor in the USGA Women’s Amateur Champion­ ship ever since her first attempt at the age of 16 when, in 19 53, she reached the semi­ finals. She was a quarter-finalist in both 1954 and 1955. Wiffi Smith was born in California, lived in Mexico for a time, and now resides in St. Clair, Mich. After the Curtis Cup Match last month in England, Miss Smith went to Paris for the French Women’s Championship. In the 3 6-hole final she defeated Miss Angela Ward, British Curtis Cup player, 1 up. Miss Smith then returned to Sunningdale, Eng- MISS MARGARET (WIFFI) SMITH land, for the British Women’s Amateur Championship. She was one of eleven Amer­ icans, including six Curtis Cup teammates, playing for the title. A 1 up victory over Mrs. B. E. Stuart Smith, of England, in the first round, proved to be the toughest win for Miss Smith in the course of the tournament. Advancing to the final, she met a fellow- American, Miss Mary Patton Janssen, of Charlottesville, Va. They constituted the first all-American final in the history of the tournament, which began in 1893. Miss Janssen, the surprise of the Champ­ ionship, gained a final berth by virtue of upset victories over AJiss Elizabeth Price and Miss Angela Ward, both members of the victorious British Curtis Cup Team. However, Miss Smith was not to be denied as she unleased her powerful game over the rain-swept Sunningdale course to gain an 8-and-7 victory over Miss Janssen. USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, 1956 17 BEHARRELL BRIGHTENS BRITISH GOLF HOPES by TOM SCOTT Editor, Golf Illustrated London, England ^here are many experienced golf follow­ ers in Britain who think that John Beharrell, of Birmingham, England, who recently won the British Amateur Champ­ ionship at Troon, is one of the greatest golfers for his age, 18, there has ever been. These are people who go back to the days of Bobby Jones and before. The point is, of course, how much bet­ ter he will become. He may keep on im­ proving and become one of the world’s golfing "greats” or he may win a few more tournaments and burn himself out. The chances are that he will go on and on to establish himself as supreme in his genera­ tion. Youngest To Win He is the youngest player ever to win the British Amateur Championship and he did it in the most convincing manner pos­ sible, beating on his road to the title C. Lawrie, Scottish international; Ian Cald­ well, Walker Cup player; Frank Deighton, Walker Cup player; Gene Andrews, former USGA Public Links Champion; Reid Jack, Scottish Champion, and Leslie Taylor, Scot­ tish international. The quality of golf he played was of a very high class. His concentration was something not seen from a British golfer since Henry Cotton at his best. In the final he went over to the referee at one stage and said, "Please excuse me, sir, but can you tell me the state of the match?” That is quite true and shows that this boy has no thought but to beat his opponent. He hits the ball a long way and has plenty of reserve strength, for he stands six feet high and weighs 175 pounds. While playing golf he is completely poker- faced and always wears a cap well down JOHN BEHARRELL over his eyes. He has a ruddy complexion and is a pleasant-looking boy. The new Amateur Champion began to take an interest in golf in 1946-47 and became so keen that he travelled on a bus for 15 minutes, then had a half-mile walk to the course. In 1948 the English Amateur Champ­ ionship was played at Little Aston and he was in attendance every day, watching the various competitors with close attention. His interest in the game grew as a result and when the family moved to a home near the golf club, young John’s first re­ action was: "Good, now I can play more golf.” He was ten years old then and Grand­ father Beharrell presented him with four beautifully made small clubs as a Christ­ mas present. In the course of time he grew out of these clubs, and when his mother, a sound player, purchased a new set of clubs, John fell heir to her old set. These 18 USCA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, 1956 eventually wore out and then he had the first of several new sets he has possessed. His father tells me that now the most re­ cent change round of clubs in the family is that John had a new set and dad got the old ones. Since the first time John showed an apti­ tude for the game, his parents have always encouraged him, but as he took to the game naturally, it was simply a matter of giving him little bits of advice. And, I can tell you that Mr. and Mrs. Beharrell are model spectators. At Troon they never followed him when there were no spectators, and when, towards the end of the Championship, a gallery followed him, they stayed on the edge, out of sight. One exciting match was too much for Mrs. Beharrell; she went off to the hotel to iron some of John’s shirts. All who saw the new Champion at Troon were amazed at his composure and the ac­ curacy of his game. His composure, I fancy, has come as a result of watching the lead­ ing amateurs and professionals, and his ac­ curacy because he has devoted so much time to practicing the short game. He is not a slave to practice. "Two hours a day intensive practice is better than five hours mucking about,” he has said to me. He is definitely not a fanatic as regards practice. He relies on his coach, Jack Cawsey, of Pype Hayes, to keep his swing in order and has a weekly lesson from that fine teacher. Yes, even in the week fol­ lowing Troon! He has also received much help from Ryder Cup man Charlie Ward at Little Aston, and gives Charlie credit for his short game. He will be going into his father’s export business, and in the ordinary run of things will be able to have a fair amount of time off for golf. He is not likely to go into the business seriously until the autumn and so, during the season, will be a competitor at various events. One of his ambitions, apart from becom­ ing a great golfer, is to play in the United States. That chance will come, I am sure, in the Walker Cup Match at the Minikahda Club, in Minneapolis, in August, 1957. USGA Publications of General Interest THE RULES OF GOLF, as approved by the United Slates 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 tne 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 17’/2 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, IV. Y. Please send payment with your order. USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, 1956 19 CHAMPIONS MADE AT HARDING PARK IT IS not often that public golf courses come to national notice. One that is different is the Harding Park Course in San Francisco, scene this month of the USGA Amateur Public Links Champion­ ship. The 31st annual Public Links Champ­ ionship is the second such event to be held at Harding Park. Bruce N. McCormick, of Los Angeles, Cal., won the title there in the 16th Championship, held in 1937. Sam D. Kocsis, of Detroit, was 195 5 Champion. As the site of the San Francisco City Championship, Harding Park annually plays host to one of the most hotly contested Championships in the nation. An estimated 2,500 golfers filed entry for the event this year. Ken Venturi, present City Champion, is a product of the Harding Park course. The 2 5 year old Venturi fashioned his game there and, at the age of 17, became the youngest player ever to win the San Fran­ cisco City Championship. He has since won the title twice and holds the course record of 63. The Harding Park alumnus won his most recent City Championship by defeating the defending Champion and USGA Amateur Champion, Harvie Ward, Jr., 5 and 4, last March. A gallery of several thousand fans jammed the course to view the final, il­ lustrating the fact that San Franciscans This is the 10th green of Harding Park Golf Course, in San Francisco, Cal., host to the 1956 USGA Public Links Championship. The huge gallery is watching Harvie Ward, right, in the act of putting in the recent San Francisco City Championship. Ken Venturi, left, defeated Ward to win the title for the second time. 20 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, 1956 San Francisco Examiner Photo regard their City Championship seriously. One of the most heavily played public courses in the United States, it is estimated that an average of 9,000 golfers tour the 18 hole course each month of the year. Favorable weather conditions allow golf the year round. In recent years a number of new homes have been built within walk­ ing distance, inviting increased play. The course measures a total of 6,683 yards and is situated in a setting of ma­ jestic natural beauty. Towering above the course, to the north, is beautiful Mt. Ta- malpais. Another regional landmark, Lake Merced, is also visible. Tree-lined fairways frame the course and present a natural obstacle to those who venture too far from the fairway. Constructed in 1924, Harding Park was dedicated to the memory of the late Presi­ dent of the United States, Warren G. Hard­ ing. In 1923, President Harding, an hon­ orary member of the USGA Executive Committee, offered to donate the Warren G. Harding Trophy which is awarded to the Team Champion of the Amateur Public Links event. It was at Harding Park that Byron Nel­ son won the 1944 San Francisco Open Championship with a 275, six strokes bet­ ter than his closest competitor. In a recent visit to San Francisco he ventured the per­ sonal opinion that, "Harding Park is truly a great course and is in excellent condi­ tion.” The 31st Amateur Public Links Championship bids fair to add to the golf­ ing tradition of Harding Park. CAST OF CHARACTERS IN THE OPEN by BILL BEENEY Sports Writer, Democrat & Chronicle, Rochester, New York J'aking a fast look at the cast of charac­ ters in the Open field, and cataloguing some of them like this: Gene Littler—the boy in the musical comedy who is in love with Marlene Die­ trich, but has to settle for Debbie Reynolds. Bob Toski—the gentlemanly manager of the heavyweight champ. Jimmy Demaret—the blacksmith’s son who left town with the summer stock com­ pany. Ed Furgol—the farm boy who took a dictionary with him to the big city. Frank Stranahan—the boy from the avenue who finally was accepted by the kids from across the tracks. Gardner Dickinson—the fellow who went on a diet and REALLY stuck to it. Cary Middlecoff — the successful young insurance salesman who is always thinking of "getting into politics.” Sam Snead—the foreman of the pea­ Jack Fleck—the FBI agent who brooks picking crew. no foolishness. Ben Hogan—the captain of the pirate ship. Ed Oliver—the fellow who plays the tuba at the Fourth of July picnic. Julius Boros—the B-17 waist gunner who never changes expression when the Messerschmidts dive in from 11 o’clock. Mike Souchak—the fellow at the bot­ tom of the pile on the acrobatic team. Reprinted by permission of Rochester Democrat & Chronicle, Rochester, New York. Harvie Ward—the All-American boy who hopes his mother never finds out that he smokes. Tommy Bolt—the traffic cop who loves to blow a whistle. Ken Venturi—the newspaper carrier boy who grew up and went to work for his girl’s father. Arnold Palmer — the young bank teller who secretly practices jui-jitsu. Johnny Bulla—the Mississippi River boat gambler who forgot his cigars. USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, 1956 21 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. Player Must Drop Outside Ground Under Repair USGA 56-9 R. 32-la Q.: On the Thunderbird course at Palm Springs, Cal., there is a swale on the ninth hole which has a sign posted at it, "Ground Under Repair—Drop Back”. In my game there recently, the ball of one of the members was in the swale, in a muddy spot, and since he was a short hit­ ter, he wanted to drop back of the muddy spot onto a grassy spot in the swale, but his opponent contended that he could not do that but had to drop some ten or fifteen yards back so that his ball would be drop­ ped out of the swale and on the regular fairway. Question by: Malcolm Cravens San Francisco, Cal. A.: If the player did not choose to play the ball as it lay, his only recourse without penalty was to drop his ball as near as possible to the spot where it lay, but not nearer the hole, on ground which avoided the ground under repair, i.e., on ground outside the limits of the ground under repair. It is the purpose of rule 32-la to offer relief from ground under repair, not to permit a player simply to play from another place in ground under repair. Teeing When Replaying From Teeing Ground USGA 56-16 R. 29-la Q.1 : A player tees and plays a stroke from a teeing ground but misses the ball, leaving it on the tee. With his next stroke he hits the ball out of bounds. Can he now tee and play his fourth stroke any­ where in the teeing ground, or must he drop a ball as near as possible to the spot where the original ball was teed up? A.l: He may tee his ball and must play his next stroke anywhere within the teeing ground, in accordance with Rule 29-la. Q.2: Would the same privilege apply had the original ball fallen off the tee at the first stroke but not rolled outside of the teeing ground? A.2: Yes, under Rule 29-la. Questions by: J. E. Crane Ashiya Shi, Japan 22 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, 1956 Flagstick Attended by Player’s Side R. 34-1, 2; 37-2 USGA 56-17 Q.l : Would the player in match play be penalized if his caddie ran up and pulled the flagstick while the ball was in motion if the caddie had been instructed to attend the flagstick? Also, if the caddie had not been instructed to attend the flagstick. A.l : No, in both cases, assuming that the ball did not strike the flagstick or the caddie. Rule 34-1 gives the player playing the stroke sole control of the flagstick, and he may have it attended, removed or not as he chooses. The player is also presumed to control members of his side, including his caddie; see Rule 37-2. Q.2: Would the player in match play be penalized only if the flagstick, clubs, or other equipment were struck while his caddie pulled the flagstick while the ball was in motion regardless of instructions to attend or not attend the flagstick? A.2: Yes. He would lose the hole under Rule 34-2. (A player always incurs the relative penalty for any breach of rule by his caddie; see Rule 37-2.) Q.3: Would the player in stroke play be penalized if his caddie ran up and pulled the flagstick while his ball was in motion on the putting surface if the cad­ die had not been instructed to attend or not attend the flagstick? A. 3: No. See Answer 1 above. Q.4: Would the player in stroke play be penalized if he had instructed his caddie not to run up and pull the flagstick while the ball was in motion? Would the player only be penalized if the ball struck the flagstick, clubs, or other equipment of his caddie, whether he was instructed or not instructed to pull the flagstick while the ball was in motion? A.4: A competitor in stroke play would not incur penalty solely because his cad­ die attended the flagstick while the ball was in motion after the competitor had instructed him not to do so. The com­ petitor would incur a penalty of two strokes under Rule 34-2, however, if the ball struck the flagstick when it was at­ tended by the caddie or if it struck him or his clubs or other equipment, whether or not the caddie had been instructed to attend the flagstick. Questions by: Warren Orlick Orchard Lake, Mich. Original Ball “Lost” when Second Put in Play USGA 56-18 R. 23-3, 29-1 Q.: Player hits his tee shot in the rough. He looked for the ball a reasonable length of time and did not find it. He went back to the tee and hit another ball, without declaring the ball lost. The other competi­ tors in his group claim he did not look for the ball the full five minutes. After hitting the second ball, his first ball was found. He picked up his second ball and played out the hole with his first ball. The tournament was at stroke play. Question by: Harold Oatman Norfolk, Va. A.: The player abandoned his original ball, as lost, when he put a second ball into play under Rule 29-1; and he had no basis under the Rules for subsequently picking up his ball in play and playing out the hole with his original ball. Unless the player proceeded as stipu­ lated in Rule 23-3 in stroke play, replac­ ing his ball in play (the second ball) under penalty of two strokes and com­ pleting the hole with it, he incurred a penalty of disqualification. Provisional Ball’s Status Under Water Hazard Clause USGA 56-19 R. 30-la Q.: Regarding Rule 30, let us assume that it is the tee shot which comes to rest in a spot which might conceivably be out of bounds, lost, unplayable or in a water hazard. It is stated in advance that a pro­ visional ball is being played, but it will USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY. 1956 23 not apply if the ball is found in a water hazard. If the ball is subsequently found to be in a water hazard, we have the following differences in opinion: A says that the ball must either be played as it lies or proceed under Rule 3 3-2 or 3. The provisional ball may not be played since it was stated in advance that it would not apply to a ball found in a water hazard. B says that the ball may be played as it lies or in accordance with the provisions set forth in Rule 33 and, in addition, may be declared unplayable; whereupon the provisional ball must be played and the option to proceed under Rule 29-2b does not exist. C says that the ball may be played as it lies, in accordance with Rule 3 3, or as provided in Rule 29-2a and 2b, since it was stated in advance that the provisional ball was not to apply to a ball found in a water hazard and that the option pro­ hibited in Rule 30-4 applies only to the ball found unplayable, but not in the water hazard. Question by: Mrs. Edward Schultz Oak Park, Ill. A.: A is correct. When a player exer­ cises the privilege granted to him under Rule 30-1 a by stating that a provisional ball he is playing will not apply if his original ball is in a water hazard, he must abide by that statement. If the original ball is, in fact, subsequently found in a water hazard, the provisional ball cannot be put into play. The player must play it as it lies or proceed under Rule 33-2 or 3. Ball Adhering to Club after Stroke USGA 56-20 R. 19-2, 26-lb Q.: An approach shot to the green fell short and landed in an unusually large hole in the sand trap next to the bank of the trap. The player executed his next shot properly and the ball went straight up in the air nicely, only to come straight down again, settling on the face of the club which was still poised in the air. The player had naturally dug deeply to get the ball out of the hole and the wet sand glued the ball to the club. What do you do with the ball? I sup­ pose the penalty would be the same as Rule 19-2. Question by: Mrs. S. A. Peters, Jr. Arcata, Cal. A.: On the assumption that the player had completed his stroke, he is considered to have stopped his own ball and to have incurred a penalty of loss of hole in match play under Rule 2 6-2a or two strokes in stroke play under Rule 26-3a. However, if the circumstance was such that it was considered the player had struck the ball twice, he incurred a penalty stroke under Rule 19-2. The ball lodged in a thing moving, within the meaning of Rule 26-lb, and in proceeding under Rules 26-3a and 19-2 the player was required to drop it as near as possible to the spot beneath the posi­ tion of the club when the ball adhered to it, without further penalty. Hitting Opponent’s Ball From Hazard USGA 56-22 R. 21-2, 27-2a Q.: What is the penalty, if any, when a player plays his opponent’s ball, through error, from a hazard in match play? Does Rule 21-2 or Rule 27-2a govern? A.: Rule 21-2 governs, and there is no penalty. The player must be consid­ ered only to have played a wrong ball in a hazard, but not to have touched or moved his opponent’s ball within the meaning of Rule 27-2a. Rule 23-1 ex­ pressly forbids a player from lifting his ball for identification in a hazard and thus, in some situations, he would not be able to protect himself. A player whose ball is so played, how­ ever, must drop the ball as near as pos­ sible to the spot from which it was played in accordance with the principles of Rule 27-2a. 24 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, 1956 TRENDS IN GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE By DR. MARVIN H. FERGUSON Southwestern Director and National Research Coordinator, USGA Green Section JJemands for more nearly perfect play­ ing conditions on the part of golfers, and insistence upon economical mainte­ nance by boards of governors, sometimes provide a considerable squeeze for the golf course superintendent. The conscientious superintendent seeks ways to provide the best possible playing conditions within the limits of his maintenance budget. Such pressure, applied constantly, does not produce revolutionary changes in maintenance practice, but it does force gradual changes. Because superintendents participate in educational conferences, field days, and group meetings, ideas are ex­ changed and items of information which lead to changes in practice are dissem­ inated. Most of these changes represent minor departures from previous practice. Thus, a better method of carrying out any particular operation soon finds acceptance throughout a region. Of course, not all changes can be put into effect on all courses even though they may be changes for the better. Individu­ ality of golf courses requires that main­ tenance practices vary to suit the particu­ lar needs of a course. Nevertheless, one may observe trends in the changing main­ tenance methods. Considerable change has been brought about by research. Public research agen­ cies have contributed greatly to the basic knowledge or the principles which under­ lie the practices used. Industry, through its research efforts, is constantly produc­ ing new machinery and materials, largely tailored to fill some specific need on the golf courses. Some of the contributions of research have almost had a revolution­ ary impact upon maintenance. Recent ex­ amples of these contributions are found among the pre-emergence herbicides and in machinery for vertical mowing. It may be well to note some of the trends concerned with practices now con­ sidered to be standard. Some of these tendencies toward different techniques are well-defined. Others are so gradual as to be barely discernible. Fertilization In recent years new materials have been produced which have had an effect upon fertilizer usage. This is particularly true in the case of nitrogen carriers. Urea-formal- dehyde products which release nitrogen slowly are now being marketed and it is expected that these materials will affect fertilizer practice. There still is much to be learned about the behavior of these ma­ terials on different grasses and in different seasons. They provide several advantages. USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, 1956 25 Nitrogen is released slowly; they are clean and easy to handle; and they are high analysis materials, thus reducing handling and shipping costs per unit of plant food. High analysis soluble fertilizers have also come to be used in increasing amounts on golf courses. The soluble or liquid fer­ tilizer picture has changed quite rapidly since improved techniques in the manu­ facture of liquid materials has enabled their makers to compete more favorably in terms of price than was possible a few years ago. The development of urea plants and improved methods of combining liquid phosphoric acid with anhydrous ammonia has made these materials relatively plenti­ ful and relatively cheap. Storage and trans­ portation of the liquid materials offer the biggest drawback to their usage. There has been a general trend for a good many years toward the use of higher analysis materials. This trend has been ob­ served in the entire fertilizer field. Insofar as turf is concerned, there has been a greater use of materials relatively high in nitrogen as compared to the contents of phosphorus and potash. On putting greens, especially, there has been a tendency to use less phosphorus since it has become known that bentgrass uses phosphorus in relatively small amounts compared to its need for nitrogen. In much of the Southwest there has been a movement toward the use of very light and very frequent applications of fertilizer on putting greens. Many golf courses are finding that they have excellent results by applying approximately 1/j pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet each week. This method of applying fer­ tilizer to putting greens requires a little more labor and a little more time, but it contributes to a uniform rate of growth and there is never a great build-up of ni­ trogen in the soil. Therefore, if one runs into a period of weather favorable to disease, he can simply skip one or two applications of fertilizer until the weather returns to more nearly normal. This method has been practiced in the use of organic as well as inorganic materials. COMING EVENTS 1956 August 7: Rutgers Turf Field Day Rutgers University New Brunswick, N. J. August 15-16: 25th Annual Golf Course Superintendents Field Days University of Rhode Island Kingston, R. I. Silver Jubilee, evening of Aug. 15 Point Judith Country Club Narragansett, R. ). September 25: St. Louis District Golf Assn. Field Day St. Louis, Mo. September 26-27: Northwest Turfgrass Conference Washington State College Pullman, Washington September 28-29: Utah Turfgrass Conference Utah Copper Golf Course Magna, Utah October 1-2: Prof. A. G. Law J. W. Richardson Rocky Mountain Turfgrass Conference Colorado A & M College Fort Collins, Colo. Prof. G. A. Beach October 4-5: New Mexico Turfgrass Conference New Mexico College of Agriculture & Mechanic Arts State College, N. M. Prof. C. E. Watson November 12-16: American Society of Agronomy Meetings Cincinnati, Ohio Grasses One of the peculiar things about turf­ grasses, as compared to other agricultural crops, is the fact that relatively few spe­ cies and very few strains or varieties have been used for growing turf. This is true despite the fact that there are many types of turf grown under many varying cli­ matic and soil conditions. This situation is changing rapidly. A great many new strains are being developed and older strains which have proved to be superior types are being planted more widely. It is expected that this tendency toward the use of a greater number of strains is likely to continue. One of the factors that has deterred some users from growing the im­ proved strains of bentgrass and bermuda 26 USCA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, 1956 is the fact that most of the improved strains must be planted vegetatively. Veg­ etative propagation certainly is a disad­ vantage. However, several fairly satisfac­ tory methods of vegetative propagation are available to the grower, and while vegetative planting may be somewhat more laborious and more expensive, the superi­ ority of improved strains more than off­ sets the difficulties involved. As vegetative strains come into greater usage, there is an increasing need for cer­ tification programs in all the states. Many of the golf course superintendents of the United States have a strain of Washington bent which they have grown on their golf courses. It is believed that if all the strains of Washington bent that are being grown in the United States were brought to­ gether, one might find a great diversity of types among them. The situation con­ cerning Cohansey (C-7) bent has become almost as bad. Because of its distinctive color, it is generally thought that any bentgrass with a pale green color must be a type of Cohansey bent; consequently, there are many different grasses being propagated under this name. As more and more vegetatively propagated grasses come to be used, certification programs within the states will become a greater necessity. U-3 Bermudagrass and Zoysia are pro­ ducing a considerable impact upon the turf of golf courses in the transition zone between the areas of Bermudagrass adapta­ tion and the areas in which cool season grasses are normally grown. These grasses also are presently propagated only by vege­ tative material. It is anticipated that Zoysia may be propagated by seed in the future. Watering Changes which have come about in the practice of watering are rather difficult to define. As a result of research and edu­ cation efforts within recent years, there has come to be a better understanding of the water requirements of grasses and of the dangers attendant in overwatering. Watering practices, however, still defy precise definition. Soils must be kept moist, but they must not be kept so wet that the water in the pore spaces of the soil excludes the air from those pore spaces. While it is not possible to describe in well defined terms the advances that have been made in watering practice, it is believed that attention to research and education in this particular phase of turf manage­ ment has promoted greater vigilance and greater attention to the water needs of turf. This increased vigilance has contrib­ uted greatly to the proper use of water within the last few years. Disease Control Diseases continue to be one of the major problems in the maintenance of putting greens. Diseases which caused great con­ cern twenty years ago have been controlled fairly effectively by modern fungicides. Brown patch and dollar spot are no longer the scourge they once were. However, there are many other diseases being found on putting greens. Some of these may be organisms not previously found on turf, while others may result from mutant strains of fungi previously thought to be nonpathogenic that have become capable of attacking putting green turf. The fact that we are finding different organisms attacking putting green grasses may be partly due to the fact that we are now able to identify them more quickly and positively. It is quite common to find several organ­ isms attacking grasses at the same time. This is particularly true in the case of Helminthosporium spp., Curvularia spp., and Pytbium spp. This multiple occurrence of diseases has led in some instances to the multiple use of fungicides. It is not un­ common to find superintendents using a mercury compound, a cadmium compound and an organic fungicide all at the same time. Care must be used in the formulation of such a "shot gun” mixture because of the fact that some of the fungicidal materials are incompatible. However, this practice has worked well for numerous superintendents. USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, 1956 27 Industry and some of the state institu­ tions are working on what they term broad spectrum fungicides which are de­ signed to control more than one disease organism. Experience with these materials has not yet been sufficient to permit a prediction of their widespread use. It is anticipated, however, that fungicides of this type will find considerable use and that they will be effective against the sev­ eral organisms that may be found occur­ ring simultaneously. Weed Control Weed control on golf courses underwent a revolutionary change when 2,4-D was de­ veloped. Since that time, there have been numerous hormone-type weed killers devel­ oped for specific purposes. One of the newer contributions to weed control has been the development of pre-emergence herbicides. These materials are not yet in widespread use on golf courses, but some of them are being used to a limited extent to com­ bat goosegrass or crowfoot on putting greens, and research work is under way to determine their effectiveness in com­ bating Poa annua. Maleic hydrazide, another of the growth regulating materials, has found a place of usefulness in spraying areas which must be trimmed by hand. Bunker edges and grass growing under benches, around trees and around immovable objects, may be slowed down by applications of this mate­ rial. Temporary soil sterilization is frequently necessary for the weed-free establishment of new seedings. It has been the common practice for several years to use methyl bromide as a fumigant for temporary soil sterilization. This method works very well, except for the fact that some sort of airtight tent is required to keep the fumi­ gant in contact with the soil until sterili­ zation has been effected. A new material developed fairly recently appears to do a satisfactory job of soil sterilization with­ out the necessity for using an airtight tent. This material is Sodium N-methyl dithiocarbamate. This material is applied SUBSCRIBERS TO USCA RESEARCH FUND Catto 86 Putty, San Antonio, Texas 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. Donald Harradine, Magliaso, Switzerland Lafkins Golf and Lawn Supply Corp., White Plains, N. Y. 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. as a soil drench and, as it volatilizes, it kills weed seeds, nematodes, and fungi in the soil. Because of the newness of this prod­ uct, it has not yet found extensive use. Mowing The basic elements of mowing practice have undergone relatively little change in recent years. The development of the hori­ zontally revolving blade, or "whirl wind type” of mower, has enabled golf course superintendents to mow roughs with much greater efficiency than was possible with the use of the sickle bar. The development of a vertical mower for the purpose of removing grain and thatch from putting greens has been considered a significant contribution to turf maintenance. There appears to be a general trend to­ ward larger and more closely mowed tees. Some superintendents believe that a closely mowed, well-groomed tee invites more re­ spect and care on the part of the player to avoid damage. The mowing of collars of greens at an intermediate height is be­ coming a more widespread practice. In many cases collars are mowed from 28 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, 1956 to ^2", whereas putting greens are mowed from 3/16" to This close mowing of collars is in keeping with a tendency to devote more attention to the collars of putting greens. This is an area that has been neglected and collars are poor during late summer throughout much of the country. Better mowing practices and greater attention to the watering and con­ trol of diseases in these areas certainly ap­ pears to be in order. The improvement of the area immediately around the putting green actually has the effect of making the putting green seem larger. Cultivation Cultivation may be considered a new­ comer among the standard maintenance practices. While some hollow tined fork­ ing, and some spike disking (by a hand operated disk) had been practiced for many years, it was not until about 1946 that the first machine for thorough, large scale, cultivation of soil under turf was developed. The rapid adoption of this prac­ tice by golf course superintendents throughout the nation was nothing short of remarkable. Cultivation has been found to be useful for thatch control on putting greens, for the elimination of compaction, and for the improvement of water infil­ tration. Superintendents have been so zealous in their practice of cultivation that golfers have sometimes despaired of ever having any smooth putting greens to play on. While most grass growers feel that it is hard to overdo the matter of cultiva­ tion, there are times that grass is not growing rapidly when cultivation may leave scars which are slow to heal. During these periods the superintendent seems likely to come to the use of a little less drastic cultivation technique. Power drawn disk spikers are presently available which will do a reasonably good job of pene­ trating thatch and surface compaction and of increasing the rate of water infiltration without seriously marring the putting sur­ face. The use of such machinery may come to be used to a greater extent during difficult periods, leaving the more thorough cultivation methods for the seasons when grass is growing rapidly and when scars will heal in a relatively short time. Topdressing There is a general tendency on the part of the American people to follow any given trend too far. This may have oc­ curred in connection with the practice of topdressing. Twenty-five years ago it was customary for topdressing to be done rather frequently. In recent years, less topdressing has been done and the trend has grown to the point where many golf course superintendents have felt that top­ dressing probably was no longer neces­ sary. It appears likely that this "anti- topdressing” movement may have gone too far in some cases. It is almost certain that a moderate amount of topdressing would be helpful to many golf greens. Topdressing certainly can be used to true the surfaces of putting greens. It appears to provide some help in combating a build-up of thatch on putting greens and the use of a sandy topdressing material appears to improve the quality of the putting green, insofar as its ability to hold a golf shot is concerned. Probably there will never be a time when topdressing is practiced to the extent that it was two decades ago, but it appears certain that it will be prac- iced to a greater extent in the future than it has been in the last decade. Labor Management Labor management is one of the truly difficult problems for golf course super­ intendents. As industry has granted in­ creased benefits and shorter hours to work­ ing men it has become more difficult for golf courses to maintain an adequate labor crew, working long hours at relatively low pay. In some cities golf course labor forces are affiliated with trade unions. It is quite difficult to plan golf course work, which consists of many different types of work, when workmen are classified so that they are only permitted to do certain jobs and are only permitted to work a certain number of hours per week. The difficulties of labor management have contributed USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, 1956 29 greatly to the increased cost of golf course maintenance. There is perhaps no other problem which requires more study and more understanding. Work Planning One of the golf course superintendent’s most important tasks is the thorough plan­ ning of his work, insuring the most effi­ cient use of his crew. It is believed that more golf course superintendents are pre­ paring their own budgets at the present time than in the past. This appears to be a good thing for the golf course superin­ tendent because the very necessity for thinking through his year’s program helps him in laying plans for efficient use of his labor. Needs The changes in practices discussed have contributed to excellent turf. They have contributed to efficient maintenance. In many cases these changes have resulted in the cheaper performance of some opera­ tion. However, turf maintenance is not becoming cheaper. One of the disturbing factors about golf course maintenance is its ever rising cost. There is only one way to provide good maintenance at a reasonable cost. That way is through greater efficiency. We need improved methods, improved machinery, better and more precise herbicides and fungicides, and more capable men. Educa­ tion and research provide the key. It is estimated that industry spent for research in 195 5 (4 billion dollars) a sum equalling 1 % of the national economy for 195 5 (400 billion dollars). Golf courses spent for research, an amount equalling approxi­ mately 3/100 of 1%. of the estimated cost of golf course maintenance for the year 195 5. A thirty-fold increase in our re­ search efforts would go a long way toward increasing the efficiency of golf course operation to a point comparable to the efficiency of American industry. If every golf club in this country were to set aside 1% of its annual maintenance budget for research, there can be little doubt that increased maintenance efficiency would re­ pay this cost many times over. MAINTENANCE MANUALS ARE MEANT TO BE READ By CECIL PUTTY President, Catto & Putty, San Antonio, Texas Maintenance and parts manuals are pro­ vided with every major piece of equip­ ment that is purchased by a golf course superintendent. Have you ever read one of them? Experience indicates that most people neglect to read thm and quite often neglect to file them. The maintenance manual should be read thoroughly before the equipment is ever put into operation. It shows how to operate the piece of machinery, the adjustments that need to be made, the points which need to be lu­ bricated, the frequency with which they need to be lubricated, and it usually con­ tains a catalog of spare parts. Equipment manufacturers go to con­ siderable lengths to determine the best From a talk presented at the Central Texas Regional Meeting of the Texas Turfgrass Associa­ tion. method of operation for their machine, its lubrication needs, and the proper adjust­ ments for most efficient operation. Most pieces of equipment are thoroughly en­ gineered to do a specific job. However, proper adjustment and operation in ac­ cordance with the design and capabilities of the machine are necessary if it is to be effective and efficient. Failure on the operator’s part to read the maintenance and operation manual is very likely to re­ sult in a reduction in the efficiency of the machinery, simply because recom­ mended procedures have not been fol­ lowed. By all means, read the manual that comes with your equipment and then file it so that it may be used as a ready ref­ erence in case repair or replacement parts are needed. 30 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, ’956 Manufacturer Knows Machine Manufacturers do not build a machine in a "hit or miss” fashion. Much pains­ taking engineering and testing goes into the development of a piece of equipment to be used for any specific purpose. When machinery reaches the market, you may be sure that it has undergone a great deal of study and testing and you may be sure that the manufacturer is thoroughly fa­ miliar with the capability and capacities of each machine. For this reason, he in­ dicates in the manual the capabilities of each machine, and he allows a reasonable margin of safety. If you want to do more work than the capacity of a machine pro­ vides, then you should buy a larger piece of equipment. Machinery operated within its limits of capacity will last longer and operate better. Daily Maintenance Perhaps putting green mowers are one of the most specialized pieces of equip­ ment used on a golf course and in most cases they are used daily. They provide an excellent example for daily maintenance because they must be adjusted precisely, they must be kept sharp, and they must be maintained properly, if they are to do a satisfactory job of mowing. The rules for daily maintenance of any piece of equipment are rather simple: After op­ erating, let the machine cool; when it is cool, wash it thoroughly and allow it to 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. dry; lubricate, adjust and inspect the ma­ chine; store it in a clean place ready for the next day’s operation. Storage Storage in a clean, dry place is desir­ able in order that the efforts necessary for lubrication, washing and adjusting will not be nullified by dirt and grime. A storage area should have a concrete floor or other suitable surface that can be kept clean. Storage and maintenance areas should be equipped with a wash rack, a grease rack, and a large enough storage area that equip­ ment does not have to be crowded. Equipment maintenance, operation and storage is mostly a matter of good com­ mon sense. Good common sense dictates that one read the manufacturer’s manual and that one practice cleanliness, thorough lubrication, and operation within the ca­ pacity of the particular machine. QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Question: What is the difference be­ temperature range. tween Penncross and Pennlu? Answer: Pennlu is an improved creep­ ing bentgrass selection developed and re­ leased by the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station. It is a vegetative bent­ grass; increase must be made through the planting of stolons, runners, or sods of the parent material. Pennlu is reported to have performed consistently better than other bentgrass selections at the Pennsylvania Station in density, disease tolerance, vigor, texture, and ability to withstand a wide USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, Penncross is an improved creeping bent­ grass selection that was developed by Prof. H. B. Musser of the Pennsylvania State University. Penncross turf is developed from seed. Penncross seed is grown by planting three separate select vegetative creeping bentgrass strains side by side and allowing them to go to seed. During this time cross-pollination takes place and the result is Penncross seed. Penncross seed production is the job of qualified commercial seed producers who 1956 31 must conform with rigid state and fed­ eral regulations. Question: What is your opinion as to the value of chicken manure compared to processed sewage fertilizers for use on fairways? Answer: The use of chicken manure is not too valuable as a substitute for pro­ cessed organic fertilizers. The nitrogen con­ tent of chicken manure is 1 % to 2 % generally as compared to 5%< to 6% for organic sludge materials. You would have to use three to six times as much chicken manure to do the job, and that would cause quite another problem. POWER MOWER SAFETY CODE The Lawn Mower Institute, Mills Building, Washington, D. C., has published the following safety code. While it pertains primarily to the operation of power mowers on home lawns, this code of safety rules could be applied in connection with the use of power mowers on the golf course. Eleven Simple Suggestions for Power Mower Safety 1. START SAFELY. Stand firmly. Make sure your feet are in a safe place. 2. KEEP IN STEP with your mower for perfect control. If you lag behind or let it pull you, you won’t be in full command of the machine. Don’t run. 3. Learn how to DISENGAGE THE CLUTCH or stop the motor quickly in case of any emergency. Stop the motor whenever you leave the mower. 4. KEEP THE WAY CLEAR OF little tots and pets. Don’t let them play around the mower while it is in operation. 7. WHEN GRASS IS WET or when it is raining, it is best not to use an electric power mower unless you are certain the entire mower and the cord are in perfect condition. 8. DISCONNECT THE SPARK PLUG WIRE whenever you want to work on the underside of a mower. Tip mower over by means of the handle. Don’t reach under the deck, chain guards or belt guards of any mower. Keep hands, feet and clothing away from any mowing parts. Never at­ tempt removal of any objects from the mower until motor has been com­ pletely stopped. 9. KEEP FUEL STORED in an ap­ proved tightly sealed container. 5. ALWAYS BE SURE of your footing and balance when mowing on inclines. The steeper the incline the more care required. 6. INSPECT THE LAWN that is to be mowed before the mowing begins. Clear the lawn of all stones, wire and other debris. 10. RESPECT YOUR POWER MOWER and teach this respect to the younger members of the family who will use it. Teach them, too, these simple safety suggestions. 11. Excessive cutting blade speed is dan­ gerous—do not overspeed the engine by tampering with the governor. Yonr Power Mower is a Safe Tool If You Follow These Simple Rules 32 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, 1956 IT’S YOUR HONOR Views of the Open To the USGA: Allow me to thank the United States Golf Association on behalf of the patients who were able to attend the National Open Golf Tournament held in Rochester, New York, on June 15, 1956. The men had a fine day and saw some excellent golf. For this we are most grateful to your organization. Our men were accorded a fine wel­ come and those in charge at the gate and the parking lot were all most helpful, certainly indicative of fine organization. Dr. C. S. Livingston Manager Veterans Administration Hospital Batavia, N. Y. To THE USGA: I was fortunate enough to be pres­ ent to watch the USGA Open Champ­ ionship Tournament last week at Oak Hill. I was very much impressed with the smooth, efficient operation of the tournament, the handling of the crowds, the magnificent condition of the course, the arrangements for park­ ing, the facilities of the clubhouse; in fact with every phase of the opera­ tion. All in all it was a tribute to the careful planning and devotion of the officers and Board of Directors of Oak Hill Country Club, and everyone who had a hand in the preparation for this event. I could not let the occasion pass without complimenting you on the way everything was handled. I have attended a great many events of this kind over the past twenty-five years. I really believe this tournament at Oak Hill was the best of its kind. Saul Lantzis New York, N. Y. To the USGA: After reading the paper concerning the two-stroke penalties handed both Doug Ford and Jack Burke in the 1st round of the Open, I cannot help but feel that whoever made the rulings did a disservice to golf and adherence to the rules. The rules state that the player is dis­ qualified and nowhere can I find any­ thing stating a two-stroke penalty for breach of the rules in these circum­ stances. Now, it seems to me, every time an incorrect score is turned in the com­ petitor need only say, "Well, they only penalized Ford and Burke two strokes in the Open and I certainly am entitled to the same consideration in our local events as these boys received in the Open.’’ Of course, the other comment around is that the very prominence of these two players was what brought on these soft rulings. Ellsworth Vines Inwood Country Club Inwood, L. L, N. Y. A Vote Against Calcuttas To the USGA: It is my happy privilege to inform you that at a meeting of the Golf Committee presided over by Louis J. Gumpert and attended by the club’s President, Theodore W. Hager, the selling of Calcutta pools was perma­ nently banned at all competitions con­ ducted by the Seawane Harbor Club. Lester Rice Seawane Harbor Club Hewlett, L. I., N. Y. USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: JULY, 1956 33 USCA 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