USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT A SAILOR COES DOWN TO THE SEA San Francisco Chronicle photo Two fishermen and a little girl, right, quite unexpectedly became members of the gallery at the USGA Public Links Championship when Bill Scarbrough, a Chief Petty Officer in the Navy from Jacksonville, Fla., arrow, was forced to recover from the rough bordering Lake Merced. The action took place on the 16th hole of the final match at Harding Park Coif Course, San Francisco, Cal. Scarbrough, in losing the hole, lost the championship to James H. (Junie) Buxbaum, of Memphis, Tenn., 3 and 2. BER 1956 US«A 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. 5 SEPTEMBER, 1956 ____________________________________ 1 Through the Green ---------------------------- ___ ,_______________ Joseph C. Dey, Jr. 6 Age Retreats Before The Young In Heart ___________________________________ 9 Wanted: Candidates For Bob Jones Award Golf Looks Easy—Or How Juniors Do It John P. English 10 Twice Told Tale About A Caddie ________________________________ Billy Sixty 13 Can You Score Your Age? ______________ 14 Lightning Protection On The Golf Course Harry L. Staley 18 How Many Courses Have You Played? ______________________________________ 19 The Referee _____________________________________________________________ 20 Turf Management: USGA Green Section Minimizing Compaction In Putting Greens _____________________ 0. R. Lunt Observations On Poa Annua __________________________ Charles K. Hallowell Further Comments Concerning Poa Annua__________ Dr. Marvin H. Ferguson It’s Your Honor: Letters 25 30 32 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 1957 International Match WALKER CUP—August 30 and 31 at Minikahda Club, Minneapolis, Minn. Men’s amateur teams: Great Britain vs. United States Championships Championship Open Women's Open Junior Amateur Amateur Public Links Girls' Junior Women's Amateur Amateur Entries Close May 17 June 14 June 14 Sectional Qualifying Rounds June 3 None July 2 Championship Dates June 13-14-15 June 27-28-29 July 17-20 *June 20 tjuly 7-13 July 29-Aug. 3 July 26 Aug. 2 Aug. 9 None None Aug. 12-16 Aug. 19-24 Aug. 27 Sept. 9-14 Senior Amateur Aug. 30 Sept. 17 Sept. 30-Oct. 5 Location Inverness Club Toledo, Ohio Winged Foot G. C. Mamaroneck, N. A Manor C. C. Washington, D. C. Hershey Park C. C. Hershey, Pa. Lakewood C. C. Denver, Colo. Del Paso C. C. Sacramento, Cal. The Country Club Brookline, Mass. Ridgewood C. C. Ridgewood, N. J. Dates entries close mean last dates for applications to reach USGA office, except in the case of the Amateur Public Links Championship. For possible exceptions in dates of Sectional Qualifying Rounds, see entry forms. * Entries close with Sectional Qualifying Chairmen. t Exact date in each section to be fixed by Sectional Chairmen. Evans'1 Record Live and Learn With the assistance of Chick Evans and Bill Inglish, of the Daily Oklahoman, we have compiled what we fondly believe is a corrected and up-to-date summary of the Grand Old Man’s participation in the Amateur Championship over the years. Evans has now entered 44 Amateur Championships. The first for which he filed entry was the 1907 event at The Euclid Club, in Cleveland, and he took a 12 on a hole which crossed street-car tracks and failed to make the 165 neces­ sary to qualify for match play. He has entered in every year there has been a Championship since that time. If world wars had not caused the cancellation of six Championships, this would be his fif­ tieth. Although Evans has entered 44 Champ­ ionships, this will be only his 3 3 rd ap­ pearance in match play. He failed again in his second try, in 1908, and missed out also on nine other occasions, in 1925, 1929, 1930, 1931, 1938, 1939, 1940, 1941 and 1946. In the 1930 Championship, in which Bob Jones completed his Grand Slam, Evans missed a short putt on the first hole of the play-off. He failed by a stroke in both 1929 and 1931. Evans has won 54 individual matches, including his first-round victory last year, and has been beaten 30 times. He won twice, in 1916 and 1920, was runner-up three times and a semi-finalist on five other occasions. We have long preached the gospel that a knowledge of the Rules is one of the greatest stroke-saving devices in the game. Now Eddie Langert, of Memphis, Tenn., for one, believes us. In the Amateur Public Links Champ­ ionship, Eddie’s ball lodged in a crotch in a cypress tree, and Eddie light-heartedly popped it out by using his club as if it were a billiard cue. Unfortunately, the careless action cost him the hole, and he subsequently lost the match. Rule 19-1 requires that the ball be fairly struck at with the head of the club. The Extra The quest for places on The Americas Cup Team added a tingle to the Ama­ teur Championship this year. The third Match for this newest of our international team trophies will take place at the Club Campestre de la Ciudad de Mexico, in Mexico City, on October 27 and 2 8. Obviously, performances at the Knoll­ wood Club have had an important effect on the make-up of the seven-man Team which will play next month against the Canadians and the Mexicans. The Americas Cup series was inaugu­ rated in Seattle, Wash., in 1952 and was resumed at London, Ontario, Canada, m 19 54. The United States won on both oc­ casions, but not by very comfortable mar­ gins. USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1956 TWO OLD MASTERS MEET What a host of golfing history these two gentlemen represent! Gene Sarazen, left, and Bernard Darwin recently met again at Hoylake, England, scene of the 1956 British Open Championship. Sarazen, twice winner of the USGA Open Championship and one of this country’s golfing greats, was again in England trying for his second British Open crown. Darwin, dean of England’s golf writers, was formerly one of England’s most outstanding amateur players. He celebrated his 80th birthday this month. A Fine Example Of the specific violations of the Rules of Amateur Status, one of the most dif­ ficult to interpret is that of Professional Intent (Rule 1-2). In many instances only the individual concerned really knows whether he violates the spirit of this rule. It was this situation that prompted Cary Middlecoff to write tne USGA in 1947, stating that he was about to become a professional and could not in good con­ science further consider himself an ama­ teur. It was this situation that prompted William A. Booe, of Bridgeport, Conn., to write last month advising the USGA that he intended to become a professional. "Only time will tell if I’ve taken the wise course,” he wrote. "I do know that I’ll be very happy playing the game I love so much. I also know one of the reasons golf is such a popular sport is that the line between professionalism and amateur­ ism is clearly defined—and, therefore, I refuse to straddle the fence myself.” Such acts of sportsmanship and observ­ ance of the Rules of Amateur Status are in the best traditions of the game. They serve as a fine recommendation for the in­ dividual and the game. 2 USCA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1956 Junior Golf League The junior golfers of the Columbia Country Club, Chevy Chase, Md., are the first champions of the District of Colum­ bia’s newly-organized Interclub Junior Golf League. The victors accumulated a total of 34/4 points in winning the title. They were followed by teams representing the Congressional Country Club, District of Columbia, 20/4 points; Kenwood Golf and Country Club, Bethesda, Md., 19J4 points; and the Chevy Chase Club, Chevy Chase, Md., 1 5 /4 points. Interclub play, fostered by Frank Em­ met, Director of the Junior Golfers of Washington and a member of the USGA Junior Championship Committee, was held in three age groups: 16 and 17, 14 and 15, 13 and under. One point was awarded for each singles and best-ball victory, with a total of nine points at stake in each match. Each team played the other league members once during the season, concluding play with a round robin tournament. Jackie Holzberg, Jr., and Carl Mac- Cartee, Jr., representing Columbia Country Club in the 14 and 15 age group, ac­ counted for 15 of their club’s winning total by winning all of their matches. Manly Parks, playing in the 16 and 17 age group, contributed seven and one-half points to the Chevy Chase total by going undefeated. High scorer for Congressional Country Club was Andy Moore, with five points. Dick Gambatese led Kenwood, with four and one-half points. Both played in the 14 and 15 age group. Norman Wins Canadian Amateur Moe Norman, of Kitchener, Ont., de­ feated Gerry Magee, of Toronto, 5 and 4, to win the Canadian Amateur Champion­ ship at Edmunston, N.B., last month. In winning the event for the second straight year, Norman became the first Canadian to accomplish the feat in the past 2 5 years. His victory came in convincing fashion after leading only 1-up after the first eighteen holes. He held a lead of 4-up at the end of 27 holes and closed out the match on the 32nd hole. SPORTSMAN S CORNER Lee Marttila is a 10 year old Detroit golfer with a man-sized knowledge of the rules of sportsmanship. Playing in a recent Junior Golf School Tournament sponsored by a local paper, Lee finished his round and walked to the score­ board to see where he stood. On the score­ board he was listed with a score of 57, good enough to win a trophy in his division. However, Lee knew the scoreboard was incorrect. He had finished with a 65, not good enough to win a trophy. Without hesitation, he informed officials of the error. Lee Marttila went home that day without the trophy he had tried so hard to win, but he took something with him that he knew meant a great deal more. Hogan to Try Again? Ben Hogan, according to news reports, has decided to seek his fifth Open Cham­ pionship title in the 1957 USGA Open Championship at the Inverness Club, To­ ledo, Ohio. Following an exhibition bene­ fit match at Ridgewood Country Club, Paramus, N. J., he indicated to reporters that he expects to embark on a full sched­ ule of exhibition appearances next Spring, leading up to the Open Championship. Foote Wins Western Junior Dick Foote, of Santa Ana, Cal., won the Western Junior Golf Championship last month by defeating Deane Beman, of Bethesda, Md., 3 and 1, at Ann Arbor, Mich. The new champion, a semi-finalist in the 195 5 USGA Junior Championship, was one down at the 29th hole, but ral­ lied with three birdies in the final seven holes to win. PGA Official Resigns Ray O’Brien, Tournament Supervisor for the Professional Golfers’ Association, has announced his resignation from that posi­ tion, effective September 30, 195 6. In a letter to the USGA, Mr. O’Brien announced that he will resign to accom­ pany a group of seven professional golfers on a tour of Europe this October. The group, including Chick Harbert, Jimmy Demaret, Vic Ghezzi, Jim Turnesa, George Fazio, Bob Toski and Al Besselink, will open the European tour by playing in the Spanish Open Championship, in Barcelona, Spain. USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1956 3 Trouble on the Old Course All is not well in St. Andrews, Scotland, home of the world renowned Old Course. In the town where golf is considered a family matter, criticism of the condition of the course has become commonplace. The Old Course, often termed one of the world’s most difficult courses, is reportedly showing signs of wear and an alarming tendency to retreat in the battle against nature. Maintenance of the course has never been a small problem. Consider the fact that an estimated 60,000 rounds of golf were played on the course last year (47,000 rounds were actually counted) and the maintenance problem can be viewed in its proper perspective. Center of the criticism are the fairways, bare in large areas and endangered by a rapid growth of weeds. Driving is com­ plicated by bare, uneven teeing grounds, and bunkers, in addition to inherent haz­ ards, are weed-infested and bordered by uncommonly high grass. To the hardy, devoted golfers of St. Andrews, the conditions are assuming disas­ trous proportions. In a community whose citizens often rise early in the morning to play a round of golf before work, the Old Course is considered more than an ordinary public course. It is a community center, a Mecca for golfing devotees throughout the world and a tourist attraction. Conse­ quently, welfare of the venue has become a matter of personal concern to citizens of St. Andrews. Henry Longhurst, golf writer for the British magazine Golf Illustrated, recently advanced the theory that limitation of play is the only solution to the problem. The St. Andrews Citizen, local weekly paper, has issued an appeal for immediate action to correct the situation. It remains to be seen what steps will be taken, but golfers everywhere share the hope that the Old Course will soon be restored to proper condition. NEW MEMBERS OF THE USGA Regular Anthony Country Club, N. M. Bryn Mawr Country Club, Ill. Cedardell Golf Club, Ill. Clinton Country Club, Iowa Crystal Lake Country Club, Ill. Edgewood Country Club, Ind. Hillmoor Golf Club, Wis. Hillview Country Club, Ind. Huntington Beach Men’s Golf Club, Cal. Jacksonville Country Club, Texas Madison Country Club, Conn. Madison Golf and Country Club, Ohio McHenry Country Club, Ill. Pekin Country Club, Ill. Port Arthur Country Club, Texas Silver Lake Golf and Country Club, Fla. Teugega Country Club, N. Y. Thorngate Country Club, Ill. Waccabuc Country Club, N. Y. Associate Lake Hefner Golf Course, Okla. Oxon Run Golf Course, D. C. Wharton Country Club, Texas Whiteface Inn Golf Club, N. Y. Golfer’s Pledge How do you rate as an etiquette-wise golfer? Unfortunately, those who pay strict and devoted attention to the fortunes of their game are often less than attentive to the way they play it. Lionel F. Callaway, of Lakewood, N. Y., in a letter to the USGA, presented his plan for renewing and sustaining individ­ ual interest in the observance of golf eti­ quette. Noting that many golfers were seem­ ingly unaware that they were violating golf etiquette, Mr. Callaway composed a "Golfer’s Pledge” which he feels is one approach to the problem. The pledge, de­ signed to place the individual on his honor to observe the rules, lists the common breaches of etiquette which the player pledges not to commit knowingly. Printed on a card small enough to be carried by the player, Mr. Callaway feels that the pledge will serve to inform and remind the player of the code of conduct by which the game should be played. 4 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1956 The pledge has already been distributed to a limited number of golfers and, ac­ cording to Mr. Callaway, has been met with enthusiasm and marked improvement. He is hopeful that wide-spread use of the "Golfer’s Pledge” will result in continued improvement. '"Links’—A Changing Concept The hardy Scots who developed the game of golf are largely responsible for the con­ current development of the game’s vocab­ ulary. Over the years these words have crossed the ocean with the game, but the original meaning has, in some instances, been obscured or replaced by a twentieth century concept. For instance, the word "links” has been freely used to describe many American golf courses. The terms "golf course” and "links” have tended to become synony­ mous in America. This usage of the term "links” could conceivably include any of the courses of this country, with their rolling fairways, neatly kept greens and landscaped grounds. The word meant quite a different thing to the Scotchmen who first went down to the "links” to engage in the sporting chal­ lenge of the game. An old Scots word for sand hills, the word "links” is applied to the sand dunes found in abundance along the shore. It was on this terrain, poundecl for centuries by wind and sea, grown heavy by grass and swordlike reeds, dotted by mounds, pits and pools, that golf orig­ inated—on quite a different kind of "links” than most Americans are accustomed to playing. Necrology It is with deep regret that we record the passing of: Albert E. Sharp, former golf editor of the Atlanta Constitution, Atlanta, Ga. Prior to joining the Atlanta Constitution, Mr. Sharp was a golf writer for the Chat­ tanooga Times, Chattanooga, Tenn. USGA Publications of General Interest THE RULES OF GOLF, as approved by the United States Golf Association and the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland. Booklet, 25 cents (spe­ cial rates for quantity orders). THE RULES OF AMATEUR STATUS, a page. No charge. USGA GOLF HANDICAP SYSTEM FOR MEN, containing recommendations for comput­ ing Basic and Current Handicaps and for rating courses. Booklet, 25 cents. Poster, 10 cents. THE CONDUCT OF WOMEN'S GOLF, containing suggestions for guidance in the conduct of women's golf in clubs and associations, including tournament procedures, handi­ capping and course rating. 25 cents. HANDICAPPING THE UNHANDICAPPED, a reprint of a USGA Journal article explain­ ing the Callaway System of automatic handicapping for occasional players in a single tournament. No charge. TOURNAMENTS FOR YOUR CLUB, a reprint of a USGA Journal article detailing vari­ ous types of competitions. No charge. PROTECTION OF PERSONS AGAINST LIGHTNING ON GOLF COURSES, a poster. No charge. MOTION PICTURES: "The Rules of Golf—Etiquette," an official USGA film (16 mm. color, with sound, runs 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, N. Y. Please send payment with your order. USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1956 5 AGE RETREATS BEFORE by JOSEPH C. DEY, JR. THE YOUNG IN HEART USGA Executive Director At age 42, Blake Shepard is touched with the normal hopefulness which blesses most week-end golfers. But he received a new charge of it while gallery- ing the USGA’s second Senior Amateur Championship last month at his home course, Somerset Country Club in St. Paul, Minn. "I can’t wait to be a Senior,” Mr. Shepard finally concluded, in total disdain of the 13 years he would accumulate in the process. It was, in fact, an inspiring occasion. It gave a lift not just to youngbeards like Blake Shepard, but most especially to elder citizens who are contemporaries of the Senior Championship players but whose higher handicaps made them ineligible for the tournament. After the final, one super­ Senior remarked fervently to the new Champion, Frederick J. Wright, of Boston: "You’ve given me something to work for.” This Senior Championship, the "baby” of USGA competitions, was a happy occa­ sion at a delightful club. It is always heart-warming to see golfers from all over the country renew old friendships and make new ones at a national champion­ ship. When Seniors gather, it is especially so. Underneath the dignity which their years have brought, you can always detect a charming boyish delight in playing, a beguilement with sheer fun. Quality Belies Age When you saw the quality of the golf at Somerset, it was difficult to realize that they were Seniors. Take the 18-hole qual­ ifying round, for example. The medal­ winning score was 72, turned in by Weller Noble, a 6 5 -year-old youngster from Ber­ keley, Cal. There were 3 2 qualifiers’ places, and ten scores of 79 tied for the last four places. This was over a good test of golf. Somerset played at nearly 6,400 yards, with a hard par of 70; it required accu­ racy, the rough was punitive, and the greens were keen and in fine condition— all told, a Championship examination. Freddie Wright, now 5 8, with four grandchildren, passed the test like the thorough-going Champion he became. The Boston securities broker played 93 holes in the six days—one qualifying round and five matches—and he was only three over par for the duration. In one match he played out the bye holes for a 67; in his semi-final, he was out in 31; in the final, he was out in 3 3. It required golf of high quality to eliminate the defending Champion, J. Wood Platt, of Philadelphia. Wright was his conqueror by 1 up in a third-round match that was worthy of any tournament any­ where. Wright holed the course in 73 and Platt in 74. Wright, like Platt, has been a skilled golfer for many years, of the same vin­ tage as his fellow-Bostonians, Francis Oui­ met and Jesse Guilford. In 1916, at the age of 18, he first played in the Massa­ chusetts Amateur Championship and reached the semi-finals. Just last month— 40 years later—he was runner-up in that same Massachusetts Amateur Champion­ ship. In between, he won his State title seven times, and has also been the New England Champion. Walker Cup Player Yes, he is the same Fred Wright who was a member of the American Walker Cup Team in 1923. He won his singles at St. Andrews and contributed to a hair- 6 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1956 Just A Couple Of Kids Minneapolis Star & Tribune photo |. Clark Espie, left-, of Indianapolis, Ind., the runner-up, and Frederick |. Wright, Jr., of Watertown, Mass., the 1956 USCA Senior Champion, pose with the Senior Championship Trophy which Mr. Wright won at the Somerset Country Club, St. Paul, Minn., last month. The 58-year-old champion, seven times the Massachusetts Amateur Champion and a member of the 1923 Walker Cup Team, was never behind as he scored a 4 and 3 victory in the final match. line victory for his Team, 6 to 5, with one match halved. After all these years, what a deep satis­ faction it is to Fred Wright to win a gold medal symbolic of a USGA Champion­ ship! Wright’s game is, of course, thoroughly polished. He is a particularly long driver, and he has a delicate putting touch which holed birdie after birdie at Somerset. Of the 93 holes he played, he had 24 3s and two 2s. The runner-up was J. Clark Espie, of Indianapolis, aged 57. He came to the Championship with a solid record in Mid­ Western golf. He had won the Western Seniors’ Championship twice, the Indiana Senior title four times, and was Indianapo­ lis district champion in 1939. Some time before that he represented Indianapolis in the USGA Amateur Public Links Cham­ pionship. Espie started to play golf in 1924, the year after Fred Wright was on the Walker Cup Team. He, like Wright, has four grandchildren. But he looked like a teen­ ager as he whipped around Somerset in 73 to be second in the qualifying round and then won matches from Eugene Bellville, of Kansas City, Mo.; Col. C. D. McAllis­ ter, of Orlando, Fla.; Paul W. Horn, of Chalfont, Pa., and Col. Forrest Andrews, of DeKalb, Ill. Col. Andrews was a group commander of the U. S. field forces^ tank USCA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1956 7 armament division, overseas in World War II. Col Andrews won in the third round from the 19 5 5 runner-up, George Studin- ger, of San Francisco. Wright’s victims before the final were Frank Justin, Sr., of Fontana, Wis.; Martin M. Issler, of Short Hills, N. J., who was medalist last year; Platt, and James S. Manion, of St. Louis, who has long been prominent in Mid-Western golf. Except for the match with Platt, Wright never had to go past the 15 th hole. He won from Espie in the final by 4 and 3. For those who failed to qualify, there was an 18-hole stroke competition on the second day of the tournament. First prize went to Don Lambert, of St. Louis, with a 74. He was followed by four with 75s— Alfred C. Ulmer, Jacksonville, Fla.; A. L. (Jim) Miller, Chicago; Glen M. Bronson, Minneapolis, and Louis D. Davis, of Jenkin­ town, Pa. Another 18-hole stroke competition was held the next day for all players not still in the Championship. Low score this time was a 73 by Dr. Millard S. Rosenblatt, of Portland, Ore. Four 77s were next, by George H. Treadwell, Memphis; Robert U. Davidson, Kansas City, Mo.; Llewellyn Power, Bellevue, Wash., and Edward F. Brady, Sr., San Benito, Texas. The field of 120 for the Championship proper was determined by 18-hole sectional qualifying rounds in 2 5 locations. The to­ tal entry was 2 82. Last year the entry was 370. The handicap limit of 10 no doubt exerts considerable influence on the size of the entry. The system assures a Championship field of high quality. The main objective of the event is to provide a national competition for senior golfers of skill, as determined by handicaps, and who are members of USGA Regular Member Clubs. Unlike many senior events, the USGA Champion­ ship is not primarily for social purposes, although the Association naturally hopes to foster the good fellowship of golf. At the USGA’s Players’ Dinner preced­ ing the tournament, a 40th anniversary was marked for Charles Evans, Jr.—back in 1916 he won both the Open and Ama­ teur Championships. SUBSCRIBERS TO USGA GREEN SECTION RESEARCH & EDUCATION FUND American Agricultural Chemical Co., New York, N. Y. Augusta National Golf Club, Ga. Catto & Putty, San Antonio, Texas The Clapper Co., West Newton, Mass. Connecticut State Golf Association 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. Maine Golf Association Mallinckrodt Chemical Works, New York, N. Y. Massachusetts Golf Association Metropolitan Golf Writers Association, New York New England Golf Association New Hampshire Golf Association Philadelphia Association of Golf Course Superintendents, Pa. Ranelagh Golf Club, Buenos Aires, Argentina Rhode Island State Golf Association The Upjohn Co., Kalamazoo, Mich. Vermont Golf Association Vineland Chemical Co., Vineland, N. J. Western New York Golf Course Superintendent Association, Hamburg, N. Y. Winmesa Farms Company, Phoenix, Ariz. Worthington Ball Co., Elyria, Ohio Another player of that era who competed in the Senior Championship was Dudley Mudge, of St. Paul. He was medalist in the Amateur Championship of 1915. Somerset provided excellent facilities and a most happy atmosphere. Especial thanks are due to the club’s committees, under the general chairmanship of Daniel H. Ridder, and to the president, Henry H. Cowie. A survey concerning the form of the championship is now being conducted by the USGA Senior Championship Commit­ tee, under the Chairmanship of John G. Clock, of Long Beach, Cal., a Vice-Presi­ dent of the USGA. 8 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1956 Wanted: Candidates For Bob Jones Award Among the USGA awards presented annually to deserving golfers is one sharing a particularly unique position— the Bob Jones Award. Unlike the trophies presented each USGA tournament cham­ pion, the Bob Jones award is not pre­ sented for the purpose of recognizing golf­ ing skill, although skill may be indirectly involved. The sole purpose of the Award is to recognize the individual whose con­ tribution to the game is most completely described by the term, "distinguished sportsmanship”. Suggestions are now being invited by the USGA on behalf of persons consid­ ered eligible for the Bob Jones Award for 1957. They must be accompanied by a statement of 150 to 200 words about the person concerned. No proposal will be con­ sidered without the statement. Suggestions should be mailed to the United States Golf Association, 40 E. 38th St., New York 16, N. Y., to arrive no later than Sep­ tember 25, 195 6. The Bob Jones Award has been present­ ed twice. Francis D. Ouimet was the first recipient of the Award in 195 5, and William C. Campbell was honored in 195 6. Although the Award has been present­ ed to two prominent figures in golf thus far, the person considered for the Award need not be a distinguished player nor even widely known. The individual may be an amateur or professional, man or woman, boy or girl. The important quali­ fication is that the person fulfill the basic requirement of the Award—a high level of sportsmanship. The Bob Jones Award is not for contributions to the welfare of golf or for overcoming physical handicaps, although such elements may enter into the selection. It is, purely and simply, for distinguished sportsmanship. There are many facets of sportsmanship, making it difficult to define. However, the personal qualities which the candidate must possess are those most commonly held in high esteem in sports. They would include, for example: fair play, self-con­ trol and perhaps self-denial, generosity of spirit (toward an opponent or the game as a whole), a manner of playing or be­ havior demonstrating respect for the game and the people in it, and unselfishness. Sportsmanship is a composite of these and related qualities. Thus, it is more nearly a manner and attitude than a particular action. Actions reveal sportsmanship. Although the Award is presented an­ nually, it is not necessary that the accom­ plishments of suggested individuals be confined to the current year. It might well be presented for sportsmanship demon­ strated over a period of years, or for a significant example of sportsmanship in the past. In nominating Mr. Campbell for last year’s Award, one individual wrote: "The first Award was made for dis­ tinguished sportsmanship over a long period of time. In order to establish the scope of the Award, I believe that the second should be made in recognition of a single and recent example of sports­ manship. "Bill Campbell’s leadership of our Walker Cup Team last spring was the outstanding accomplishment of the year. His personal leadership and example so inspired a team of young players that we obtained a great win under adverse conditions, and the personal conduct of the members of the team must have strengthened the feeling of international good will between all those who wit­ nessed the matches. Bill’s unselfish act, as a playing Captain, of refusing to play himself in any of the matches was typical of the spirit in which he carried out his responsibilities as Captain.” The names of those people suggested for the Award will be circulated by the USGA to the Bob Jones Award Committee to determine whether any member of the Committee desires to nominate the indi­ vidual for further consideration. All such nominations will be balloted upon by the full Committee. No one will be consid­ ered for the Award unless recommended by a member of the Committee. USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1956 9 GOLF LOOKS EASY by OR HOW JUNIORS JOHN P. ENGLISH USGA Assistant Executive Director IN an attractive old New England vil­ lage in the Berkshire Hills of western Massachusetts, 128 young men of 17 years or less gathered last month from 42 states to compete for the Junior Amateur Cham­ pionship. They represented the proven cream of an original entry of 997 boys, by far the largest in history, who had competed in sectional qualifying rounds throughout the country. The site was Williamstown, Mass., seat of Williams College, which entertained the Championship, and of the college course, the Taconic Golf Club, where the shoot­ ing took place. Stunning Exhibition From the words "play away,” the boys staged a stunning exhibition of shot-mak­ ing skill and gratifying good sportsman­ ship, thoroughly in keeping with the golfing traditions of the college which was their host. In the first four days of play, just for example, four boys made holes-in-one and another broke the course record. One boy after another rose to temporary promi­ nence through such achievements and then fell back in defeat, until finally only two were left to battle for the Championship in the 18-hole final. One was Harlan Stevenson, of Long Beach, Cal. The other was Jack D. Rule, Jr., of Waterloo, Iowa. Each was 17 and would go over the age limit before the next Championship. Each was about to enter his senior year in high school. Each was a public-course player— Stevenson at the Recreation Park Golf Course, in Long Beach, and Rule at the Byrnes Park Golf Course, in Waterloo. Stevenson progressed to the fifth round of the Junior two years ago but lost in the first round last year. He qualified also for the USGA Amateur Public Links Championship last year. However, if he had not made a birdie 4 at the final hole of his very first match, he too would have dropped into obscurity once again. The birdie enabled him to draw even with James H. Hooper, of West Point, Va., and he stayed in the tournament by making three straight pars in extra holes. Rule, in the Junior for the first time, played slightly better golf in the preced­ ing six rounds of match play. Over the Taconic course, a hard one but well con­ ditioned, he had been 18 above par for 100 holes. Stevenson had been 26 above for 104 holes. Stevenson had more left for the climax, however, and, after an erratic start, pulled into the lead when Rule took three from the edge of the sixth green and drew stead­ ily away to win, 3 and 1, with five-over- par golf. There is no question that Stevenson is a worthy and deserving Champion. It is probably equally true that Rule lost some of his effectiveness by playing the giant- killer to bring down Jack D. Nicklaus, a member of the Scioto Country Club, in Columbus, Ohio. Nicklaus A Junior Veteran At 16, Nicklaus is a veteran of the Jun­ ior, having qualified for four straight years. He appeared first in 195 3, at the age of 13, and went to the fourth round. He lost in the second round in 1954 and in the quarter-finals last year. Just before the Junior, he had won the Ohio Open Cham­ pionship, making a 64 in the third round and compiling a total of 282. 10 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1956 Junior Champion Will Not Be Ruled The 1956 USGA Junior Champion, Harlan Stevenson, of Long Beach, Cal., center, accepts the championship trophy at presentation ceremonies at the Taconic Golf Club, Williamstown, Mass. Stevenson defeated lack D. Rule, Jr., of Waterloo, Iowa, second from right, in the final match by a score of 3 and 1. From left to right are: C. W. Benedict, Member of the USGA Executive Committee; Ralph W. Miller, Member of the USGA Junior Championship Committee; Stevenson Rule, and John P. English, USGA Assistant Executive Director. Nicklaus’ golf appeared to be the best in the first five rounds, as he went only seven over par for the 74 holes he was required to play. He made a 70, even par, in winning his quarter-final. However, Rule threw a 70 right back at him in the semi-final to win by a hole in probably the best played and most thrilling match of the Championship. It turned on the eighteenth where Rule made a birdie 4 while Nicklaus pulled his drive too close to the out-of-bounds fence to make an effective second shot. A liberal coating of poison ivy which appeared on Nicklaus’ arms and legs on the final day must have handicapped him, but he re­ fused to admit that it did and he did play the course in 71, good enough to win most matches. Subsequently Rule defeated Nicklaus again to win the Junior Chamber of Com­ merce junior tournament at Fargo, N. D. The two boys tied there at 288, but Rule won the play-off, 69 to 71. The semi-final between Stevenson and Edward T. Pfister, of Buffalo, N. Y., also ended 1 up, but both beys were off their customary form. Even off form, however, Stevenson displayed a knack for summon­ ing up a good shot or a good putt when he needed it most. The only 16 year old other than Nick­ laus to reach the quarter-finals was Theo­ dore Weiss, of the Audubon Golf Club, in New Orleans, La., who is entering Yale this fall. Teddy bowed there to Stevenson, but he, like Nicklaus, will have another chance next year at the Manor Country Club, near Washington, D. C. Incidentally, the youngest to qualify was a 13 year old named Robert R. Kirouac, of Sharon, Mass., whose father is professional at the Sharon Country Club. Bobby played two practice rounds in the 70s but lost in the first round, 2 and 1. A poised, polite youngster with a fine little swing, he was tabbed by spectators as one to remember for the future. Pence Sets Unofficial Record The new course record came in the third round when Wayne A. Pence, Jr., of Kan­ USCA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1956 11 sas City, Mo., 17 and a sophomore at Notre Dame, went around in 67. It was technically unofficial, however, because he accepted the concession of one short putt at the fifteenth hole. Pence, playing for the fourth and last time in the Junior, made the turn in 31, three under par, and picked up a lead of four holes on Larry Beck, 16, of Kinston, N. C., whose father had been runner-up in the USGA Ama­ teur Public Links Championship back in 1947. Undismayed, Beck still made a fight of it. He won back the tenth with a birdie and the eleventh when Pence missed par for the only time. He halved the four­ teenth with a 2 and won the fifteenth with another birdie to stand only 1 down to three-under-par golf. However, Pence made two more pars to end the match, 2 and 1, and they played out the eighteenth for scores of 67 and 71. Holes-in-one were almost commonplace in the early days of the week. Robert Walter, of Hutchinson, Kan., who is 16, holed a No. 6 iron shot on the 190-yard ninth hole on the first practice day. Not to be outdone, Gene Axelrod, of West Lafayette, Ind., 17, dropped in a No. 7 iron shot on the same hole, and Jack Nicklaus sank a No. 8 iron shot on the 175-yard fourteenth the next day to bring the total in practice rounds to three. Lloyd S. Monroe, 17, of North Caldwell, N. J., capped the climax by making the fourth of the week on the 175-yard fifth hole in his fourth-round match against William Warner, of Spokane, Wash. Inci­ dentally, Warner looked the ace right in the eye, and won the match, 1 up. This performance surpassed the one at Tulsa, Okla., in 195 3, when Tod Morrow, of Pittsburgh, Pa., scored a hole-in-one in practice and Terry Thomas, of Canan­ daigua, N. Y., made another in the third round. Prater Wins Longest Match In the second round, Virgil J. Prater, of Fountain City, Tenn., made history by winning the longest match ever played in the Championship. He defeated Charles F. Lewis, Jr., of Little Rock, Ark., at the twenty-fourth hole. Until then, the long­ est had been a 2 3-hole affair in 1953. Pra­ ter, who was inside the age limit by only four days, also had gone 20 holes in his first match. Robert F. Boughner, 17, of Glen Gar­ dens, Cal., who subsequently won the Hearst junior title for Southern California, lost 1 down in the second round to a 70 by Billy Martindale, of Jacksonville, Texas. In the Hearst event at the Olympia Fields Country Club, near Chicago, Boughner scored 70-68-69-69-276. The boys who lost in the first round had a particularly enjoyable day following at the famous old Ekwanok Country Club, in Manchester, Vt., where Francis Ouimet won his first Amateur Championship, in 1914. Forty-nine availed themselves of the opportunity to play there in a consolation stroke-play event and to enjoy a buffet lunch tendered by the Club on the lawn. David Owens, of Pittsburgh, Pa., led the scorers with a 71, and Joseph Camillo, of Port Chester, N. Y., was second with a 74. Frank Beard, of Louisville, Ky., Law­ rence H. Burd, Jr., of Bethesda, Md., and David B. Lawrence, Jr., of New Orleans, La., tied for third at 75; and Beard won the one-hole play-off by making a par 4. Gene Sarazen, the former USGA and British Open Champion, graciously re­ turned to the Junior and gave another shot-making clinic which was clear, in­ teresting and enlightening. Sarazen per­ formed the same role in 1952 and, if any­ thing, improves as the years go by. His bunker shots were eye-opening. Once again the USGA was fortunate in having the benefit of excellent advance preparations by the staff of Williams Col­ lege, under the direction of Charles A. Foehl, Jr., the General Chairman, and Dick Baxter, professional and golf-course super­ intendent at the Taconic Golf Club. And it was also fortunate in having fifteen loyal members of the Junior Champion­ ship Committee on hand from far and near to assist in the conduct of the play. 12 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER. 1956 TWICE TOLD TALE ABOUT A CADDIE by BILLY SIXTY Milwaukee Journal, Milwaukee, M is. This story is dedicated to all golfers and to the little men, seldom noticed, who lug the clubs—the caddies. The story has the usual first tee setting. Two players, one elderly and the other a young man of deep resolves, pride and im­ patience, embark for a round on a bright, wholesome afternoon. The older man had all the qualities of a fine golfer, as defined by the rules of that noble and Scottish order—the Royal and Ancient Golf Club. To him golf was a game, an exercise, a means of companion­ ship, a friendly joust with the score card and, at all times, a match as well with his fellows of the day. The young man used fourteen clubs, the limit, jammed into a capacious leather bag, with a sack of practice balls, extra shoes and what-not to increase the burden. On the first hole, the young man lost the ball in thick rough, and with a tor­ rent of blasphemy blamed the caddie for his truant shot. He took an 8 on the hole. On the second tee, he delivered a lecture about "watching the ball.” Dubbing his drive, he snarled, dropped his driver on the ground at the boy’s feet instead of handing it to him. Missing a short putt, he yelled: "Stand off the green while I’m putting.” And so he went, abusing the caddie. Wrong club, chattering, shadow in line, rattling the clubs, all these accusations, and more, were fired at the boy until, at the ninth hole, the brash young man, fit to be tied, sent the lad back to the club­ house. "Tell the caddie-master you’re no good. I’ll carry my own bag,” he was told. To a caddie a rating is as valuable as it Reprinted by permission of Milwaukee Journal, Milwaukee, Wis. is to a banker, and the poor kid was heart­ broken. As he trudged off, the young man barked to his serene, elderly companion: "That kid don’t like me, and that’s mutual. Glad to be rid of him.” In the locker room the older player, patting the irascible young chap on the back, said: "Let me tell you a story. Some years back a nice little kid got a job here as a caddie. Quick witted, fine nature, with a nose for golf. Everyone liked him. Name was Billy. He had a club foot, this Billy, but you’d never know it. He was a perfect caddie. A famous doctor in the club became interested in Billy; took him on a trip. When Billy returned, he resumed caddying. The doctor, suffering from an incurable malady, quit practice and golf. "Early one spring morning I found Billy gathering flowers into quite a bouquet, and kiddingly I asked him who the girl was. He replied: "No girl, sir. My friend, the doctor, is dead. Twice each week I take flowers to his grave.’ "To this the ill-tempered young man said: 'Now there’s a caddie really worth having.’ ” The elderly man went on: "At the doc­ tor’s funeral, there on the church steps was Billy, with six other caddies, each boy with a large bouquet of wild flowers that they placed on the coffin with tears—be­ cause they all loved him.” "What became of Billy?” was the husky query. "He was your caddie today—until you sent him back.” "But you said he had a club foot?” "So he did, until the doctor operated on that trip, and brought him back whole again. Yes, sir, no finer caddie exists today on earth than Billy.” USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1956 13 CAN YOU SCORE YOUR AGE? The Remarkable Story of the Conquest of Age Of all the difficult feats in which golf abounds, one of the rarest accomplish­ ments is scoring one’s age. Holes-in-one and albatrosses (three under par) may come and go, but the golfer who requires only one stroke for each year of his life still belongs in a select group. The number of such achievements which have come to our attention totals only twenty-five. The scores range from two brilliant 64s to a fantastic 91. We would, of course, be delighted to have the facts concerning other similar triumphs over age- In the springtime of life when drives are long and putts are bold, an 18-hole score necessary to equal one’s years lies beyond all reasonable hope. Even at the half-century mark, such an accomplish­ ment still is well outside the realm of prob­ ability on the average course. Only at about three score and five years does opportunity beckon ever so slightly for the majority of golfers. Then, fortified by decades of experience and a still vigorous body, a few—very few—have an outside chance. From a viewpoint of age alone, perhaps the most remarkable record unearthed is that of the late Nathaniel Vickers, who was a member of the Queens Valley Golf Club, Forest Hills, N. Y., which no longer exists. He didn’t start playing golf until he was 50. At the age of 84 it was agreed that he was "qualified” to join the United States Seniors’ Golf Association. The fol­ lowing year he won Class A in the Asso­ ciation’s annual tournament with a 96. Dissatisfied with his score, he spent many hours on the practice fairway in addition to playing nine holes almost daily. At the age of 91 he accomplished the minor miracle of shooting his age on his home course, where he once was club champion. Vickers competed in his last Seniors’ tournament when he was 96, turning in a score of 131, which greatly distressed him. Just before the Association’s tournament the following year he sprained his knee and was unable to play. This, however, didn’t prevent him from attending the tourna­ ment and sitting by the first tee through­ out play at the Apawamis Club, in Rye, N. Y. Weather Didn't Stop Him In his 98 th year Vickers showed up at Apawamis, determined to compete in the tournament, despite the fact the weather was bad. His daughter, who accompanied him to the club, insisted he shouldn’t play in the rain. After a prolonged debate, in which he argued he was physically fit to play in any weather, Vickers finally acceded to his daughter’s wishes. His lifetime goal, according to friends was to shoot 100 on his 100th birthday but he failed to accomplish this. When he reached the century mark, he apologized to companions for being able to play only nine holes. He died on October 10, 1949, at the age of 103. Friends remember him as a cheerful, humorous golfer who always walked briskly about the course. During the gasoline shortage of World War II he drove an old-fashioned surrey to and from his club. Born in Moulton, Lincolnshire, England, he was an architect and designed several buildings at Yale and Lehigh Uni­ versities. One of the 64s was achieved by Weller Noble, of Berkeley, Cal., on the Claremont Country Club course in Oakland, Cal., a year ago. Playing with Dr. Sumner Evringham, Don and Hazel Rice, he had 14 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1956 a five-under-par 30 going out and a par 34 coming in. The course measures 5,735 yards. Noble was the senior champion of Northern California in 195 5 and Cali­ fornia Senior Champion in 1951. The other 64 was turned in by J. Barton Bridgeford, of San Francisco, at the Villa d’Este Country Club, Italy, in 1954. Incidentally, being 64 didn’t prevent Bridgeford from competing in the British Amateur Championship, too, that year. Close to the feats of Noble and Bridge- ford is the 65 scored by Lee Davis, of the Los Angeles Country Club, on the South Course there when he was 65. Davis had fifteen holes-in-one to his credit at that time. Several members of the Los Angeles Country Club have scored their age or better. Willard Salisbury scored his age with a 67 on the O’Donnell Course at Palm Springs, Cal. W. P. Reid duplicated the feat with a 73 on the same course. Fred Barrows scored a 73 on the South Course of his home club when he was 77. On the same course James Byrnes shot a 70 when he was 71, and the late J. J. Quinn matched his years in strokes with a 75 on the South Course. FRED BARROWS Barrows had never seen a golf ball or club until he was 44 years old. At the age of 53, he won the Arizona Amateur Cham­ pionship. An Old Story To Him "At least six times—and I honestly be­ lieve it’s eight—I have succeeded in scor­ ing my age or better,” wrote Barrows. Roy E. Campbell, of Seattle, Wash., a member of the USGA Senior Champion­ ship Committee, bettered his age by one stroke with a five-under-par 68 from the back tees of the Seattle Golf Club on Sep­ tember 24, 1954. Playing with W. H. Bean, Stuart Hood and James Marshall, he resorted to no preferred lies and holed out on every hole. To anyone who ever has played the Oak­ mont Country Club course at Oakmont, Pa., the difficulties to be encountered on that par 72 course need not be explained. It was there that Gabinus A. Gill, a mem­ ber of the Club who now is 82, scored a 37-38—75 when he was 75 years old. Dr. H. D. Smith, of Cadiz, Ohio, has turned the trick twice thus far on the par- 73 course, at the Williams Country Club, Weirton, W. Va., plus a round of par in the club championship. He had a 71 three years ago, then a year ago last July he turned in a 72. E. N. Wright, of the Brookside Golf Club, Pasadena, Cal., scored his age an­ nually from 78 to 82 when he was a mem­ ber of the Annandale Golf Club, in Pasa­ dena. A. K. Bourne, a member of the latter club, turned in a 71 at the Reno (Nevada) Golf Club. As They Like It Most of the seniors expressed the opinion that playing against their age was a far more intriguing type of competition than trying to match par. And not, it might be added, because par necessarily is the lower figure in all cases. Take George Welch, of Port Townsend, Wash., for example. He scored a three-under-par 69 at the Townsend Golf and Country Club when he was 72. A year ago he turned in a 79, shaking his head sadly over three USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1956 15 missed putts that denied him the oppor­ tunity of equaling his age. Scoring his age is an old story to J. K. Wadley, of the Texarkana (Arkansas- Texas) Country Club and the Los Angeles Country Club. Now 79 years old, he has equalled or bettered his age each year since J. K. WADLEY reaching the age of 70. Perhaps the most difficult of his stroke-a-year rounds occurred in 19 5 3, when he deliberately set out on his seventy-sixth birthday to shoot his age on the South Course of the Los Angeles Country Club. For ten birthdays he had been shooting at this mark. After an encouraging start, his game faltered, but he refused to abandon his goal. Finally, as he stood on the eighteenth tee, he had taken 73 strokes. The eighteenth is a long and difficult par 4 hole, yet he dropped a putt for a birdie 3. Findlay S. Douglas, of New York City, former President of the USGA, who won the USGA Amateur Championship back in 1898, believes that records should not be recognized unless they are made in stroke play competition. "I have not competed in any tourna­ ments for the last fifteen years, but I know that in friendly matches I have scored my age or better,” he said. "The last such occasion I remember was a 76 at the Blind Brook Club, Port Chester, N. Y., six years ago, when I was 76.” Eugene G. Grace, of the Saucon Valley Country Club, Bethlehem, Pa., has never had time for serious tournament golf, but in 1949, at the age of 67, he scored his age on his home course. For the distinction of being the most rugged golfer, Ben S. Williams, of the Richland Golf Club, Nashville, Tenn.— age, 88; height, 5 feet, 5 inches; weight, 102 pounds—appears to be one of the foremost candidates. A few days before his seventy-second birthday he celebrated the coming event by playing seventy-two holes in one day. He has scored lower than his age so many times he has lost track of the count. In July, 195 5, he had a 72 at the Edgewood Golf Club, Canton, Ohio, where he was visiting relatives and where he plays much of his golf. In the summer of 1954 he played thirty-six holes in one day and had a 75 and 76. He turned in a better-than-age round of 8 5 on the Rich­ land course in August, 195 5. Incidentally, it was his eighty-sixth birthday. He was 57 when he played his first round of golf. It was an eventful vacation in Florida in 1954 for 71-year-old Walter Kennedy, of the Woodland Golf Club, Carmel, Ind. At the Daytona Beach Country Club he scored a 72 on the par 72 course. Then he turned in a 70 on the par 71 Ellinor Village Country Club course at Ormond Beach*. Three days later he duplicated this score. Two Years In Succession For two of the past three years Dr. George T. Gregg, of Oakmont, Pa., who is 82 years old, has scored his age. An 80 was scored at the Riverside Golf Club, Cam­ bridge Springs, Pa. An 81 was scored in a seniors four-ball tournament at Pinehurst, N. C. He was playing with J. H. Manning, of Englewood, N. J., against Donald Par­ son and Alec Roberts, of Pinehurst. This summer he scored a hole-in-one on the sixth hole at Oakmont. 16 USCA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1956 One of the most remarkable scores, from a viewpoint of years and strokes in­ volved, is an 82 scored in 1954 by DR. A. W. HOLCOMBE 8 8-year-old Dr. A. W. Holcombe, of Ko­ komo, Ind., on the No. 3 Course at Pine­ hurst, N. C. He was playing with his daughter, Mrs. Harold Parke, of Hamilton, Ont., Canada, and Dr. Dennis Jordan and C. S. Robertson, both of Toronto. Not satisfied with scoring six strokes tinder his age, Dr. Holcombe went out a few days later on the No. 4 Course at Pinehurst, but the best he could do was an 86. Among professionals, scoring his age virtually has become an annual event on a multiple scale for that old master, Jock Hutchison, of the Glen View Club, Golf, Ill., who was 73 years old last June 6. Recently the former British Open and PGA Champion had two 71s over his home course, which measures 6,417 yards for a par of 72. His last ten games have all been played in 73 and under! Jock, born in St. Andrews, Scotland, has matched or scored lower than his age one or more times each year at Glen View since he was 66 years old. One of his most memorable rounds occurred when he was 68. Playing with Norman Naylor, who then was a member of Glen View but now lives in Biltmore, N. C., he turned in a 66, which included five 3’s on the first nine, along with three putts for a par 5 on the 476-yard eighth hole. Incidentally, Jock’s best all-time score on each hole of the course over a period of thirty-eight years is: Out—322 223 232—21 In—322 313 222—20—41 In reminiscing over some of his recent accomplishments, Jock recalled he had "some” 70s and a 69 at the Plantation Golf Club, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., four winters ago. Upon his retirement as pro­ fessional at Glen View in 195 3 he was elected an honorary associate member of the club. Benjamin F. Courtright, of Dover, Del., who believes there should be more of an "equalizer” for senior tournaments, has decided to do something about it. Court­ right, who eight years ago organized a senior tournament for the Delmarva Golf Association of eight clubs, has instituted a trophy for the senior who scores nearest his age. JOCK HUTCHISON USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1956 17 LIGHTNING PROTECTION by ON THE GOLF COURSE HARRY L. STALEY USGA Executive Assistant Be Protected! When Lightning Strikes—Be Prepared! This common-sense admonition aptly and succinctly expresses the concern of the USGA about the danger confronting per­ sons on a golf course during electrical storms. This danger is by no means over-em­ phasized. The National Safety Council re­ ported that 220 people were killed by lightning in 1954, this total representing an increase of 51 % over the previous year. An estimated 1,000 persons are injured by lightning annually. Consider, if you will, the recent narrow escape of six golfers and two caddies at the Gardiner’s Bay Country Club, Shelter Island, NL Y. Caught on the course during an electrical storm, they discontinued play and sought the protection of a rain shelter. There, in what they reasoned to be com­ parative safety, they settled down to wait out the storm. The structure, however, received a direct hit by lightning. Those who had sought protection were blown from the shelter with such force that shoes were blown from the feet of some of the players. All were shocked and burned—one of the cad­ dies requiring hospitalization. Fortunately, there were no fatalities. The Rules of Golf specifically mention and allow for the danger of lightning. Rule 37-6 (Discontinuance of Play) states, in part: "Players shall not discontinue play on account of bad weather or for any other reason, unless:— a. They consider that there be danger from lightning . . .” Contestants in USGA Championships are rarely called upon to invoke this privilege. A siren is mounted prior to each competi­ tion and is sounded three times, signifying discontinuance of play, whenever lightning threatens. The following are suggestions from "Protection of Persons Against Lightning on Golf Courses”, which is published on a poster and in the USGA Rules of Golf booklet: (a) Do not go out of doors or remain out during thunderstorms unless it is neces­ sary. Stay inside of a building where it is dry, preferably away from fireplaces, stoves and other metal objects. (b) If there is any choice of shelter, choose in the following order: 1. Large metal or metal frame build­ ings- 2. Dwellings or other buildings which are protected against lightning. 3. Large unprotected buildings. 4. Small unprotected buildings. (c) If remaining out of doors is un­ avoidable, keep away from: 1. Small sheds and shelters if in an exposed location. 2. Isolated trees. 3. Wire fences. 4. Hilltops and wide open spaces. (d) Seek shelter in: 1. A cave. 2. A depression in the ground. 3. A deep valley or canyon. 4. The foot of a steep or overhang­ ing cliff. 5. Dense woods. 6. A grove of trees. Note'. It is understood that raising golf clubs or umbrellas above the head is dan­ gerous. The USGA recommends that all clubs call the attention of their members to these suggestions. Free copies, suitable for posting, are available through the USGA. 18 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1956 HOW MANY COURSES HAVE YOU PLAYED? John B. Ryerson, of Cooperstown, N. Y., has played 1,040 courses in his thirty-six-year links career. One of Amer­ ica’s most ardent golfers and a star amateur in the years between 1926 and 1940, Ryer­ son now derives his greatest enjoyment from playing new courses and limits his competitive efforts to senior events. He is not attempting to equal Ralph Kennedy’s mark of 3,162 courses, but, this being a hobby, he expects to go right on adding new courses at every opportunity. Ryerson and Kennedy met for the first time in September, 195 3, and exchanged reminiscences when Kennedy played the Otsego Golf Club course, which Ryerson operates. A Much Travelled Golfer Ryerson began his golf career in 1916 and has now played 966 courses in each of the 48 states, as well as on 37 courses in Canada and also on a total of 37 courses in Hawaii, Mexico, Great Britain, France, China, India, Siam and Malaya. His extensive collection of score cards is mounted in six leather-bound volumes, each card representing his best round on the respective course. The cards show a good record, most of them being in the seventies, a few in the sixties and about ninety over 79. Ryerson’s golf career came naturally, as both his father and mother were golfers in the 1890’s and the early years of the present century. His father, Arthur Ryerson of Chicago, along with Charles B. Macdonald, the first Amateur Champion, was a dele­ gate to the organization meeting of the United States Golf Association on Decem­ ber 22, 1894. He was lost in the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. Jack, his mother and two sisters were among the survivors. Operates Golf Club Ryerson was born in Chicago in 1898 and educated at St. Paul’s School and at Yale, where he played on the golf team. JACK RYERSON He has lived most of his life at Ringwood, his estate near Cooperstown where he owns and operates a daily fee course, the Otsego Golf Club. This club was organized in 1894, which makes it one of the oldest in the country. It is one of the few which has retained its original site. In 1953 Ryerson was married at the age of 54 to Miss Jane Morris, of Chicago and Palm Beach, Fla. He is a member of the USGA Museum Committee and has contributed many pic­ tures and other articles of interest to "Golf House.” His most recent gift is one that will interest print collectors as well as golfers. It consists of five of the golf prints of A. B. Frost. This would indicate that, in addition to being an avid player, Ryerson is one of the connoisseurs of golfing lore with a genuine love of anything connected with the Royal and Ancient game. It is a thousand pities that neither Aristotle nor Shakespeare was a golfer. There is no other game that strips the soul so naked. H. G. Hutchinson USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1956 19 THE REFEREE Decisions by the Rules of Golf Committees Example of symbols: “USCA” indicates decision by t decision by the Royal and Ancient Coif Club of St. issued in 1956. “D” means definition. ”R. 37-7” refe ie United States Golf Association. “R & A" indicates Andrews, Scotland. ”56-1” means the first decision s to Section 7 of Rule 37 in the 1956 Rules of Golf. Definition of iHazard.’ R. & A. 56-49 Def. 14 Q.: We notice that in the 1956 edition of the Rules of Golf, there has been an alteration in Definition 14, Hazards, para, (a) compared with the 1954 edition. Para, (a) now reads: "A 'bunker’ is an area of bare ground, often a depression, which is usually covered with sand”. In the 1954 edition Para, (a) reads: "A bunker is that part of a depression in the ground where the soil is exposed, and is usually covered with sand”. On this course there are a number of sand mounds with the sand fully exposed. These were originally regarded as hazards, in which it was not permitted to ground the club. When, however, a bunker came to be described as a "depression in the ground”, the Committee decided that these sand mounds could no longer be regarded as hazards and ruled accordingly. Now, however, that the definition of a bunker has been modified to "often a depression”, it appears that these sand mounds could again be regarded as hazards. We should be grateful for a ruling on this point. 20 A.: It would appear from your descrip­ tion that the mounds could properly be classified as bunkers (Def. 14a). It is, however, a matter for your Committee, who know the conditions, to decide whether or not they should be treated as hazards. Entering Clubhouse During Competition R. & A. 56-51 Def. 11; R. 37 Q.: At an Open Golf Alliance Champ­ ionship meeting held recently, the Com­ mittee were faced with the following prob­ lem in the competition for the Amateur Handicap Cup. The Cup was for the best net return over 36 holes medal singles. Competitors played alternately off the first tee in the morning and the tenth tee in the afternoon. Both tees are adjacent and within ten yards of the clubhouse. Two members tied with 149 strokes and one of them reported that he had seen the other enter the clubhouse during his round. The marker and player with this second member admitted he had gone into the clubhouse for a drink, but added that at his home club it was customary even during competitions to do so. They were, USCA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1956 however, not the only ones to come into the clubhouse. The Rules of their Alliance state that: In the event of any point arising not covered by these rules (Rule of the Alli­ ance), the decision of the Committee shall be final and binding. A meeting of the Committee was called and three amateurs and three professionals were present—the other two members, both amateurs, were not at the club. It has long been accepted that a player en­ tering the clubhouse during a competition in stroke play, except it be for shelter from a thunderstorm or illness, is disqualified. The Rules were examined but no mention of the clubhouse could be found, nor was there any local rule to say the clubhouse was out of bounds. Is it an unwritten rule that the interior of any clubhouse is "not within the course”? It was confirmed by a member of the Committee, a professional who played be­ hind this couple, that when they got to the tenth tee, two other couples were already waiting to drive off. The question of discontinuance of play for any other reason would appear to cause disqualifica­ tion. The Committee were then unable to define what was actually meant by dis­ continuance of play. If this couple had caused any delay, they were unanimous in their minds that disqualification would have been in order. They had caused no hold up in play, which was confirmed by a member of the Committee. The weather was fine and they gained no advantage from sheltering, etc. There was also the question of how many others might or might not have entered the clubhouse, which could have been embarrassing to the Committee. The presentation of the cups was considerably delayed pending the Committee’s decision, which was an­ nounced by the President of the Alliance before the presentation in the following terms: riving at this conclusion or, if not, under which Rule should they have been dis­ qualified? N.B. The member who was seen to come into the clubhouse was declared the winner as he had the best return on the last round and also on the last 9 holes. A.: As your Committee were satisfied that play was not delayed by the com­ petitor entering the clubhouse, they were perfectly correct in not disqualifying him. The "accepted principle” by members of your Alliance that a player entering the clubhouse during a stroke play competi­ tion should be disqualified can only affect the issue if it has been laid down by the Committee as one of the conditions of the competition. The clubhouse is not part of the course —Def. 11. The competitor concerned was rightly declared the winner, assuming that the better second round was the deciding fac­ tor in a tie according to the conditions of the competitions. Burning Paper USGA 56-21 R. 17-1, 3; 33-le Q.l : I have seen a photograph, taken during the Azalea Open in Wilmington, N. C., showing a competitor burning a piece of wadded paper on which his ball was resting. The legend states that the competitor then chipped on the green and sank a three-foot putt for a par 3. I wondered if the maneuver was legal. If so, under what Rule? A.l: The maneuver is not permissible under the Rules of Golf. Burning the area around a ball would also improve the posi­ tion and lie of the ball in violation of Rules 17-1 and 17-3. Paper is an obstruction under Definition 20. Rule 31-1 permits removal of mov­ able obstruction without penalty. "The Committee of this Alliance have decided that no member playing at this meeting today has caused any undue delay.” Were the Committee justified in ar­ Fanning Leaves in Hazard Q.2: Would it be permissible to fan the leaves away from the ball in a bunker, using one’s hat to supply the wind? A.2: No. Such action would remove USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1956 21 more leaves than is permitted by Rule 3 3-le, which states the player may only "remove as much thereof as will enable him to see the top of the ball.” Questions by: Joe Looney Boston Herald Boston, Mass. Player May Require Persons At Hole to Stand Clear R. & A. 56-50 R. 34, 3 5 Q.: With reference to Rule 3 5-lh, un­ der which any player or caddie engaged in the Match may stand at the hole. Is it to be understood that the player about to play has the right to over-ride this Rule by requiring anyone standing at the hole to stand clear? A.: Rule 3 5-lh deals with "exerting influence on the ball”. The reference to a player or caddie standing at the hole is included in order to indicate that such action alone does not constitute "exerting influence”. It in no way affects the right of the player about to play to require any­ one standing at the hole to stand clear. Identification of Ball USGA 56-2 5 R. 11-4, 21-Pre., 21-1, 29-1 (Note: This supersedes Decision 52-71 dated August 1, 1952.) Q.! Players A and B are playing identi­ cal balls and have not put identification marks on them, contrary to the admoni­ tion in the preamble to Rule 21. After A and B have played their second shots, one ball is found in a playable posi­ tion and the other ball is found nearby in an unplayable position. Neither player is able to make positive identification of the ball in the playable position, although both claim it. How should the matter be settled, in both match play and stroke play? Question by: Jimmy Thomson New York 13, N. Y. A.: The identification of a player’s ball is a question of fact to be determined in case of doubt, by the referee or, in the 22 absence of a referee, by reference to the Committee. If from the evidence available it is im­ possible to identify a ball or balls and a mistake in identification might result in unfairness to other players in a match or to other competitors in stroke play, the ball or balls concerned must be regarded as lost and the players affected must put other balls in play under stroke-and-dis- tance penalties as provided for in Rule 29-1. Since in the case submitted it would be unfair for either player to be permitted to play the ball in the playable position, they should both be required to proceed under Rule 29-1 in either match play or stroke play. Relief from Casual Water Granted Only on Green USGA 56-26 R. 35-lc Q.: A player’s ball lay on the edge of the putting green. Between the ball and the hole there was a bunker which cut into the putting green. The bunker contained casual water. Was the player authorized under Rule 32-lc to lift his ball and place it without penalty in the nearest position on the put­ ting green to where it lay which afforded relief from the intervening hazard and the casual water therein? Question by: C. H. Stewart Gulfport, Miss. A.: No. Rule 32-lc grants relief only from casual water on the putting green (Definition 2 5). First and Provisional Balls Out of Bounds USGA 56-27 R. 29-1, 30-1, 30-2 Q.: Competitor hits drive that might be out of bounds. He announces pro­ visional ball, which goes in same general area. He then moves forward and finds both balls out of bounds. He then says he elects to "play” first ball and goes back to tee, hitting another shot. He claims he USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1956 now lies 3. B claims he lies 5. Please cite rule. Question by: Lawrence H. Harris Buffalo, New York A.: B is right. When it was determined that the first ball was out of bounds, the provisional ball automatically became the ball in play, under Rule 30-1 and 30-2. Since the provisional ball was out of bounds, if the player wished to have a score for the hole, he was obliged to play another ball under Rule 29-1. Concurrent Matches Not Covered By Rules 56-2 8 D. 22, 28; R. 26-la, 27-la, 36-1 Q.: In our Indianapolis Amateur Tour­ ney, we send our matches out in four­ somes: that is, two single matches. For example: A plays B, and C plays D. B is on the green, one foot from the hole. D is also on the green, and C (his opponent), not on the green, plays his ball and strikes the ball belonging to B, which stops its travel very close to the hole and enables C to win the hole. Is B’s ball considered an outside agency? This hole would change the outcome of a match. Question by: Ted Draper Coffin Golf Club Indianapolis, Ind. A.: The Rules of Golf do not contem­ plate two matches being played together (Definition 28). The contest was not properly constituted, and the USGA must decline to give a ruling. A committee which authorizes such procedure should lay down specific conditions to cover—see Rule 36-1; in drafting such conditions, the committee would do well to consider Rule 40 dealing with four-ball match play and the Rules relating to an outside agency. For guidance of the committee in the present case, in the absence of special rules, it would seem fair to regard B’s ball as an outside agency (Definition 22). Thus, Rule 26-la would apply to C’s ball, and Rule 27-la would apply to B’s ball. The USGA points out that concurrent matches can give rise to complications which the Rules cannot solve. Penalty Is Loss of Hole for Violating Club Limit USGA 56-29 R. 3, 11-1, 16 Q.: Match play. After 18 holes A fin­ ished 1 up. After leaving the green B con­ tested the match, saying A had sixteen clubs in his bag. "Winter rules” are played on our course the year around, improve lie, change ball on green, etc., which I know the USGA does not recognize. Who is the winner of the match? Because we do not play USGA Rules complete, would you suggest another 18- hole match? Question by: Rene J. LeBlanc Huntington, Indiana A.: Violation of Rule 3 for having more than fourteen clubs in match play entails loss of each hole in which viola­ tion occurred. In discretion of local com­ mittee, penalty can be applied after match even though claim was not made within time limit stipulated in Rule 11-1. Decision should be made without regard to local committee’s authorization to play preferred lies in violation of Rule 16. Ad­ vise not replay match as Rules do not permit. Flagstick May Be Attended While Ball in Motion R & A 56-79 R. 34 Q.: Is a player putting with the flag unattended in the hole allowed to recall the caddie to lift the flag after he has played his stroke and before the ball has come to rest? A.: The player may have the flagstick removed at any time if he considers that it interferes with his play (Rule 34-1). The player is entitled to recall the caddie to lift the flagstick as indicated in your letter. USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1956 23 Ball Marks in Line of Putt May Not Be Repaired R & A 56-56 R. 3 5 Q.: (a) A’s ball is on the green of a short hole and a ball from another match lands in front of his causing a plug mark. Would it be permissible for A to level out this mark before putting? (b) Is it permissible for a player to run his putter over a plug mark on the green that is between his ball and the hole? A.: Players must play out the hole with the turf on the green in the state in which they find it. Plug marks may not be smoothed out before holing out. Rule 35- la, b. A player after holing out should ensure that any damage caused to the turf by his ball is repaired. Player’s Responsibility While Attending Flagstick R & A 56-57 R. 4, 34 Q.: We should be very pleased to re­ ceive your advice as to what is meant by "attending the flagstick.” One of our associates has raised this point. She claims that if asked to attend the flagstick she is prepared to indicate the position of the hole, lift the flagstick if necessary to allow the ball to go into the hole, but she is not prepared to move her feet if the ball looks like striking her. She claims that she has been asked to stand at the hole to indicate the line of play; and that it is not her responsibility to see that the player incurs no penalty. In fact, Rule 4 would disqualify both her and the player if she were to move. She is anxious to know just what her respon­ sibility is. A.: Rule 34-2 has been drawn up to legislate for a player deliberately striking the flagstick or person attending it in order to benefit thereby. While it is not incumbent upon the person attending the flagstick to avoid being struck by an opponent’s ball, it is reasonable to assume that, in the interests of sportsmanship, a player will not delib­ erately allow herself to be struck. By moving her feet to avoid being struck, she would not be breaking any Rule of Golf and no question of invoking Rule 4, which deals with agreement to waive the Rules, arises. Wall Is Immovable Obstruction R & A 56-58 R. 17, 31 Q.: The club in question is situated about 800 feet up in hills above the town. The ground at one time was used for hill farming and there are a number of dry­ stone dykes at various parts of the course. No local rules apply to these. • A, playing the twelfth hole, pulled wildly into the rough. A drystone dyke was between his ball and his proposed line of play. The dyke was not interfering with his swing. A removed a stone from the top of the dyke before playing his shot. He estimated the stone was in his direct line of play. What Rule applies? A.: The wall in question is an immov­ able obstruction and each stone must be regarded as part of it. The player, by removing a stone from the wall, accordingly violated Rule 17-3, the penalty for which is loss of hole in match play and two strokes in stroke play. Holes Played Out of Order Must Be Replayed R & A 56-75 Def. 29 Q.: Two players in an inter-club match played on a neutral course, and omitted to play the 5 th hole. They were playing on a nine hole course and found out their mistake at the 9th hole. They returned to the clubhouse, re­ ported their mistake and the member in charge for that day told them to return to the 5th hole and replay to the 9th, cancelling 6th and 9th holes played. Was this correct? A.: In the circumstances described by you, the member in charge gave a correct ruling. The stipulated round consists of playing the nine (or eighteen) holes in their correct sequence. Def. 29. 24 USCA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER. 1956 MINIMIZING COMPACTION IN PUTTING GREENS By 0. R. LUNT Department of Irrigation and Soils, University of California at Los Angeles Soil Compaction in putting greens is widespread and often makes manage­ ment difficult. Some specialists consider compaction to be the major factor con­ tributing to the loss of turf on putting greens (2). The soil property which prob­ ably has the greatest effect on plant growth in putting greens is its capacity to permit gas exchange with the atmosphere. As the oxygen supply in the soil approaches ex­ tremely low values, root growth comes to a standstill. It is a common observation on putting greens to find but few active roots below a depth of two inches. A consideration of the effects of soil compaction and other data discussed here­ after suggest strongly that lack of oxygen in putting greens is a major factor in limit­ ing root growth to shallow depths. At any rate, it is quite apparent that when grass roots are restricted largely to the top inch or two of soil, frequent irrigation and fertilization are necessary. Undoubtedly, grass is also much more vulnerable to dis­ ease under these conditions. While compaction in putting greens is an important factor, it is not the only feature of putting greens which might These studies were supported in part by a grant from the United States Golf Association. Reprinted from SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA TURFGRASS CULTURE. Water movement in a soil is impeded by a thin layer of a coarse sand. The point on the left where water has moved below the sand layer occurred where the sand layer was not continuous. limit aeration. In many greens in Southern California a plug of the soil will reveal one or more distinct layers of coarse sand. A distinct sand layer in finer textured soil acts as a barrier to the movement of water. When drainage is reduced in a soil, so is the air space. It is often possible to cut a plug from a green and observe the pat­ tern of "aerifier” holes at the points where mats of roots have penetrated the sand layer. When cultivation tools cut holes through a sand layer the drainage of water above the sand layer is not affected. The USCA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1956 25 perforations are well aerated, however, and this permits roots to grow densely in them and to penetrate a perforated sand layer. Figure 1 shows that a sand layer in finer textured soil is a barrier to the movement of water. Usually the compacted layer in putting greens which has been induced by foot traffic is only about two inches deep. Figure 2, which shows a graph of the resistance offered by a soil at various depths to a probe being forced into the soil, is typical of putting greens. * The maximum resist­ ance occurred in the top inch and one half. While there is general agreement pores. In this regard the data of Davis (1) is particularly interesting. He found the porosity due to large pore spaces to be strikingly smaller in the top 3^2 inches than lower in the profile. The destruction of large size pores is precisely the effect one would expect in soils when traffic occurs when the soil is extremely wet. Soil moisture measurements made on a number of greens in Southern California have frequently been well above the es­ timated field capacity. ** Soil moisture contents were such that the effect of foot traffic is characterized by destruction of FIGURE 3 The density to which a soil can be compacted with a standardized treatment is a function of the moisture content of the soil. structure as much as by compaction. Fig­ ure 3 shows the relation between the compactibility of a soil and the mois­ ture content at which the compaction is effected. Compaction treatments occurring at moisture contents higher than that re­ quired for maximum compactibility tend to destroy structure to a marked degree. The net affect resulting from the loss of the large diameter pores is that the soil tends to remain wetter and contain less air. Sand layers in greens, compaction, and destruction of large pores, coupled with * Appreciation is expressed to Dr. S. J. Richards who assisted on these and the aeration measure­ ments. ** Field capacity is the moisture content of a well drained soil about 3 days after a thorough irri­ gation. When field capacity is reached, further drainage practically ceases. FIGURE 2 Variations in the force required to move a steel probe into a putting green soil to a depth of three inches. The shape of the force curve indicates the greatest compaction at about % inch below the ground surface. The different curves represent measurements made on the same green. among investigators that some compaction develops due to foot traffic (1, 2, 4), at­ tempts to correlate bulk densities with compaction have been difficult because of the large and variable amount of organic matter present. It would be expected that putting greens in poor physical state would have suffered a loss in the volume of large diameter 26 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1956 be produced under the conditions usually prevailing in putting greens. Improving Aeration in Putting Greens Frequently it is possible to maintain satisfactory turf under relatively poor soil conditions by a regular program of culti­ vation. The holes made in turf with these instruments provide localized spots where aeration is adequate and where grass roots may thrive. In building new greens, or in renovat­ ing and rebuilding greens which have be­ come unsatisfactory, consideration should be given to using a soil which is resistant to compaction and which will drain well. All recent studies are in general agreement regarding the requirements of a soil mix with these properties. Work done by Gar­ man (3), Kunzef and work at UCLA all point to the fact that satisfactory infiltra­ tion and drainage will occur in putting greens, notwithstanding compaction from foot traffic, if the soil mix is sufficiently high in sand. In some parts of the country turfgrass service companies have success­ fully used the high sand mixes for a num­ ber of years. Specifications for the soil mix will be given below. In laboratory tests using soil columns it was shown that soil mixes containing as much as 80 percent sand could be com­ pacted so that percolation rates became low. When the sand content of a mix was as high as 90 percent, compaction treat­ ments did not reduce percolation rates to low values. In all probability 8 5 percent sand in putting greens will maintain high infiltration rates provided particle size dis­ tribution is right. Other practical con­ siderations are: A. How thick need a sand layer be? B. What size of sand is desirable? C. What should the other constituents in the soil mix be? D. What special fertilizer or irrigation practices should be devel­ oped? The first question can be answered rather accurately. Equations used in soil mechan­ ics studies, as well as laboratory measure­ ments, indicate that a 4 inch layer of sand on top of a soil susceptible to compaction ^Personal communication. FIGURE 4 Schematic diagram of apparatus used to measure the diffusion rates of gases in soils. frequent irrigations, combine to produce soils that are nearly saturated with water and devoid of air in many greens. Per­ haps the best direct evidence on poor aera­ tion in putting greens comes from air diffusion measurements made in situ. This soil property was measured in a number of greens of both good and poor quality, using equipment devised by Dr. S. J. Rich­ ards. Figure 4 shows schematically the technique used. A hole was cut in the soil about three inches deep, into which was fitted a rigid plastic tube which extended into the soil two and one-half inches. A small amount of water was applied to the soil surface around the edge of the tube to seal this possible avenue of gas movement. The system was then flushed out with nitro­ gen with valves A and C open and B closed. Valves A and C were then closed and B opened and the circulation pump operated. A plot was then made of the oxygen con­ centrations observed as a function of time. The shape of this curve gives an indica­ tion of the rate at which air will diffuse into the opening from the soil. In a num­ ber of putting greens tested of both good and poor quality, there was at best barely detectable and, in most cases, no meas­ urable air movement at a depth of two and one-half inches. Air diffusion rates were invariably rapid when similar meas­ urements were made just off the greens. These measurements emphasize the reason for the shallow rooting so common in put­ ting greens. It is remarkable, and a tribute to greenkeepers, that satisfactory turf can USCA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1956 27 pounds per square inch of soil. Both the fact that the greatest compaction occurs very close to the surface and that four inches of sand protects the soil underneath is clearly shown in the pictures. Actual measurements on the amount of compres­ sion resulting from compaction treatments on sand layers of various thicknesses over clay loam are as follows: FIGURE 5 Depth in Inches of Layers Before Compaction Sand Clay Loam 1.2 2.4 3.5 8.7 7.5 6.3 Compression in Inches After Compaction Sand Clay Loam .51 .35 .47 .94 .63 .20 These data indicate that a 4 inch layer of sandy mix on top of a soil susceptible to compaction will protect the soil. The underlying soil should be so prepared, of course, by cultivation or other means, so that it is in good physical condition and drains well. It is advisable to treat the top two inches of the soil with Krilium at the rate of 7.5 pounds per 1000 square feet before applying the sand layer. This may be done by going over the soil while moist with a rototiller—the Krilium having pre­ viously been dusted on. No particular at­ tempt should be made to mix the sand with the soil. While the importance of a sand layer at least 4 inches thick on the surface has been emphasized here, somewhat deeper layers are desirable if available materials and construction costs permit. Some fine greens have been built on sandy soils whose composition is approximately that being proposed. The courses at Palm Springs, California, are an example. What size of sand is satisfactory? The experimental sand surface green at UCLA has the following particle size distribution: Sand Diameter in Millimeters Larger Than .5 .5 —.42 .42—.30 .30—.21 .21—.10 % 25.1 5.2 16.8 17.7 22.2 13.0 Smaller Than .10 Although this green has not been sub­ jected to heavy traffic, infiltration rates FIGURE 7 In these figures the white lines were approxi­ mately parallel before the compaction treat­ ment. A force of 35 pounds per square inch was applied six times for each square inch of soil. The subsidence and the distortion of the lines in the soil became progressively less as the sand layer increased in thickness. There was no sand layer in Figure 5. The depth of the sand layer in Figures 6 and 7 was 1.25 and 3.50 inches respectively. will distribute the load occurring from foot traffic sufficiently to effectively protect the soil underneath from compaction. Figures 5, 6 and 7 show how this occurs. The white lines in the soil were originally ap­ proximately parallel. The moist soil which was loosely packed into the boxes was then compacted with a pressure of about 3 5 28 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1956 remain very high. The quality of the turf is quite satisfactory. The most desirable sand size fraction is the range from 0.4 to 0.2 mm. and an ideal source would have about 75% of the sand in this range, and not more than about 6 to 10% in the range smaller than 0.10 mm. and not more than a percent or two of silt and clay. Fine sands—0.2 5 to 0.10 mm.—may be satisfactory, provided they are relatively free of silt and clay. Very fine sands—0.10 to 0.05 mm.—should be very carefully evaluated, since small amounts of unaggregated silt and clay in sandy soils are subject to migration and the soil may very well seal up. Very fine sands are particularly susceptible to this hazard. If 8 5 to 90% of the soil mix is composed of sand as described above, the remaining 10 to 15 % of the mix should be composed of fibrous peat and well ag­ gregated clay. A desirable amount of clay appears to be about 7.5% or less. In lab­ oratory tests soil columns composed of 8 5 % sand, principally in the range of 0.42-0.21 mm., 7.5% Krilium treated clay, and 7.5% peat by volume have maintained infiltration rates in excess of one inch per hour after having received a compaction treatment. The suggestion of Kunzef of blending a small amount of Krilium treated clay into sand mixes increases slightly the capacity of the mix to retain fertilizers and water. The 85-90% sand, 5-7.5% Krilium treated clay, and 5-7.5% peat mix may be obtained by mixing 10 parts of sand, two parts of sandy clay loam and three parts of loose peat. This mixture when it settles, yields about 13 volume units rather than the 15 which went into it. The Bob Dunning-Jones Company, of Oklahoma, has had good success construct­ ing greens according to the following specifications: 60% coarse sharp approved sand, coarser than concrete sand 25% approved soil (loam or sandy loam) 1 5 % fibrous peat The volume proportions in this mix, FIGURE 8 Excellent root development may be expected in sand greens. when prepared, would be approxi­ mately: Sand_____________ about 80% Silt and Clay______ about 10% Peat _____________ about 10% A layer of this mix 10 inches deep is recommended by Dunning-Jones. Figure 8, supplied through the courtesy of Mr. Al Houchin, of Dunning-Jones, shows the type of root action that is obtained in a well drained mix. The specifications of the Dunning-Jones Company are a close approximation of those arrived at above, principally on the basis of laboratory studies. Dr. Jesse Skoss, who recently returned from Australia, reports sand greens are be­ ing employed with good success in that country. In building greens in areas where the base subsoil is especially dense the use of tile drains may be advisable. In such cases consultation with a person experienced in drainage problems is advisable. It should be noted that any future top- dressing should be done with material of the same composition as the green surface. A disadvantage of the high sand con­ tent greens is the care required to estab­ lish the grass, and the attention that needs to be given to the fertilization program, which should generally include all six of the major elements supplied by the soil. USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1956 29 Fertilization may involve frequent feed­ ings or the use of fertilizer materials of low solubility which do not leach rapidly. Fortunately all fertilizer materials are now available in slightly soluble forms. The fertility management of the experimental green at UCLA has not been difficult. In view of the greater depth of rooting which can be expected in sand greens, the frequency of irrigation should be less than that of the typical green in which rooting is limited to about two inches. Two irriga­ tions per week during hot weather have been ample for the experimental sand green at UCLA. (1) Davis, R. R.—The Physical Condition of Putting Green Soils and Other Environ­ mental Factors Affecting the Quality of Greens, Ph.D. Thesis, Purdue University, 1950. (2) Ferguson, M.—Compaction, Drainage and Aeration, United States Golf Association Journal and Turf Management 3(2):32 33, 1950. (3) Garman, W. L.—Permeability of Various Grades of Sand and Peat and Mixtures of These With Soil and Vermiculite, United States Golf Association Journal and Turf Management 5: Number 1, 27 28, 1952. (4) Watson, J. R., Jr., Musser, H. B., and Jef­ fries, C. D.—Soil Compaction Determina­ tions with a Soil Penetrometer As Com­ pared With the Geiger Counter X-ray Spec­ trometer, Agron. Journal 43:255-258, 1951. OBSERVATIONS ON POA ANNUA By CHARLES K. HALLOWELL Mid-Atlantic Director, USGA Green Section The discussion of all who have been working with turfgrasses the past two months has been predominated by Poa anmta, and in some instances this grass has caused comments from golfers. The population of Poa anmta in greens has raised numerous questions. It was read­ ily distinguished as its winter dormancy period was changing to spring greenness. Where it was mixed with bents it was noticeable that the bentgrasses started growth prior to the Poa annua. It became a real talking point as the late April tem­ peratures approached 80°, due to the rapid development of seedheads. Where Poa annua was growing in bunches, bumpy putting surfaces resulted. There was wide variation on the amount of Poa anmta in different greens on the same course, the stronger creeping bent­ grasses in most instances having less Poa annua. The Arlington and Congressional greens at Woodmont Country Club, Bethesda, Md., built in the past 10 years and supervised by Bob Shields, showed only a trace of Poa annua. A green on a long- established golf course that was rebuilt two years ago after the soil was sterilized with methyl bromide, then stolonized with Arlington-Congressional bent, showed con­ siderable Poa annua. After this observation it was evident that the soil sterilant did not control seed of Poa annua. Was there more Poa annua in 1956 than a year ago? That is difficult to determine since there is no measuring stick to show the exact amount of Poa annua in greens each year. It was noticeable that wherever the bentgrasses were injured, either by ex­ cessive mat, high temperatures, or hurri­ canes last summer, Poa annua had filled in rapidly. There were indications that disturbing the greens in October had given Poa anmta a chance to get a start. Practice putting greens where tramp­ ing was severe after a heavy rainfall or soon after watering showed more Poa annua than a year ago. Greens constructed so that much of the water moved from the sides to the middle show the most Poa annua in the area remaining wet the long­ est. With the bent in the higher portion and the Poa anmta in the lower portion, the overall result is an uneven putting surface. A Review of Liferafure There are numerous articles in reference to Poa annua being objectionable in put­ ting greens. In the March, 1921, issue of the Bul­ letin of the Green Section of the United States Golf Association, Drs. C. V. Piper and R. A. Oakley discussed this plant and outlined its characteristics, stating that it can be a detriment to golf greens. Check­ ing further through the bound volumes 30 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1956 of that publication from 1921 to 1931, there are 19 additional articles on some phase of Poa annua. "Poa Annua—Friend or Foe?” was the title of an article in the June, 1948, issue of the USGA Journal, written by Fred V. Grau, then Director of the USGA Green Section. Other articles on Poa annua by the same writer appeared in the July and September, 1951, issues of the USGA Jour­ nal. At that time, in addition to pointing out the strength and weakness of Poa an­ nua, Dr. Grau stressed the need for further research. At the National Turf Conference at Columbus, Ohio, in February, 1952, 18 golf course superintendents and agrono­ mists participated in a panel discussion on "Poa annua—Friend or Foe?” Ardyce R. Twombly, Superintendent, James Baird State Park, Pleasant Valley, New York, reported his success in controlling Poa annua by heavy fertilization of his greens in early spring and summer. Leon E. Lam­ bert, Superintendent, Oakwood Golf & Country Club, Dodson, Missouri, showed how he was able to maintain Poa annua on a green by frequent water and occa­ sional mowing. He admitted he had an abnormal situation due to partial shade and was only waiting until he could cor­ rect the condition by rebuilding the green. During that interim, he carried on a pains­ taking program which he stated was im­ practical. Dr. William H. Daniel, Purdue Univer­ sity, at the 1952 Conference, reported hav­ ing started studies on the use of arsenicals to retard Poa annua and not injure the de­ sired bentgrasses. He later further reported in the January-February, 195 5, issue of the Golf Course Reporter on his studies of Poa annua control with arsenic materials. His conclusion showed that the factors which favor arsenic inhibition in the Poa annua plant are as follows: "1. Low phosphorus availability level. 2. Cool weather. 3. Short days for photo-periodic ac­ tivity. 4. Arsenic application prior to cool fall and cool spring periods. COMING EVENTS 1956 September 25-26-27 Florida Turf Conference University of Florida Gainesville, Fla. September 25: Dr. Gene C. Nutter 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 October 15-16: Southern California Turf Conference University of California Los Angeles, Cal. October 17-18-19: Dr. Victor Youngner Central Plains Turfgrass Conference Kansas State College Manhattan, Kansas Prof. Ray A. Keen November 12-16: American Society of Agronomy Meetings Cincinnati, Ohio 5. Having arsenic carrying soil as the surface area.” Additional research studies on Poa annua are being conducted by Dr. Victor B. Youngner and Mr. Arne Hovin, University of California, Los Angeles. The latter is conducting a study on the cytology, genet­ ics and taxonomy of this species for his Ph.D. thesis. The former reports that studies are also being conducted on the ecology and turf management of this species with special reference to the prac­ tical value as a winter companion to our common Bermuda. Dr. Youngner states: "We have found that once this grass is established in ber- muda turf it will reseed itself year after year and actually make a fine quality dense cover throughout the winter. However, in order to have a uniform cover it appears USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1956 31 to be necessary to mow the Bermuda under one-half inch or to remove the thatch in the fall by a light renovation. If this is not done, the stand will be spotty and un­ even. Early fall renovation will bring early Poa annua seed germination and eliminate a long period of off-color turf. Frequent light watering in the fall also encourages early seed germination. Regular applica­ tion of nitrogen during the winter are essential for a dense, even turf. We have found that some of the dense new Bermuda, such as Tifton 127 and Tifton 123, may not permit the Poa annua to establish itself as well as the more open common Ber­ muda.” Dr. Youngner adds that some of the selections of Poa annua under study have a distinct perennial habit. Again it is important to point out when fertilizing to supply only sufficient phosphorus to meet the needs of bent­ grass. Then apply arsenate of lead or other forms of arsenic when Poa annua seeds and again in the fall of the year when it is normal for Poa annua to germinate. Sev­ eral superintendents have applied arsenate of lead as seedheads appear, but few of them use it during the germination period. The rate of application is from 5 to 10 pounds of arsenate of lead to a thousand square feet. A new weedicide, butyldichlorophenyl methyl urea, that shows promise to de­ termine its effectiveness regarding Poa annua, is being used on trial plots. Culture practices that encourage bents to crowd out Poa annua are always in order. They include reducing soil compac­ tion, eliminating mat conditions and fer­ tilizing with slowly-available nitrogen. FURTHER COMMENTS CONCERNING POA ANNUA By DR. MARVIN H. FERGUSON Southwestern Director and National Research Coordinator, USGA Green Section Some of the conditions which favor the development of Poa annua may be restated here: Cool weather and moisture seem to favor Poa; on putting greens it appears to correspond to low-lying, wet areas; it ap­ pears to be more serious where soil is com­ pacted; and Poa appears worse on putting greens where thatch exists. All of these observations bear out the conclusion that excess water near the surface of the soil contributes to Poa infestations. Using these observations as a basis for our conclusions, several management steps are within the reach of most turf growers. 1. Use a vigorous strain of bent that competes well. 2. Encourage bentgrass to vigorous growth by fertilizing during late spring and early fall, while Poa is inactive. 3. Use fertilizer which is low in phos­ phorus. Only enough phosphorous to sustain bentgrass growth should be used. Lead arsenate treatments are more effective when phosphorus is at a low level. 4. Fall cultivations should be done early so that holes are covered before Poa germination season. 5. Control diseases, insects, weeds, and other agencies which might contrib­ ute to a weakened turf. 6. Keep greens dry on the surface dur­ ing the Poa germination season. Many will ask how the surface may be kept dry. There are several possi­ ble ways: a. Keep mat and thatch to a min­ imum. Thatch holds excessive moisture in the surface. b. Try to increase water infiltra­ tion, so that it does not lie near the surface. Use a disk spiker to cut through the turf and any accumulated thatch with­ out seriously disturbing the soil. Try using a wetting agent to lower surface tension of the dater, so that it infiltrates and does not lie at the surface. c. Use a sandy topdressing mate­ rial which will not hold ex­ cessive moisture, and which will allow greens to hold a well- played golf shot without being excessively wet. 32 USCA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1956 IT’S YOUR HONOR Expenses and Shamateurism To the USGA: We have been reading a lot lately about amateurism in sports. It seems to be a problem for many sports, both in and out of college. Anyone inter­ ested in golf can hardly help but realize that amateurism in our game also gives rise to problems. In the Rule books published by both the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews and the USGA, an ama­ teur golfer is defined as "one who plays the game solely as a non-remu- nerative or non-profit-making sport.” After the 18th birthday, under the USGA code, one act which violates the Definition of an Amateur Golfer is "Accepting expenses, in money or otherwise, from any source other than one on whom the player is normally or legally dependent but excluding an employer.” (There are a few ex­ ceptions not pertinent here.) The foregoing is printed on the back of every USGA championship entry blank for amateurs. When the entrant signs it, he certifies that he has not only read the amateur status rules but also that "I have conformed with those Rules in every respect.” We seem to have some "amateur” golfers — both men and women — of outstanding ability, but without any visible means of support that amounts to much. How do they play exten­ sively? Tournament golf is expensive, what with travel, hotel bills, caddie fees, golf balls and equipment, on top of the normal expense of one’s club dues and house charges. One naturally suspects that some players are breaking both the letter of the rule and the spirit of amateur­ ism by accepting expenses in various forms from unauthorized sources. Oh, I know that there are "jobs”, but some of them must be subter­ fuges. What kind of a job can a young man or woman get that will make it possible to play golf almost all the time? It would take a salary of many thousands of dollars a year for a single person to support him­ self and carry on intensive tourna­ ment activity involving much travel. It seems to me that a person who breaks the amateur code undercover would feel mighty cheap walking up to the first tee to match his or her game against a pure amateur. Some will say "Why shouldn’t they be helped out if they don’t want to do anything but play golf?” This is not a communistic coun­ try. Why can’t everybody stay at the plushest hotels, dine at the best res­ taurants, have their clothes made by the best tailors and dress-makers? If a player wants to play golf all the time, there are plenty of outlets without interfering with the pure amateurs. There are, for example, pro­ fessional tournaments almost every week for those who want honestly to be professionals. But there is no right place in ama­ teur golf for expenses-paid shama- teurs. One can only pity ill-advised "backers” who seem to think they are being helpful when they encourage young people to cheat on their eligi­ bility. Unfortunately, proof of wrongful acceptance of expenses is difficult to obtain. But every individual knows whether or not he is an amateur and so does any ill-advised "backer.” They know in their heart of hearts. Earl A. Ross Rye, N. Y. (Former President of Metropolitan Golf Association.) USCA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1955 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