USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT TOPS IN AMATEUR GOLF Miss Anne Quast, of Marysville, Wash., brought off the double when she won the USGA Women’s AmateuY Cham­ pionship at the Wee Burn Coun­ try Club, Darien, Conn., by beating Miss Barbara Ro- mack, of Sacra­ mento, Cal., 3 and 2 in the final. Earlier in the sea­ son she finished low amateur in the USGA Women’s Open Champion­ ship at Forest Lake Country Club, Bloomfield Hills, Mich. USOA JOURNAL TURF MANAGEMENT Published by the United States Golf Association Permission to reprint articles here is freely granted (unless specifically noted otherwise) provided credit is given to the USGA Journal VOL XI, No. 5 SEPTEMBER, 1958 Through the Green __________________________________________________ 1 Miss Anne Quast Joins the Inspired Champions _______ by Joseph C. Dey, Jr. 5 A Curtis Cup Tie in the Finest Sense _______________1__________________ _ 9 Excise Tax Technical Changes Act __________________ by Wm. Ward Foshay 12 Country Club Operations in 1957 _______________ by Joseph H. Nolin, C.P.A. 13 World Team Golf Draws Broad Field _______________________ ....__________ 17 A Defender Repeats in Girls’ Championship ______________________________ 18 Florence Juniors Produce a Winner ___________________ by John P. English 20 The Referee ________________________________________________________ 23 Turf Management: USGA Green Section Changing Greens from Common Bermudagrass to Tifgreen by James H. Edwards and H.D. Barnes 25 It’s Your Honor ____________________________________________ ...___ ____ 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. Additional entry at Post Office in Pinehurst, N. C. Edited by Joseph C. Dey, Jr., and John P. English. All articles voluntarily contributed. USGA COMPETITIONS FOR 1959 Championship or Team Match Entries Close Sectional Qualifying Rounds (a) Walker Cup Match — — Dates of Event May 15-16 Open May 13 June 1 June 11-12-13 Women's Open June 11 None June 25-26-27 Amateur Public Links *June 4 tJune 22-27 July 13-18 Junior Amateur Girls' Junior July 1 July 31 Women's Amateur Aug. 6 July 21 Aug. 5-8 None None Aug. 17-21 Aug. 24-29 Amateur Aug 12 Sept. 1 Sept. 14-19 Senior Amateur Sept. 2 Sept. 22 Oct. 5-10 Location Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, Muirfield, Scotland Winged Foot Golf Club, Mamaroneck, N. Y. Churchill Valley C. C. Pittsburgh, Pa. Wellshire Golf Course, Denver, Colo. Stanford University G. C. Stanford University, Cal. Manor Country Club, Norbeck, Md. Congressional C. C. Washington, D. C. Broadmoor Golf Club Colorado Springs, Colo. Memphis Country Club, Memphis, Tenn. 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. Re Amateur Public Links Championship: *—Entries close with Sectional Qualifying Chairmen. t—Exact date in each Section to be fixed by Sectional Chairmen. (a) Walker Cup match: Men’s amateur teams—Great Britain vs. United States. World's Best Amateurs Seen for 70c a Day The St. Andrews Town Council, Scot­ land, has fixed the following admission prices for the first World Amateur Golf Team Championship to be held over the Old Course next month: 5/—(70c) per day; 12/6d ($1.74) for the four day period. St. Andrews residents 2/—(28c) per day; 5/— (70c) for the four day period. Juveniles 1/— (14c) per day. From Sand Greens to Champion It is not often that a young lady comes off a nine-hole course with sand greens to win the first national championship .she enters, but Miss Carole Pushing, of Olivia, Minn., an 18-year-old sophomore­ to-be at Carlton College, did just that by winning the Women’s Collegiate Cham­ pionship at Ames, Iowa. The potential of this attractive, enthu­ siastic girl became apparent a couple of years ago when she began to improve rapidly, but no one expected her to find herself so quickly in national competi­ tion. As a freshman at Carleton College, she entered the Collegiate Championship last June just to see what it was like. Five days later she came home with the title. Blessed with tremendous distance off the tee and great determination, she de­ feated Miss JoAnne Gunderson, Miss Meriam Bailey and Miss Judy Bell, the defender, in successive matches. Miss Pushing’s talents are not limited to golf. She finished her freshman year with three As and two Bs, sang in the concert choir and played in the concert band. She plays the organ in her church in Olivia. She got her first taste of tournament golf in the Minnesota Championship at 15 and reached the quarter-finals. She played again the following year, and reached the semi-finals. Following her Collegiate win this year she won the Minnesota Cham­ pionship. At Carleton she is still undecided whether she will major in mathematics or music. But she will confine her golf to the summer months until after her college course is completed. This typifies this young woman who keeps each thing in its place and seems to have the ability to do each thing well. Golf in High Schools The National Golf Foundation reports that in a recent survey of the nation’s high schools, 83 per cent of schools re­ porting no golf in their program defi­ nitely want it. Of the 2,225 schools which responded to the survey, 45 per cent of those which do include golf have boys’ varsity golf teams, but only 18 per cent actually include golf instruction classes in their physical education curriculum. USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 Walter Hagen Portrait in "Golf House" A new portrait of Walter Hagen has been presented by Robert A. Stranahan, Sr., of Toledo, Ohio, to the Golf Museum of the United States Golf Association in “Golf House,” New York City. Frederick J. Wright Frederick J. Wright, of Boston, died as he would have wished. Death called him on the thirteenth tee at The Country Club, Brookline, Mass., in the sectional qualifying round of the Amateur Cham­ pionship. He was 60. His playing career had spanned more than forty years, dating from 1915 when he won the first of two Massachusetts Junior Championships to last fall when he bowed in the final of the USGA Senior Amateur Championship to J. Clark Es- pie, of Indianapolis, Ind., when defend­ ing his title. WALTER HAGEN The portrait show.s Walter Hagen about to address the ball, in a period when he was at the height of his career. It was executed by Frank C. Bensing, well- known New York artist, who is also represented in the “Golf House” collec­ tion by a portrait of Mrs. Edwin H. Vare, Jr., the former Miss Glenna Collett. Walter Hagen was USGA Open Cham­ pion in 1914 and 1919, and British Open Champion in 1922, 1924, 1928 and 1929. He won the Championship of the Pro­ fessional Golfers’ Association of America in 1921, 1924, 1925, 1926 and 1927. The “Golf House” collection now in­ cludes portraits of four great American golfers; in addition to Mrs. Vare and Hagen, they are Robert T. Jones, Jr., and Francis Ouimet. Mr. Stranahan, donor of the Hagen por­ trait, is the father of Frank Stranahan, and was a member of the USGA Execu­ tive Committee in 1944 and 1945. FREDERICK J. WRIGHT Mr. Wright was a member of the un­ official United States amateur team which visited Britain in 1921. Two years later he gained his place on the Walker Cup Team and won an important match to set the United States on its way to the first of its many victories. Typically, he won the last three holes, the final one with a seven-foot putt for a birdie, to win 1 up. His titles have been far-flung, from Hawaii in 1922 to Bermuda in 1951. He won the Massachusetts Championship on seven occasions between 1920 and 1938 and reached the final as recently as 1956. Surviving are two sons, Frederick J., Ill, and David W., and a daughter, Mrs. Joanne Callahan. USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 Emerging into the glare of the sand dunes and the tang of the Pacific at the Monterey Peninsula Country Club, Pebble Beach, Cal., site of the 4th USGA Senior Amateur Championship. What Makes a Golfer? When the field in the Girls’ Junior Championship had been winnowed down to the two finalists, they were found to be: Miss Judy Eller, of Old Hickory, Tenn., daughter of a professional who was brought up on a golf course, and Miss Sherry Wheeler, of Glasgow, Ky., the only member of her family who, as they say, would know a golf ball if she saw one. So what makes a golfer? Seniors Go West The Monterey Peninsula, in California, is as famous for its golf courses as for its scenic splendor. This month qualifiers in the 4th USGA Senior Amateur Champion­ ship will be able to feast their eyes on both when they gather at the Monterey Peninsula Country Club. Six years ago Monterey entertained the Girls’ Junior Championship. This will be its second USGA event, although the Amateur and Women’s Amateur have each been held twice at neighboring Peb­ ble Beach. The Monterey course should prove an ideal test for the seniors. It is not too long—6,251 yards with a par of 72—but its fairways are narrow and great em­ phasis is put on accuracy. Variety, there, is the spice of golf. The first eight holes have been hewn from a pine forest. Then, just when the player has got accustomed to the shadows cast by the timber, he emerges into the glare of the sand dunes and tang of the Pacific. Completing a coastal loop, the circuit closes in the seclusion of the pines. J. Clark Espie, of Indianapolis, Ind., the holder, will defend his title. The 1956 winner and runner-up last year, Fred- edick J. Wright, of Boston, died during qualifying for this year’s National Ama­ teur. Calcuttas The Southern California Golf Associa­ tion has written its member clubs in part as follows: “Three years ago the Southern Cali­ fornia Golf Association supported the United States Golf Association in its stand in opposition to Calcuttas in con­ nection with invitational tournaments. Member clubs have gone along with this program very well indeed. It is gratifying to know that this type of golf gambling, which has been proven detrimental to the game, is virtually ‘dead’ in Southern California. “The interest in invitational tourna­ ments, however, has never been at a higher peak.” USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 3 Rudolph Turns Pro E. Mason Rudolph, of Clarksville, Tenn., a semi-finalist in last year’s Ama­ teur Championship and a member of the 1957 Walker Cup Team, has announced his intention of turning professional. His decision came shortly after his nomination as a member of the Americas Cup Team for the tripartite matches this month at the Olympic Country Club, San Francisco, Cal. His place has been taken by William Hyndman, III, of Philadel­ phia, Pa. Rudolph, now 24, first achieved promi­ nence when he won the 1950 USGA Junior Amateur Championship. He has subsequently won the Tennessee Open and Amateur Championships and the Western Amateur. Code to Golf By Les Bolstad, golf instructor at the Uni­ versity of Minnesota Golf Course, St. Paul, Minn., recent site of the Junior Amateur Championship, wants his pupils to improve their golf not only from a strictly physical point of view but also from the mental aspect. His directives are set out for all play­ ers to read: “Out of respect for the golf course, re­ place divots and fix ball marks on greens. Don’t be a litter bug, there are plenty of trash cans available. “Walk like a golfer instead of strolling. “Mark your ball when it is hit off line. “Try to maintain your position on the course. “Place your bag or cart on the side of the green nearest the next tee. “Stand near your ball, be prepared to hit when it is your turn. “Eliminate unnecessary practice swings. Necrology It is with deep regret that we record the death of: MRS. RONALD BARLOW, Bryn Mawr, Pa., runner-up in the Women’s Amateur Championships, 1909 and 1912. She was 92. A. HERMAN STUMP, of Baltimore, Md. Mr. Stump, a former president of the Maryland State and Middle Atlantic Golf Associations, had served on the USGA Sectional Affairs Committee since 1948 and the Senior Championship Committee from its formation in 1955. 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, Scot­ land. Booklet, 25 cents (special rates for quan­ tity orders, more than 500). USGA GOLF HANDICAP SYSTEM FOR MEN, containing recommendations for computing USGA Handicap and for rating courses. Book­ let, 25 cents. USGA Slide Rule Handicapper, 25 cents. Poster, 10 cents. THE CONDUCT OF WOMEN'S GOLF, contain­ ing suggestions for guidance in the conduct of women's golf in clubs and associations, in­ cluding tournament procedure, handicapping and course rating. 25 cents. USGA Slide Rule Handicapper, 25 cents. Poster, 10 cents. HANDICAPPING THE UNHANDICAPPED, a reprint of a USGA Journal article explaining the Callaway System of automatic handicap­ ping for occasional players in a single tour­ nament. No charge. TOURNAMENTS FOR YOUR CLUB, a reprint of a USGA Journal article detailing various types of competitions. No charge. PREPARING THE COURSE FOR A COMPETI­ TION, a reprint of a USGA Journal article by John P. English. No charge. LETTER AND SPIRIT OF THE AMATEUR CODE, a reprint of a USGA Journal article by Joseph C. Dey, Jr. No charge. PROTECTION OF PERSONS AGAINST LIGHT­ NING ON GOLF COURSES, a poster. No charge. HOLE-IN-ONE AWARDS. No Charge. GAMBLING IN GOLF TOURNAMENTS, a re­ print of a USGA Journal article by Richard S. Tufts. No charge. WORK OF A CLUB GREEN COMMITTEE, a re­ print of panel discussions conducted by the USGA Green Section Committee. No Charge. HOW TO MEET RISING COSTS OF GOLF COURSE MAINTENANCE, PARTS I & II, re­ prints of panel discussions conducted by the USGA Green Section Committee. No charge. MISTER CHAIRMAN, a reprint of a USGA Journal article outlining the duties of the Chairman of the Green Committee. No charge. ARE YOU A SLOW PLAYER? ARE YOU SURE? A reprint of a USGA Journal article by John D. Ames. No charge. A JUNIOR GOLF PROGRAM FOR YOUR CLUB AND DISTRICT, a 16-page booklet con­ taining details in organizing and developing junior golf programs at different levels. No charge. TURF MANAGEMENT, by H. B. Musser (Me Graw-Hill Book Co., Inc.), the authoritative book on turf maintenance. $7. USGA CHAMPIONSHIP RECORD BOOK. De­ tailed results of all USGA competitions since their start in 1895. $2. USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT, a 33-page magazine published seven times a year. $2 a year. These publications are available on request to the United States Golf Association, 40 East 38th Street, New York 16, N. Y. Please send payment with your order. 4 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 MISS ANNE QUAST JOINS THE INSPIRED CHAMPIONS BY JOSEPH C. DEY, JR. USGA Executive Director give up when things went wrong—and they had won that fight. Their blazing deeds must have sprung from blazing faith—not mere self-will but, rather, self-knowledge that man’s limita­ tions are largely imposed by himself. It has been put in two quite different ways by two quite different men, but the es­ sence is the same. Mike Murphy said that “You can’t lick a team that won’t be lick- Every now and then a golfing deed is done in a manner so glorious that one wonders how a mere human could have brought it to pass. Such was the way in which Miss Anne Quast became the USGA Women’s Ama­ teur Champion last month, a week before her 21st birthday. Three down was she at crises in three grand matches, includ­ ing the final. Her victory was in the finest tradition of those Champions whose hearts have surmounted all obstacles. It stirred memories of events like these, and re­ vived the eternal question of how such things are done: . . . Miss Glenna Collett, 4 down and 4 to play, winning on the 19th in gaining one of her six National titles in 1929. . . . Gene Sarazen’s 100 strokes for the last 28 holes in the 1932 Open. . . . Ben Hogan’s return from the val­ ley of the shadow in 1950; and his clos­ ing nine of 32 for a decisive 67 the next year. . . . Miss Marlene Stewart, 4 down with 11 to play, then taking the 1956 Na­ tional final. . . . Billy Joe Patton’s Walker Cup win last year after a five-hole deficit at lunch­ time to Reid Jack. . . . Cary Middlecoff’s 68-68 in the last day to tie for the 1957 Open. . . . And, standing like a Colossus above all, Bob Jones’ Grand Slam of 1930. Here were golfers inspired. To be sure, they were players of consummate skill, and the luck of the day may have been on their side. But that does not fully ac­ count for the fact that, at the big mo­ ment, they lifted their games and pro­ duced even better than their normal best. The answer can only lie in the realm of the spirit. Through these inspirational golfers one glimpses the glory of what can be when faith supplants doubt and fear. These people, too, must have once walked the razor’s edge of temptation to Miss Quast is a superlative putter, but this one missed on the 12th green of the final. ed.” Down the years another Voice has ever reminded: “All things are possible . . . Your faith has made you whole.” Champions, it seems, are made to re­ call us to these things, to draw aside the veil a trifle and reveal the glory of who man really is and can become. Four Under Par for Last Seven Holes Miss Anne Quast’s play in the 58th USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 5 Women’s National Amateur Champion­ ship takes rank with the great perform­ ances, in both quality and dramatic force. This lovely young lady from Marysville, Wash., was playing a long and exacting test presented by the Wee Burn Country Club in Darien, Conn.; the handsome course stretched 6,467 yards with par of 75 for the ladies. In six days Miss Quast played eight matches involving nine rounds of golf. She did 142 holes in nine over par, and had 24 birdies. The transcedent facts are that she won through in three stern matches af­ ter being well down and seemingly on- her way out, and in the climax of the final played the last seven holes in four strokes below par. Miss Quast won over a brilliant, large field. There were the Curtis Cup players of both sides except Mrs. Frances Smith, who, widowed this last year, hurried home to England and her baby girl. There were seven who had won the USGA Championship and three who had won the British, including Mrs. George Valen­ tine, the current holder; she went to the round of 16 at Wee Burn, farther than any of her compatriots, before Miss Bar­ bara Romack eliminated her. Mrs. J. Douglas Streit (Marlene Stewart) headed a big and formidable delegation from Canada. Miss Sandra Clifford carried Mexico’s colors to the last 16. Miss Judy Eller, twice Girls’ Junior Champion, was there. After an original entry of 199, 189 were on hand and included in the draw. The record entry of 201 was regis­ tered in 1939 at Wee Burn also; the handi­ cap limit then was 8, and today it is 6. Form held surprisingly well. Six of the eight quarter-finalists were members of the American Curtis Cup Team—Miss Quast, Mrs. Les Johnstone, Misses Jo- Anne Gunderson, the defender; Barbara Romack, later to be runner-up to Miss Quast; Meriam Bailey and Polly Riley (who was in the last 16 for the twelfth straight year). Four of our internationalists filled the semi-final brackets (as had our Walker Cuppers last year in the Men’s Amateur). Misses Quast and Gunderson were in the upper half, where Miss Quast won 1 up; Misses Romack and Bailey were in the lower, with Miss Romack winning 4 and 2. All except Miss Romack were un­ der 21, and she is 25. The Girls’ Junior Championship had served as the first national vehicle for them all. In the last five Women's Championships the winner has never been older than 22. The Pacific Northwest has great cause to cheer for its golfing daughters. Three of them have won in the last four Cham­ pionships, starting in 1955 with Miss Patricia Lesser (now Mrs. John Harbot- tle), then Miss Gunderson last year and now Miss Quast. Miss Gunderson, now 19, was impres­ sive in her title defense. She played through a hard quarter and became a semi-finalist by defeating Mrs. Johnstone, who had been runner-up to her in last year’s Championship. Miss Gunderson is a power hitter of great potential. She drives the ball around 250 yards; should the rest of her game become fully set­ tled, she will be very hard to beat. Miss Gunderson has a phenomenal na­ tional record: 1955—runner-up in the Girls’Junior; 1956—winner of the Girls’ Junior and runner-up in the Women’s Amateur; 1957—winner of the Women’s Amateur; 1958—semi-finalist in the Women’s Amateur. She is a happy golfer who literally applauds her opponents. The pace of play was remarkably good, and the golf was splendid among the real contenders. The quality of the better players is such that always at this Cham­ pionship some male members of the club sigh wistfully and threaten to give up the game. Miss Quast’s Trial by Fire The fibre of Miss Quast’s character was tried particularly in three matches. First was in the fourth round against Miss Patricia O’Sullivan, of Orange, Conn., who was playing in her first Champion­ ship after reinstatement from profession­ al status. Miss O’Sullivan was two under par going out with a 35, and was 3 up with 6 to play. Miss Quast holed those last six in two under par, rolling in a decisive bird 4 on the home green. She was around in 74. The semi-finals brought Miss Quast to her second severe test. In Miss Gunder­ son she was playing a neighbor from Kirkland, Wash., and her roommate at a friend’s home in Darien. Miss Gunderson surged out in 35 and was 3 up after 9 and 10. Then she struck a wild streak, tak- 6 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 AN UNSCHEDULED CORONATION Miss Anne Quast was in the midst of her remarks after accepting the Women’s Amateur Championship trophy when the retiring Champion, Miss JoAnne Gunder­ son, spontaneously plopped her red Tyrolean hat on the head of her successor. At right is Miss Barbara Romack, the runner-up. At left of trophy is C.W. Benedict, member of USGA Executive Committee. ing 46 home. Miss Quast was quick to seize the opportunity. She played the last eight holes in even par, with two birds, the second of which was a 3 on 17 resulting from a great approach, and won 1 up. In the final Miss Romack, from Sac­ ramento, Cal., sought to repeat her Cham­ pionship victory of 1954. For quite awhile it seemed as if this game little lady with the big tee shot might be the first to win a second time since Miss Betty Jameson in 1940. Miss Romack’s par round of 75 in the morning constructed a lead of three holes. Miss Quast, after a nearly sleepless night and a naturally awed .sense of the big moment, had found her swing involuntarily tightening. In the afternoon Miss Quast retrieved her form, and with Miss Romack con­ tinuing to play excellent golf, they had a classic match. After eight holes Miss Romack still was ahead by 2. Then, as the holes seemed to be run­ ning out for Miss Quast, .she experienced that surge of spirit which the inspira­ tional golfers know when their faith is fired. A par 4 on 9, a bird 4 on 10, a bird 3 on 12—and Miss Quast was 1 up (for the first time since the first hole). They halved the 13th brilliantly in birdie 4s, and Miss Quast .saved a wonderful half in par 4 at the next. At the 205-yard 15th a bunkered tee shot cost Miss Romack the hole to a perfect 3, and she was 2 down. And then, on the 16th, with Wee Burn’s wee burn encircling the green, Anne Quast’s great approach stopped eight feet from the hole, and she downed a birdie 3 that crowned her victory. She had done the last seven holes in four 4s and three 3s—three pars and four birdies. Had she played out the two bye holes in par, she would have had a 71— perhaps as wonderful a round as was ever played in this old Championship. Miss Quast in her day of glory was even with Wee Burn’s par for the 34 holes of her 3-and-2 victory over Miss Romack, who was only 2 over. Miss Quast had sought the Champion­ ship since age 14, in 1952. In the last four years she has been quarter-finalist twice, semi-finalist once, and now winner. This USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 7 year she was low amateur in both the USGA Open and the Western Open, in the Western Amateur she was medalist with 72 and was runner-up, and in the Curtis Cup Match she won her singles. Two years ago she won the Western Ama­ teur and set the qualifying record of 70; and finished second in the Titleholders Open, outscoring all the professionals except Miss Patty Berg and leading the field into the final round. A long bout with hepatitis curtailed her golf last year. Miss Quast’s match with Miss Romack was their third, and Miss Quast has won all. She has broken even in four meet­ ings with Miss Gunderson. Miss Quast has a simple, uncompli­ cated style of play which rarely develops serious kinks. She is doubtless the straightest driver and the finest putter in her class, and always seems to have the ball in play. At Wee Burn she was driving about 220 yards, this 130-pound girl; in the 34-hole final she used 55 putts, and never three-putted. Her short game is crisp and usually deadly. She practices devotedly. In the Champions’ Mold These are but the bare bones. In the personal sense, Miss Quast thoroughly fulfills the ideal of a lady Amateur Cham­ pion at golf and, in fact, enhances the ideal. She is first a person, secondly a golfer. Her intelligence and her sense of values are well developed—last sum­ mer she debated whether to return to college at Stanford or play the winter tournaments in the Southeast. College won, and she is now a senior, with fine grades. Her golfing manners are winning— purposeful yet warm, friendly, always modest, never obtrusive. Galleries are invariably charmed by her nature. When a poor shot comes off she chides herself with a quiet “Oh, Anne!”—and then she’s off to the next shot. She is a fast player —not a slow putting surveyor for all her great skill on the green—and at Wee Burn invariably reached the turn in an hour and 15 to 25 minutes. Her father, Thomas Quast, rowed in the University of Washington crew in the twenties, and he evidently has be­ queathed his daughter the ability to finish the race. When she is playing, she gives golf all she has, but she keeps the game in its place. “I’d give anything to win the tournament,” she said at Wee Burn, “but I don’t intend to spend my life trying to win it.” When Anne Quast received her prize, she said she felt very grateful and very humble. “I know I didn’t win it alone,” she remarked. And there is the secret place of the faith that moves mountains.. * * * Viewed from any angle, the 1958 Women’s Amateur Championship fully achieved its purposes. If a purpose of a Championship is to provide a friendly gathering and good competition among the best plavers, this one succeeded admirably. Edwin Hoyt, General Chairman, and his Wee Burn committees had a single aim of making their guests happy. They did ,so abund­ antly. If a purpose of a Championship is to determine a Champion, this one succeed­ ed signally. Golf is enriched in having as an exemplar the splendid, winsome character of Anne Quast. FATHER "Who's the stranger, Mother Dear? Look! He knows us! Ain't he queer?" "Hush, My Own! Don't talk so wild; That's your father, dearest child." "That's my father? No such thing! Father died, you know last spring." "Father didn't die, you dub! Father joined a golfing club. "But they closed the club, so he Had no place to go, you see— "No place left for him to roam; That's why now he's coming home . . . "Kiss him, he won't bite you, Child! All those golfing guys look wild." —RUSSELL W. HOBSON S USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 A CURTIS CUP TIE IN THE FINEST SENSE Golf Does its Bit in International Friendships The Curtis Cup Match this year richly rewarded those who have sought to have golf do its bit toward international friendships. What counted was not that it ended in a tie but, rather, its tone. No match could be more in keeping with the ideals for which this series was created. There was a warm and great amity among the rival lady golfers; they all lived under the hospitable roof of the Brae Burn Country Club, near Boston. In practice days they ate at the same table. Most of the Americans wore shorts, whereas the British had uniform skirts and blouses. But there was a day when the visitors borrowed the Americans’ shorts for private picture-taking. Such charming ambassadresses were the British that they won the unbounded admiration of their caddies (and how many golfers are heroes to their cad­ dies!). Three of the Brae Burn lads who caddied for the British made a later trip to Darien, Conn., just to see them play in the USGA Women’s Amateur Championship. These are small things. But the larger fabric of international relations is woven of many strands. Some strong ones were added at Brae Burn. The case was well put by Miss Daisy Ferguson, the British Captain, in writing the Misses Margaret and Harriot Curtis about miniature silver replicas of the Cur­ tis Cup which they presented to all the players. “I just want to thank you both,” wrote Miss Ferguson, “for the dear wee silver cup which you gave to each of us. I shall treasure it and it will always re­ mind me of a match in the Curtis Cup series which was played in a wonderful spirit of complete friendliness by all members of both Teams, at a Club which did all in its power to foster that spirit of friendly rivalry among women golfers which had been your aim when you pre­ sented the Cup.” Best British Showing in U.S. In gaining a tie at Brae Burn, the visitors made the best showing of any British team in the United States since the Walker Cup Match was started in 1922 and the Curtis Cup in 1932. All told, there have been 26 contests in those series, but the Americans have never yielded at home. British women’s golf is particularly strong now. Since 1952 British Isles teams have won two Curtis Cup Matches, lost one and tied one. In the whole series the United States has won six times, the British have won twice, and there have been two halves. The Brae Burn contest was so close that the Captains—Miss Ferguson and Mrs. Charles Dennehy for the United States—both used the same six players in singles and foursomes. The British had a team which included five who had played before; of the Americans, all but two were newcomers to the international series. Miss Ferguson’s side took a 2-1 lead in the foursomes. They started with a vic­ tory when Mrs. Michael Bonallack and Miss Elizabeth Price won three of the last five holes in one under par for a 2- and-1 verdict over Misses Barbara Ro- mack and Polly Riley. Then Miss Janette Robertson and Mrs. Frances Smith led all the way against the youthful Ameri­ cans, Misses JoAnne Gunderson, our 1957 National Champion, and Anne Quast. America’s foursomes point was won by Miss Barbara McIntire and Mrs. Les Johnstone, 6 and 5, over Miss Bridget Jackson and Mrs. George Valentine, the British Champion. After two poor first holes, the Americans were one under par the rest of the way in a brilliant dis­ play over Brae Burn’s very exacting course. In the morning they were around the back nine in 35, two under. The American effort to make up the deficit was started by Miss Gunderson’s 2-up win over Mrs. Valentine in a clash of the Champions. Miss Quast built up a morning lead, then closed the last seven USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 9 The British Team, left to right: Miss Daisy Ferguson, non-playing captain; Mrs. Michael Bonallack, Miss Bridget Jackson, Miss Elizabeth Price, Miss Janette Robert­ son, Mrs. Frances Smith, Miss Dorothea Sommerville, Mrs. George Valentine. holes in two under par to defeat Miss Price. Miss Romack was the third Ameri­ can singles winner, with Miss Jackson her victim. Meanwhile, Miss Robertson had staved off a brilliant rally by Mrs. Johnstone to win a point for the British; Miss Robert­ son led 5 up after 18 and Mrs. Johnstone very nearly caught her with a marvelous third nine of 35. Down to the Last Hole America now led 4 to 3 as two matches came to the home hole. One was the No. 2 encounter between Mrs. Bonallack and Miss McIntire. Miss McIntire seemingly had it in hand when she was 4 up after 28 holes, after brilliant golf by both on the third nine (36 for Miss McIntire and 37 for the British player). But then, in a twinkling, it was all even—Mrs. Bon­ allack won four of the next five. There ensued two halves, then Miss McIntire came from nowhere for a halving par on the home hole, and they split the match point. This left the issue up to the last match, Mrs. Frances Smith for the British versus Miss Polly Riley. This was a repetition of history, for in 1956 they had met in what turned out to be a decisive match in a British victory. This time Mr,s. Smith reached the home hole 1 up, and won that one also. The former British Cham­ pion is a most dependable player, now having won 4V2 of five possible points in Curtis Cup singles. And so the Curtis Cup Match ended in a tie, 4^2 to 4y2. Under the terms of the series, the previous winner retains the Cup in case of a tie, so the trophy is now back in Britain. The chronicle is incomplete without mention of Brae Burn’s entertainment. This fine old Boston club provided ex­ actly the right atmosphere and facilities for an event of this sort. Anthony Jaure- guy, the President, and Joseph A. Galvin, Jr., General Chairman of the Curtis Cup Committees, will find many friends if they should choose to visit among the upper echelons of women golfers here and in Britain. They have certainly helped keep the two flags flying together. USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 The United States Team, left to right: Mrs. Charles Dennehy, non-playing captain; Miss Meriam Bailey, Miss JoAnne Gunderson, Mrs. Les Johnstone, Miss Barbara McIntire, Miss Anne Quast, Miss Anne Richardson, Miss Polly Riley, Miss Barbara Romack. 1958 INTERNATIONAL MATCH FOR THE CURTIS CUP Held at Brae Burn Country Club, West Newton, Mass. August 8 and 9, 1958 FOURSOMES BRITISH ISLES UNITED STATES Points Points Mrs. Michael Bonailack and Miss Elizabeth Price (2 and 1) Miss Janette Robertson and Mrs. Frances Smith (3 and 2) . .... . .. 1 Miss Bridget Jackson and Mrs. George Val- tine ______________________________________ 0 Miss Barbara Romack and Miss Polly Riley 0 1 Quast Miss JoAnne Gunderson and Miss Anne . 0 Miss Barbara McIntire and Mrs. Les John­ stone (6 and 5) _________________________ 1 ______ __ .... Total _________________________________________ 2 Total _________________________________________ 1 SINGLES Mrs. George Valentine ______________________ 0 Mrs. Michael Bonailack (halved) ___________ % _____________ 0 Miss Elizabeth Price Miss Janette Robertson (3 and 2) ___________ 1 Miss Bridget Jackson ____________________ 0 Mrs. Frances Smith (2 up) ___________________ 1 Miss JoAnne Gunderson (2 up) ____________ 1 Miss Barbara McIntire (halved) ________ __ _ ¥2 Miss Anne Quast (4 and 2) ________________ 1 ______________ 0 Mrs. Les Johnstone Miss Barbara Romack (4 and 2) ____________ 1 Miss Polly Riley 0 Total 2% Total _________________________________________ y/2 Grand Total—British Isles __________________ 41/2 Grand Total—United States _________________ 4’/a Non-playing Captain—Miss Daisy Ferguson Reserve—Miss Dorothea T. Sommerville Non-playing Captain—Mrs. Charles Dennehy Reserves—Miss Meriam Bailey, Miss Anne Richard­ son USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 11 EXCISE TAX TECHNICAL CHANGES ACT By WM. WARD FOSHAY General Counsel The Excise Tax Technical Changes Act was passed by Congress in August and has now been signed by the Presi­ dent. The Act includes a number of technical changes in the club dues tax which will be of interest to member clubs. Some of these changes are briefly described as follows: Assessments for Capital Construc­ tion: One of the changes will exempt from the 20 per cent club dues tax as­ sessments for the construction or recon­ struction of any social, athletic or sport­ ing facility (or for the construction or reconstruction of any capital addition to or capital improvement of any such faci­ lity). It should be noted, however, that only assessments paid on or after January 1, 1959, for construction or reconstruction begun on or after that date will be en­ titled to the exemption. The Congressional reports on the Bill contained the following further caution: “Since the exemption is applicable only to assessments for construction, or reconstruction, of a facility, amounts used for the purchase of land will not be exempt from tax. Similarly, the use of funds for the purchase of existing facilities will not be tax exempt. Exemption will be available for the construction or reconstruction of buildings as well as various outdoor facilities, such as tennis courts, swimming pools, and golf courses. Mere upkeep and repairs do not constitute construc­ tion or reconstruction.” Life Memberships: The Act changes the taxation of life memberships so that the tax on such memberships will be equivalent to the tax upon the amount paid as dues or membership fees by mem­ bers (other than life members) having privileges most nearly comparable to those of the person holding the life membership, or, at the election (made at such time not later than the day on which the first amount is paid for life membership and in such manner as may be prescribed by regulation) of the per­ son holding the life membership, a tax equivalent to 20 per cent of any amount paid for the life membership. In order to provide for a transitional grace period for making the above elec­ tion, the provisions of the Act are such that a person who already has a life mem­ bership or who purchases one within six months after the effective date of the Act has up to six months after the effec­ tive date to make the election. If the election is not made within such period, the life member will be required to pay an annual tax in the same amount as that paid by members (other than life mem­ bers) having the most nearly comparable privileges. Honorary Memberships: The Act will eliminate the tax on life memberships, such as honorary memberships, for which no charge is made. Admissions: The Act repeals the admis­ sions tax on privately operated swim­ ming pools, bathing beaches, skating rinks, and other places providing facili­ ties for physical exercise, except dancing. Effective Date: The Act provides that it shall take effect on the first day of the first calendar quarter which begins more than sixty days after the date on which it was enacted. The effective date of the Act will therefore be January 1, 1959. * * * In view of their brevity, the above de­ scriptions should not be relied upon for any action clubs may take in consequence of the passage of the Act. For this pur­ pose, clubs should obtain the advice of their own counsel based on their study of the Act and the related Congressional re­ ports. Regulations of the Bureau of In­ ternal Revenue are not expected for some time. n USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 COUNTRY CLUB OPERATIONS IN 1957 BY JOSEPH H. NOLIN, C.P.A. Member of the Firm of Horwath & Horwath Only the large country clubs had dues available for members’ equity in 1957 but only the small clubs showed an im­ provement in operating results over 1956, according to Horwath and Horwath’s ninth annual study of country club op­ erations. The amount of dues available for members’ equity in the large clubs was less than in 1956, while the de­ ficiency of dues shown by the medium­ sized clubs was slightly larger than in the preceding year. The clubs supplying op­ erating data for the study have been divided into the following groups: 18 small country clubs, each with mem­ bership dues income of under $100,000 (including regular assess­ ments in two clubs); 20 medium-sized country clubs, each with membership dues income of between $100,000 and $200,000 (in­ cluding regular assessments in four clubs); 12 large country clubs, each with mem­ bership dues income of between $200,000 and $300,000 (including regular assessments in four clubs). This study is similar in scope to those of the three preceding years, but we have increased the number of clubs studied. All but one of the clubs included in “Country Club Operations in 1956” are used in this study. However, because of the additional representation, we present averages for three, instead of two, groups of country clubs, divided according to total dues and assessments. Since dues are the principal source of club income, they are the most common, acceptable basis for comparing operating data. In­ come from regular, or recurring, assess­ ments has been added to dues because it is similar in nature to dues. Only assess­ ments which for all practical purposes are dues have been included. On page 14 is a summary of the opera­ tions of the three groups expressed in Condensed from the Horwath Hotel Accountant. relation to dues and assessment income for both 1957 and 1956. An increase in sales volume and a re­ duction in repairs and maintenance ex­ penses in the small clubs resulted in a decrease from 1956 in the net cost of clubhouse operations. This decrease, com­ bined with a rise in dues and assessment income, more than offset the increases in the cost of outside activities, particularly golf, and in fixed charges, including rent, taxes and insurance; thus, the small clubs had more dues available for depreciation in 1957 than in 1956. On the other hand, both the large and medium-sized clubs had a smaller propor­ tion of dues available for depreciation than in the preceding year, although in the latter group there was a slight in­ crease in the total amount available for depreciation. Increases in sales and re­ duction in repairs and maintenance in those two groups were not sufficient to effect decreases in the net cost of club­ house operations. There was a slight de­ crease in the net cost of outside activities, but an increase in total fixed charges, in the medium-sized clubs. In the large clubs there were rises in the net dollar cost of outside activities and in the total amount of fixed charges, although, in relation to dues and assess­ ment income, fixed charges showed no change from 1956. After depreciation and rehabilitation expenses, the small clubs again showed a deficiency in dues available for members’ equity, although a decrease in the defi­ ciency reflected the improvement in their operations. On the other hand, the deficiency in dues available for members’ equity shown by the medium-sized clubs was larger than in the preceding year. As in 1956, the large clubs had a small amount of dues available for members’ equity in 1957, but it was less in both amount and ratio to dues than in the pre­ ceding year. USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 13 SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS, 1957 AND 1956 8 Small Country Clubs (Dues* under $100m) $ ....... 8 1957 79m 23 82m 1956 $ 77m 18 $ 79m 20 Medium Country Clubs (Dues* of 5100m Io S200m) 1957 $ 134m 44 $ 143m 1956 $ 127m 46 $ 137m 12 Large Country Clubs (Dues* of 5200m to 5300m) 1957 $ 223m 40 $ 237m 1956 $ 209m 37 $ 222m 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% Membership dues .................................... Assessments ............................................... Total SUMMARY of operations Income from dues and assessments .... Deduct cost of operations (Bold type represents net income) Clubhouse (detail below) .. . Golf and grounds—net . Swimming pool—net ..... .................. Tennis—net ........................................ Other outside activities—net ............ Total Net before fixed charges ...................... Fixed charges Rent .............. ...................... Taxes and insurance ......................... Interest Total .................................... Dues’ available for depreciation .... Depreciation and/or rehabilitation expenditures or reserves Depreciation Rehabilitation Total . Dues* available for members’ equity .. CLUBHOUSE OPERATION Departmental profit or loss (r) Food ........... -.......... . Beverages ............ -.............. .............. Total ........... ....................... ......... Rooms .......................... .......... ........... Other sources of income*1 Total Undistributed operating expenses Clubrooms ...................................... Administrative and general ......... Repairs and maintenance ............... Total Net clubhouse cost ................................ FOOD AND BEVERAGE STATISTICS Cost per dollar sale Food (before credit for employees’ meals).... 34.5 39.2 2.1" 1.7" .5" 75.8 24.2 22.6" 7.5" 4.1" 17.2 7.0 16.4" 12.4", 16.5" r7.6% 4.5"% 34.2" 37.1 5.4" 1.0b 6.5 44.9 14.1 4.3 39.2 11.5 10.3 79.4 34.5% 56.7< 34.8 19.0 37.3 38.3 2.3" 1.2" .4" 77.7 22.3 19.7" 6.8" 3.3" 15.7 6.6 16.D 14.5" 17.2" r8.2% 4.2"% 32.3" 35.0 5.3" .5" 7.3 43.4 14.2 4.6 37.5 10.8 13.6 80.7 37.3% 57.2C 36.8 27.6% 18.2 41.1 31.0 1.4" 2.4" b 74.1 25.9 7.1" 11.2b 5.2" 16.1 9.8 18.1" 12.4" 17.0 r7.2% .1"% 22.9" 21.4 12.6" r.9" 4.0 28.0 16.5 3.6 32.3 8.9 7.8 69.1 41.1% 56.9 ( 33.6 30.9% 15.5 41.0 31.0 1.6" 2.2" .7" 74.2 25.8 7.1" 11.0" 5.0" 15.9 9.9 16.6" 13.3" 16.7 rB.8% r1.0"% 23.6" 20.6 9.5" r.4" 3.9 26.8 15.9 3.4 31.4 8.6 8.5 67.8 41.0% 58.2? 33.4 30.9% 15.1 40.5 25.2 .8" 1.9" .5" 67.9 32.1 5.7" 12.6 5.7" 16.8 15.3 11.3" 13.0" 13.2 2.1% 1.8"% 17.9" 16.2 4.2" r2.2" 5.9 21.6 13.6 3.4" 30.5 8.1 7.1 62.1 40.5%__ 55.3e 36.4" 33.0% 12.4 39.0 24.7 .8" 2.3" .4" 66.0 34.0 4.2" 12.2 6.2" 16.8 17.2 11.1" 12.6" 13.9 3.3% 2.5"% 18.0" 17.8 6.1" r2.2" 5.7 23.6 13.9 3.4" 29.9 8.0 7.9 62.6 39.0% 55.0< 36.1" 32.7% 13.3 Ratios to food and beverage sales Payroll Departmental profit . . ......................... 27.8% GROSS MAINTENANCE COST OF GOLF COURSE AND, GROUNDS' Per golf course hole Ratio to membership dues’ $1887 $1807 40.5% 39.8% $2718 $2583. 37.1% 36.9% $2765 $2510 25.5% m thousands. ’—All ratios are to membership dues (dues plus assessments in Clubs 6, 12, 19, 26, 31, 32, 43, 44, 48 and 49) "—Average only of those clubs reporting this item, "—negligible. «—Income from initiation or entrance and transfer fees is excluded. «—Does not include greens fee income nor costs for golf shop, caddies, fixed assets and fixed charges (see ex- planatory text).[Three clubs have 36-hole courses; four have 27-hole courses; one, 9; and the remainder, 18. r—red figures Depreciation and Rehabilitation The average cost of depreciation for those clubs recording depreciation in­ creased over 1956 in all three groups of clubs. Depreciation averaged 16.4% of dues in 1957 in the small clubs, compared with 16.1% in 1956. In the medium-sized clubs, depreciation was 18.1% of dues in 1957, in contrast to 16.6% in the pre­ ceding year, and, in the large clubs, it was 11.3%, against 11.1%. Rehabilitation expenditures and/or reserves, before ad­ justments explained later, averaged 25.5% of dues in 1957 for the small clubs, com­ pared with 29.9% in 1956; 15.5% for the medium-sized clubs, compared with 21.3%; and 20.4% for the large clubs, against 13.7%. 14 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 Thus, of each dues dollar, the small clubs expended an average of 22.6c for depreciation and rehabilitation; the medi­ um-sized clubs, 18.7c; and the large clubs, 17.4c. However, these averages were distorted by heavy improvement and rehabilita­ tion programs in several of the clubs. The funds for such heavy expenditures came from special gifts, assessments, initiation and transfer fees and other sources, all of which are excluded from our study as they do not pertain co regu­ lar club operations. In order to show more equitable average ratios for depre­ ciation and rehabilitation and, conse­ quently, for dues available for members’ equity, we limited to 20% of total dues and assessment income, the individual amounts of rehabilitation included in the computation of the averages shown on page 14. The adjusted averages for de­ preciation and rehabilitation, after we eliminated the aforementioned distor­ tions, were 16.5% of dues for the small clubs, 17.0% for the medium-sized clubs and 13.2 % for the large clubs. The small clubs still showed a deficiency of 7.6% of dues, and the medium-sized clubs, one of 7.2%, while the large clubs had an average of 2.1% of dues available for members’ equity. Breaking down the dues dollar of the small clubs, we find it was spent in the following ways: clubhouse operations, 34.5c in 1957, compared with 37.3c in 1956; golf and grounds, 39.2c, compared with 38.3c; other outside activities, 2.1c, the same as in 1956; and fixed charges, 17.2c, in contrast to 15.7c. Thus, there remained an average of 7.0c of dues avail­ able for depreciation, compared with 6.6c in the preceding year. A similar breakdown of the dues dol­ lar of the medium-sized clubs is as fol­ lows: clubhouse operations, 41.1c in 1957, compared with 41.0c in 1956; golf and grounds, 31.0c, the same as in 1956; other outside activities, 2.0c, compared with 2.2c; and fixed charges, 16.1c, com­ pared with 15.9c. This left an average of 9.8c of dues available for depreciation, compared with 9.9c in the preceding year. A breakdown of the dues dollar of the large clubs follows: clubhouse operations, 40.5c, compared with 39.0c in 1956; golf and grounds, 25.2c, compared with 24.7c; other outside activities, 2.2c, compared with 2.3c; and fixed charges, 16.8c, the same as in 1956. There remained 15.3c of dues available for depreciation, com­ pared with 17.2c in the preceding year. Total club payroll was higher than in 1956 in all three groups of clubs, but only in the small clubs was the proportionate rise greater than the increase in total income, including dues and assessments. The ratio of total club payroll to total income was the same as in 1956 in the medium-sized clubs and lower than in the preceding year in the large country clubs. Restaurant payroll followed .similar patterns in the small and medium-sized clubs, but in the large clubs, the increase in the amount of food and beverage pay­ roll was also reflected in the fractional rise in the ratio of this departmental pay­ roll to total food and beverage sales. This rise in payroll in the large clubs, together with increases in the food and beverage costs, resulted in a decrease in the de­ partmental profit in both amount and ratio to sales. In the medium-sized clubs, in which the ratio of restaurant payroll to sales was unchanged from 1956, there was a decrease in the food cost per dol­ lar sale and a rise in the beverage cost per dollar sale and, consequently, a small increase in the ratio of departmental pro­ fit to total food and beverage sales. In the small clubs, reduction in the food and beverage costs per dollar sale more than offset the rise in the ratio of the departmental payroll to total food and beverage sales and effected an increase in the departmental profit. The small clubs had a higher average ratio of restaurant departmental profit to total food and beverage sales and also to total dues and assessment income than the other two groups. The good restau­ rant results in the small clubs was the chief factor contributing to the low cost of clubhouse operations in these clubs. Average Food Check Covers Wide Range Average food checks were reported by 19 of the clubs as follows: $4.65 4.51 4.02 3.23 3.22 $3.07 3.05 3.05 2.98 2.91 $2.87 2.82 2.80 2.58 2.45 $2.42 2.14 2.14 1.67 The annual dues and entrance fees charged by the 50 clubs participating in this study are summarized as follows: USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 15 SMALL CLUBS Annual Dues Entrance Fees Per Regular Member Per Regular Member $100 $130-$180 3 $200-8225 __________ 5 $250-$290 __________ 2 ____________ 3 $300 $360-$400 __________ 3 ____________ 2.. $100 and under ___ 3 $200 3 $225-8250 ___________ 3 $300-$400 __________ 4 $500 _______________ 4 $2,000 ______________ 1 Total 18 Total ___________ 18 MEDIUM CLUBS Under $300 ________ 4 $400 and under ___ 4 $300 ________________ 6 $500 5 $350 ________________ 3 $600-$750 3 $360 . ______________ 2 $1,000 2 $372-$400 ___________ 3 $1,200-$1,860 ______ 4 $420-8450 ___________ 2 $2,000-$3,000 _______ 2 Total ___________ 20 Total 20 LARGE CLUBS Under $300 _______ 5 $325 1 $360-$375 _________ 4 $500-$540 _________ 2 $600 ______________ 1 $720 ______________ 1 $400 and under ____ 4 $500 _______________ 2 $850 1 $1,000 2 $1,500 _____________ 2 $3,000-$4,000 ______ 3 Total ___________ 14 Total 14 Some Clubs Raised Dues in 1957 Dues, fees and assessments were in­ creased during the year by some of the clubs, and several clubs which did not collect an assessment in 1956 did assess their members in 1957. Eight clubs in­ creased the annual dues per regular mem­ ber: one by $12, one by $25, two by $40, two by $50, one by $60 and one by $120. The entrance or initiation fees charged to regular members were raised $30 by two clubs, $100 by two clubs, $150 by one club, $250 by one club, $500 by one club, and $1,000 by three clubs. Both the small and large clubs showed increases over 1956 in the gross mainte­ nance cost of golf course and grounds as well a.s in the net cost of golf and grounds, as measured by the average ratios to dues. The medium-sized clubs also recorded an increase in the gross maintenance cost of golf course and grounds, but no change from the pre­ ceding year in the net cost. However, the medium-sized clubs recorded the same net cost of golf and grounds in 1957 and 1956 only because the increase in total dues and assessment income kept pace with the increase in the cost of golf. Golf Course Upkeep Higher The cost per hole for the upkeep of the golf course and grounds averaged $1,887 for the small clubs, $2,718 for the medi­ um-sized clubs and $2,765 for the large clubs, rises of 4%, 5% and 10%, respec­ tively. The greens and grounds mainte­ nance payroll, which constitutes approxi­ mately two-thirds of the gross mainte­ nance costs, rose 7% over 1956 in each of the three groups. We wish to point out, however, that this cost does not include any fixed asset costs (improvements, ad- (Continued on page 22) GOLF COURSE AND GROUNDS EXPENSES COST PER HOLE 18 Small Country Clubs (Dues under $100,000) 1957 1956 20 Medium Country Clubs 'Dues of $100,000 to $200,000) 1957 1956 12 Large Country Clubs Dues of $200,000 to $300,000 1957 1956 Greens and grounds maintenance . .. | Payroll Supplies and contracts ____ Repairs to equipment, course buildings, fences, bridges, etc. __________ ______ $1319 339 Water, electricity and other expenses ________ 161 68 Total maintenance exclusive of fixed charges ______ 1887 Golf shop, caddie and tournament expenses ____ Total ______ Deduct green fees 285 2172 345 $1228 349 $1810 513 $1691 553 $1891 394 $1767 361 159 71 1807 273 2080 344 203 192 2718 314 3032 737 178 161 2583 293 2876 698 302 178 2765 417 3182 532 242 140 2510 407 2917 482 Net golf course and grounds expense exclusive of fixed charges $1827 $1736 $2295 $2178 $2650 $2435 16 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 WORLD TEAM GOLF DRAWS BROAD FIELD First Championship for Eisenhower Trophy at St. Andrews Next Month The first World Amateur Team Cham­ pionship at St. Andrews, Scotland, next month will be a global gathering in more than name. Approximately 30 countries are expect­ ed to be represented by teams. The start­ ing field perhaps will be the most widely representative, geographically, for the inaugural of any international amateur sports competition. The Eisenhower Trophy will be at stake in this first event of the new World Amateur Golf Council. The dates are October 8-11. The Championship is at 72 holes stroke play over four days. Each Member Or­ ganization of the World Council may be represented by three or four players, at its option. In each round the total of the three lowest scores by players of each team constitutes the Team score. The total of the three-player team scores for the four rounds is the team’s score for the Championship. The first 24 Member Organizations to file entries represent the following coun­ tries: Argentina, Austria, Australia, Bel­ gium, Bermuda, Brazil, Canada, Repub­ lic of China, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain and Ireland, India, Italy, Japan, Malaya, Netherlands, New Zea­ land, Philippines, Portugal, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, United States. The Council’s membership, including pending applicants, consists of national amateur golf authorities in 38 countries. The charter membership comprised 32 when the Council was formed at Wash­ ington in May. Subsequently six other applicants have been received. Among the individuals competing at St. Andrews will be Joseph B. Carr, of Ire­ land the current British Amateur Cham­ pion; Douglas W. Bachli, of Australia, who won the 1954 British Amateur Cham­ pionship; Arthur Allan Stewart, of South Africa, the current Open Champion of his country against a field including Bobby Locke, Gary Player, Dai Rees, Ken Bous- THE JARGON He was a golfing enthusiast, and as he took his turn in the barber’s chair commanded the tonsorial ar­ tist to “Mow down the rough and trim the green.” The barber himself was something of a player, and be­ fore releasing his victim recommend­ ed his wonderful tonic for a fairway which was showing signs of wear. from 200 Funny Golf Stories field and Harold Henning; Arthur Wal­ ker, of South Africa, who won the Eng- glish Amateur Closed Championship in 1957 and was a semi-finalist in the Bri­ tish Amateur of the same year. Joint Chairmen of the World Amateur Golf Council are John D. Ames, of Chi­ cago, the USGA President, and Henry H. Turcan, of Newburg, Fife, Scotland, Chairman of the General Committee of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. An­ drews. Secretary of the Council is Joseph C. Dey., Jr., USGA Executive Director. The Council’s Administrative Commit­ tee consists of the Joint Chairmen and the following: Dr. Eduardo H. Maglione, Argentina; Shun Nomura, Japan; Charles L. Peirson, United States (Boston, Mass.); E.P. Prendergast, Australia; Prince Fran­ cesco Ruspoli di Morignano, Italy; N.C. Selway, Great Britain; Douglas O. Whyte, New Zealand. The United States Team was to be selected during the USGA Amateur Championship in San Francisco. The non­ playing Captain is Robert T. Jone,s, Jr., of Atlanta, who is shipping his electric cart to St. Andrews to enable him to exercise his duties. It is believed that this will be the first use of an automotive golf cart at St. Andrews. The United States team will fly to Scotland on October 2 and will be accom­ panied by a number of USGA officials and their wives. It is expected that ap­ proximately 25 will be in the party. USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 17 A DEFENDER REPEATS IN GIRLS’ CHAMPIONSHIP Miss Eller Rises to the Occasion at Greenwich C.C. Eleven years after the USGA instituted its program of junior cham­ pionships for boys and girls of 17 years or less, a champion has finally repeated. Miss Judy Eller, of Old Hickory, Term., won the Girls’ Junior Cham­ pionship a year ago in Denver, Colo., and now has successfully defend­ ed it against a record field of 77 players rep­ resenting 24 states at the Greenwich Country Club, in Greenwich, Conn. Only two girls and two boys have had such an opportunity. Miss Arlene Brooks, of Pasadena, Cal., and Miss Millie Meyerson, of Los Ange­ les, Cal., won when they were 16 but failed in at­ tempts to repeat. Like­ wise, Mason Rudolph of Clarksville, Tenn., and Tommy Jacobs, of Montebello, Cal., won the boys’ championship when they were 16 but also were unable to de­ fend. Miss Judy Eller, of Old Hickory, Tenn., receives the Girls’ Junior trophy from Mrs. Glenna Collett Vare, the donor, who also refereed the final. The fact that Judy won where such dis­ tinguished company fail­ ed is a significant augury for her future, and Judy in person is just as impressive as her record. In the final, she came up against a most impressive young player in Miss Sherry Wheeler, of Glasgow, Ky., who had been playing spectacular golf. For example, after defeating Miss Joyce Denson, of Atlanta, Ga., 6 and 4, in the semi-finals, Sherry needed four pars for a 68. She played out the bye holes in an attempt to break 70 but suc­ ceeded only in matching that figure. At the same time, Judy had been playing only as well as she had to, and had beaten Miss Diana Hoke, of Pittsburgh and Del­ ray Beach, Fla., 4 and 3, in the other semi-final. Judy and Sherry live less than a hundred miles apart, but they had never 18 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 met in competition. They met socially when playing in their first Girls’ Junior Championship at Florence, S.C., in 1955, and Sherry rode home with the Eller family from that event. They have been good friends ever since. Both girls are at the stage where they can play on even terms with women. Judy has won the Tennessee Championship three years in succession. Sherry was a semi-finalist in the recent Trans-Missis- sippi Championship. The Winning Temperament When the final test came, Judy as usual drew on her reserves, played her best shots when she had to and de­ feated Sherry, 1 up.. It was a see-saw match in which thirteen of the eighteen holes were won or lost. Judy won the all- important seventeenth by placing a No. 3 iron .shot dead to the hole for a birdie 3 to go 1 up. She closed the door with a solid par 4 at the eighteenth. Her score was 78. Mrs. Glenna Collett Vare, of Philadel­ phia, six times National Champion and donor of the trophy in this Champion­ ship, refereed the final and presented the trophy. Both finalists were 17 and in their last year of eligibility, and both are now col­ lege freshmen, Judy at the University of Miami and Sherry at Arizona State. Judy turned 18 a week after winning. One of the semi-finalists, Diana Hoke, was only 16, and she can play next year at the Manor Country Club, near Wash­ ington, D. C. Diana is a grand-daughter of Bobby Cruickshank, and the other losing semi-finalist, Joyce Denson, is a grand-daughter of George Sargent, the 1909 Open Champion, and a niece of Harold Sargent, the president of the Pro­ fessional Golfers Association. All four of the losing quarter-finalists will be eligible next year. Miss Sharon Fladoos, of Dubuque, Iowa, who was a semi-finalist two years ago, was still only 15. Miss Pat Dailey, of San Antonio, Texas, was 16. Miss Patty David, of Tulsa, Okla., was also 16. And Miss Sandra Haynie, of Austin, Texas, who already has won the Texas Public Links Cham­ pionship, was only 15. The medalist in qualifying was Miss Connie Robinson, 17, of Altadena, the California and Southern California Junior Champion, who scored 78, six over par, on the 6,303-yard course in New York’s exurbia. Her’s was one of three scores under 80, the other two being 79s by Miss Eller and Miss Heidi Prentice, 15, of Winnetka, Ill. The deadline fell on five girls tied at 91 for the last four places, and a one-hole play off was necessary. Youngest Qualifier for Second Time The youngest qualifier for the Cham­ pionship was, once again, cute little Miss Judy Torluemke, now a veteran of 13, from Ellisville, Mo. Judy, a ninth grader who weighs 71 pounds, was playing in her third championship and qualifying for the second time. Her score of 85 disap­ pointed her because she had broken 80 in practice rounds. Despite her years, Judy is already one of the happy group of regulars who make this event not only a golf championship but a gay reunion. The entry shows some phenomenal attendance records. Miss Kaya Caldwell, 17, of Kansas City, Mo., was playing for the sixth time. Miss Mar­ got Morton, 15, of Indiana, Pa., was pres­ ent for the fifth time and has two years to go. Miss Haynie was playing for the fourth time in five years; and Miss Eller, Miss Wheeler, Miss Judy Rand, 15, of Aurora, Ohio, and Miss Helen Weiland, 17, of Phoenixville, Pa., were playing for the fourth time in succession. Many more were returning for the third year. Those who failed to qualify for the Championship were drawn into .subsidi­ ary flights. In the first of these, Miss Karen Swanson, 14, of Sacramento, Cal., defeated Miss Elizabeth Lyons, 15, of Rochester, N.Y., 5 and 4. In the second, Miss Sue Knoblauch, 17, of Maplewood, N.J., defeated Miss Nedra Dumas, 16, of Little Rock, Ark., 1 up. In the third, Miss Pamela Panczak, 14, of Hamden, Conn., defeated Miss Rebecca Hannah, 15, of Alexandria, Va., 1 up. And, for those who lost their first matches in any flight, there was a won­ derful treat in store the next day at the neighboring Round Hill Club, which in­ vited the girls over for golf, lunch and swimming and made “winners” of the 25 who were astute enough to accept. Miss Judy Hoetmer, of Seattle, Wash., and Miss Gayle Terwilliger, of Snyder, N.Y.., both 17, tied for the best score with 81s and both received medals. Miss Janet Henry, also 17, of Alexandria, Va., made 93—26—67 and won the handicap medal. USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 19 FLORENCE JUNIORS PRODUCE A WINNER BY JOHN P. ENGLISH USGA Assistant Executive Director In 1953, during the Junior Amateur Championship in Tulsa, Okla., Grant Bennett predicted: “I may bring you a winner in 1958, but I’m not sure what his name will be.” Since Bennett, who is professional at the Florence Country Club, in Florence, S.C., conducts an outstanding junior golf program at his club and often escorts strong contingents to junior champion­ ships, his remark made an impression. The mystery about the winner’s name was puzzling, however. “The fact is, I have two or three boys who are thirteen and playing remarkable golf,” he explained. “It might be any one of them.” Well, five years passed, and 128 boys of 17 years or less, the cream of the nation’s junior golfers, assembled at the University of Minnesota Golf Course, in St. Paul, Minn., last month for the 11th USGA Junior Amateur Championship. They fired away at each other in 18-hole matches, and after three days only four were left. Two of them, true to Bennett’s word, were from Florence, S.C., a quiet little tobacco town of about 30,000 persons. In one half of the draw was Gordon (Buddy) Baker and in the other his fellow-member of the Florence Country Club and class­ mate and teammate at McClenaghan High School, Billy Womack. Both were 17 and in their final year of eligibility. Mentor Flies Overnight to Watch And flying through the night in the hope of seeing them meet in the final was Grant Bennett. The dream match did not materalize. Baker came through his semi-final nicely, playing fifteen holes in two over par and beating Kenneth (Tom) Finke, 17, of Tucson, Ariz., a quarter-finalist the year before, 4 and 3. Womack, however, encountered prob­ lems in his semi-final. Lacking the touch he had displayed in earlier matches, he played eighteen holes in 74, three over NEW MEMBERS OF THE USGA Regular Auburn Country Club, Beeville Country Club, Brunswick Naval Air Station Golf Course, Ind. Texas Me. Capitol City Country Club, Texas Cooperstown Country Club, N. Y. Country Club of Grinnell, Iowa Dalhert Country Club, Texas Earlington Golf Association, Wash. Encanto Women's Golf Association, Ariz. Flying Hills Golf Club, Cal. Fox Lake Golf Club, Wis. Gillespie Country Club, III. Groton Country Club, Mass. Hancock Park Golf Association, Texas Henderson Golf & Country Club, Ky. Indian Valley Men's Golf Club, Cal. Cal. LaCumbre Golf & Country Club, Long Island Country Club, N. Y. Monterey Bay Golf & Country Club, Cal. North Plains Country Club, Texas III. Oak Leaf Country Club, Olivia Golf Club, Minn. S. C. Paris Mountain Country Club, Patterson Country Club, Conn. Ponce de Leon Golf Club, Fla. Pompano Beach Country Club, Fla. Range End Golf Club, Pa. Snow Hill Country Club, Ohio Walnut Hills Golf Club, Ohio Wanamassa Golf Club, N. J. Westover Golf Course, Mass. par, and lost on the nineteenth to R. Douglas Lindsay, 17, of Bethesda, Md., a member of the Bethesda Country Club and a recent graduate of Bethesda-Chevy Chase Senior High School. Lindsay holed a 30 foot putt on the nineteenth for a birdie 3. Great Scoring in Final It was, therefore, Baker versus Lind­ say, in the final. For nine holes they were sensational. They hit the turn in 32 and 33, and all even. Baker had needed fifteen putts and Lindsay only twelve. Balls were dropping from fifteen to forty feet, and in one stretch Lindsay one- putted four successive greens. Then Baker displayed his greater stay­ ing powers and drew away to win, 2 and 1, with a card which was two under par for the seventeen holes. A solid, albeit fast, swinger and a com- 20 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 Grant Bennett (third from left), professional at the Florence Country Club, Florence, S.C., with his three proteges at the Junior Amateur Championship held at the Uni­ versity of Minnesota Golf Course, St. Paul, Minn. They are, from left to right: John D. Orr, who reached the third round; Billy Womack, semi-finalist, and Gordon (Buddy) Baker, the winner. petitor who can catch fire when neces­ sary, Baker has been a boy to watch all three years he has qualified. It seems reasonably safe to predict that he will go on in golf. Although he got a jump on his Florence buddies in the Junior this year, there is really little to choose between Baker and Womack, and even among Baker, Womack and John D. Orr, the third member of the 17-year-old triumvirate from the Florence Country Club, who lost in the third round but stayed to cheer on his club-mates. At home Baker and Womack trade honors from tournament to tournament, and Orr, an outstanding putter, gets a share, too. The beaten quarter-finalists were: Labron E. Harris, Jr., 16, of Stillwater, Okla., who dropped the last three holes to lose, 1 down, to Womack’s 69. Harris’ father is the famed coach of Oklahoma State golf teams who helped develop Bo Wininger, Don January, George Bigham, Bob Goetz, Ab Justice and Jim Tom Blair and then finished twenty-ninth at 300 ?n the Open Championship last June to beat most of them at the age of 49. Young Labron, who is entering his senior year at Stillwater High School and has yet to ma^e a erade lower than A, was playing in the Junior for the first time but is a veteran of two Amateur Public Links Championships. He is the only quarter­ finalist who will be eligible to play next year at Stanford University. George G. Smith, Jr., 17, of New Bern, N.C., who lost to Lindsay, 3 and 2. Smith is a senior at New Bern High School and a member of the New Bern Country Club. Charles Courtney, 17, of La Jolla, Cal., who bowed to Baker, 3 and 2. Courtney, who played spectacularly in his first Junior, i.s a graduate of La Jolla. High School and expects to enter San Diego State this fall. He is a member of the La Jolla Country Club. C. Barry Meerdink, 17, of Muscatine, Iowa, who lost to Finke, 3 and 2. A gradu­ ate of Muscatine High School, Butch has not yet made up his mind about college. USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 21 There was more material for future years, in the round of sixteen, however, since five of the eight losers will be eligi­ ble next year. George Boutell, now of Phoenix, Ariz., but originally from Min­ neapolis, is only 14 and a sophomore at Central Phoenix High School. Mickey Mc­ Mahon, a junior at Carrollton, Ga., High School, and Bob Littler (no relation to Gene), a sophomore at Athens, Ohio, High School, are 15. Ken Folkes, a junior at Concord, N.C., High School and Ralph Johnston, of Garden City, N.Y., a senior at Brooklyn Tech, are 16. Familiar Faces Returned Once again the field of qualifiers was pleasingly studded with familiar faces. Three boys, all 17, were playing for the fourth year. They were John V. Barcello, III, of New Orleans, La., David B. Lawrence, Jr., also of New Orleans, and Marion C. (Sonny) Methvin, Jr., of Little Rock, Ark. Seven others were in the Championship proper for the third time. They were Baker, Womack, Orr, Rick Casabella, of Louisville, Ky., Robert R. Kirouac, of Sharon, Mass., Eddie Schnurr, also of Louisville, and Curtiss Siegel, of Snyder, N.Y. A five-year qualifier seems to be in the making in Kirouac. Bobby qualified for the third successive year in the Boston section, and has two remaining years of eligibility. The fact that Florence, Louisville and New Orleans dominate these listings clearly reflects the excellent junior golf programs which have been carried on in those places over the years. Favorites Fade Early Four of the “veterans” dominated the advance discussions, but three went out with the echoes. Methvin, a semi-finalist last year, lost in the first round, 2 down, to John Lotz, of Alameda, Cal. Casabella, also 17 and a semi-finalist last year, was eliminated in the second round by Ray Pierson, of Boulder, Colo., 4 and 3. Jon Hoffman, 17, of Windom, Minn., a quar­ ter-finalist last year, won two matches but lost to Courtney, 1 down. Finke, a quarter-finalist last year, lasted to the semi-finals this year to make the best two-year record. Forty-nine of the boys who were beaten in the first round visited the Minneapolis Golf Club for a consolation tournament the next day. All of them had a wonder­ ful time in delightful surroundings, and Ralph Maverstein, of Lafayette, Ind., won a USGA silver medal with a 74. Methvin made a birdie on the second hole to de­ feat Dick M. Perry, of Upland, Cal., in a play-off to determine the disposition of the second and third medals after both had scored 75s. The Minnesota Golf As­ sociation then invited all the boys to luncheon as its guests, and several were so entranced with the course and the hospitality that they went out and played again. The heart of the Junior Amateur Cham­ pionship is not found in the records which tell who won and who lost, how­ ever. It is found in the little vignettes such as the one which took place after young Labron Harris, Jr., defeated George Boutell in the round of sixteen. Boutell, who is only 14, was properly disappointed in his performance, and as soon as he could discharge the amenities he ducked into the clubhouse, rented a large bucket of balls and headed for the practice range. A few minutes later he was joined by Labron Harris, Sr., who spent the next hour giving the young man his son had beaten advice which may enable him to turn the tables next year. COUNTRY CLUB OPERATIONS IN 1957 (Continued from page 16) ditions, replacements or depreciation), nor any fixed charges, such as real estate taxes, property insurance or interest on borrowed capital. The net cost of golf and grounds, after the addition of golf shop, caddy and tournament expenses and the deduction of greens fees and other golf income, was $1,827 in the small clubs, compared with $1,736 in 1956, $2,295 in the medium-sized clubs, compared with $2,178, and $2,650 in the large clubs, compared with $2,435. In conclusion, we wish to point out that the value of this study to a particular club is entirely dependent upon the ways in which the data are used. Since the “Uniform System of Accounts for Clubs” is followed in compiling the study, the results of those clubs already following the system will be most easy to compare with the operating results shown in this study. 22 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 THE REFEREE Decisions by the Rules of Golf Committees Example of Symbols: "USGA” indicates decision by the United States Golf Association. “It & A” indi­ cates decision by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, Scotland. "58-1” means the first decision issued in 1958. "D” means definition. “R. 37-7” refers to Section 7 of Rule 37 in the 1958 Rules of Golf. Loose Impediment Outside Hazard May Be Moved USGA 58 21 D. 17, R. 18-1, 18-2 Q: Player A hit his ball into the rough. The ball came to rest on a clump of dead grass which was on a rock. Directly be­ hind the ball was another rock which obstructed the player from hitting the ball toward the green. The player moved the rock which was directly behind his ball and had an open .swing directly to­ ward the green. Is it permissible for a player to move all loose obiects such as rocks, sticks, etc., without penalty? Question by: Kenneth R. Woods, President Missouri Sand Green Golf. Assn. Jefferson City, Mo. A: If the rock was not embedded, it was a loose impediment (Definition 17), and the player was within his rights in removing it—see Rule 18-1. The fact that the position of the ball was improved by removal of a loose rock has no bearing. It is permissible to remove any loose impediment except when both the im­ pediment and the ball lie in or touch a hazard. For ball moving after a loose im­ pediment has been removed, see Rule 18.2. Committee Responsible for Positioning Exempt Qualifier in Automatic Draw USGA 58-22 Tourn. QI: If the defending champion is exempt from qualifying for a match play tourna­ ment, does she automatically assume the No. 2 position in the numerical draw, leaving No. 1 position for the lowest qualifier among remaining contestants? Q2: With all byes falling in the last flight, what is the minimum number of players required for a flight of 8-16-32-64? In other words, what is the limit of byes or percentage of byes? Most of our tour­ naments are flights of 8 and we never al­ low the last flight to have more than three byes. If there are less than five girls in the last flight, we provide an­ other type of competition or refund the entry fee. Questions by: Mrs. Al K. Hall, Jr. San Mateo, Cal. Al: There is no rule governing the position in the draw of a defending cham­ pion who is exempt from qualifying. The matter is up to the committee in charge, which should decide in advance. USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 23 SIX OVER Among the spectators at the New York World Telegram’s famous hole- in-hole tournament were two women. One was over heard to say to the other, “You know, the closest I ever came to a hole-in-one was 7.” from The Complete Golf Joke Book by Seymour Dunn A2: There are no rules governing the minimum numbers of players needed for flights of 8, 16, 32 and 64, but it would be reasonable to require more than half of those numbers. For the USGA Ama­ teur Championship, there are 56 byes in a flight of 256. Playing of Provisional Ball USGA 58-23 R. 29-2, 30 QI: I should like to have the reason and basic intent of the Provisional Ball rule explained. Q2: If a player shooting off a tee misses the shot, 40’ or 50’ on the fairway, and the ball is plainly in sight, and not in obvious trouble, may he invoke the pro­ visional ball rule, and then have the op­ portunity to have the choice between the two tee shots? Certainly, in my opinion this would be wrong and the player would be tak­ ing unfair advantage of the rule, despite the fact that he would be shooting three from the tee with his provisional ball. Q3: Under tournament rules, would the situation described in Question 2 be permitted? Questions by: M. M. Briskin, Jr. Chicago, Ill. Al: The purpose of Rule 30 is to save time through play of a provisional ball when the original ball may be lost, out of bounds, unplayable, or in a water hazard or lateral water hazard. A2: Rule 29-2 provides in part: “The player is the sole judge as to when his ball is unplayable. It may be declared unplayable at any place on the course.” The player therefore may invoke the provisional ball rule in the situation de­ scribed. The stroke-and-distance penalty in Rule 29-2a is ordinarily adequate pro­ tection against abuse of the provisional ball rule. However, the Rule may not be stretch­ ed to the point indicated in USGA De­ cision 53-65, as follows: “Q: What is there to prevent a player from playing a provisional ball on every par 3 hole? “A: The Rules of Golf are framed on the assumpion that golfers play honestly. Permission to play a pro­ visional ball is granted by Rule 30-1 only on the following conditions: first, when a ball may be lost, out of bounds, unplayable, or in a water hazard or lateral water hazard, and, secondly, for the sole purpose of saving time. “If there is no reasonable possi­ bility that the ball may be in any one of the above conditions, the play­ er has no right to play a provisional ball, and if he does so he violates Rule 30-1, penalty for which is loss of hole in match play or two strokes in stroke play. See also Rule 8, which prohibits a practice stroke during the play of a hole, and Rule 37-7, deal­ ing with delay in play.” A3: Yes. Player at Liberty to Straighten Flagstick USGA 58-24 R. 34-1, 35-lh Q: The flagstick is bent in a forward position. Is it permissable for the indi­ vidual to bend the stick to straighten it? Or should he keep resetting flagstick un­ til it is in a suitable position for putting? Question by: Bob Haggerty Edison Club Rexford, N. Y. A: If the flagstick is bent and it is of a material which can be straightened quickly by hand, the player may straighten it, having regard for Rule 37-7 (Undue Delay). 24 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 * .. Jr ' >y ? & '-v ■ \ IB '/ ' X-. , . !»• Better Turf for Better Golf TURF MANAGEMENT '■ from the USGA Green Section Changing Greens from Common Bermudagrass to Tifgreen By JAMES H. EDWARDS and H. D. BARNES Golf Course Superintendent and Green Chairman, respectively, Greensboro Country Club, Greensboro, N. C. During the summer of 1957, the Greens­ boro Country Club changed all 18 of its common bermudagrass greens to Tif green (Tifton 328). Actually, this change was made in a little over half a growing season or 3^ months. Our first green was sterilized April 15 and the last of our eighteen greens was back in play with the new grass on August 1. More clubs in the southeastern states are planning to change to one of the finer leafed bermuda,s. The planning requires time, thought, and preparation. Although the actual change-over was accomplished in 3 ¥2 months, we did work for two years previously planning this change, in order that it could be done in the shortest length of time; and at a minimum of in­ convenience to our regular play, which had to continue while the change was being made. Our first problem was to sell the mem­ bership and our board of directors on the idea of a new summertime grass for our greens. This we did by first starting with an experimental green, close to one of our regular greens (No. 2), in order that we could switch play to this green when we were ready to test playing con­ ditions. We started our experimental green on July 1, 1955. This green, which we called No. 2-A to distinguish it from our regu­ lar No. 2 green, was planted in Tiffine (Tifton 127) bermuda. (Tifgreen was not available at that time.) We struggled with this green for a year and really learned from our experience. We made mistakes in sterilizing the old grass, in planting the new grass, and in growing the grass, but we learned. We did this green in our spare time and out of our regular budget. On July 1, 1956, one year later, our experimental green was opened for play. It proved so much superior to the common bermuda as a putting sur­ face that, on our own, we decided to change one of the regular greens to a new grass. Tifgreen had been released that spring, so on July 12, 1956, we planted our regular No. 2 green in Tif­ green bermuda. Play was continued on green No. 2-A. Based on the experience gained in working with our experimental green, we changed our methods entirely with this green; and in 9 weeks (September 15) it was ready for play. The Tifgreen grass proved far superior to the Tiffine, and we were satisfied that we had the right grass for our locality. On July 20, 1956, our board of directors gave us an appropriation with which to change all greens as fast a,s we could work out a program. Changing the grass on one green while that green is out of play is not a big job, but changing all greens at one time, USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 25 and not stopping regular play did pre­ sent a problem. Our first decision then, was to decide how many greens to change at one time the following year. We could do four or five per year and take four years to complete the change-over, or we could do nine each year and take two years to do the job. We knew that, re­ gardless of the number of greens done each year, play would be inconvenienced; and that there would be a certain amount of complaining from the playing member­ ship. We decided, rather than have play inconvenienced for two or three years, that we would do all eighteen greens in one year, or, in other words during one growing season. A project of this nature can be broken down into five parts, and in their order, they are: 1. Temporary greens for play 2. Preparatory work 3. Sterilization of greens 4. Planting of the new grass 5. Growing of the grass and condi­ tioning of the green Temporary Greens When we decided in July of 1956 to change all greens during the growing season of the next year, the first thing we did was to ,set a schedule for the work, based on the experience we had gained from our experimental work. This sched­ ule was as follows: a. Sterilization of greens, April 15 to June 1 b. Planting, June 1 to July 1 c. Growing and conditioning, July 1 to September 15 From this schedule we noted that play would have to be discontinued on part or all of our regular greens, from April 15 to September 15—a period of five months. Actually, we did better this schedule and cut this time to 3¥2 months. We knew it was necessary to start work immediately in order to have good tem­ porary greens by April 15. We began this work the latter part of July. These tem­ porary greens were of an average size of 40’ x 60’, or 2,400 square feet. They were located so that there was at least 30’ be­ tween the temporary green and the regu­ lar green. We knew that if they were located by the side of the regular green there would always be the nuisance of play landing on the area under work. We did have two greens where we had to locate the temporary green by the side of the regular green; and in these two cases, when the regular green was being gassed, the tee markers were moved up close to the temporary green to avoid the possibility of a ball puncturing the plas­ tic covers. The hole really became a “chip and putt” hole for one week while the sterilization was taking place. These temporary greens were mowed, top-dressed, rolled and fertilized several times during the remainder of that grow­ ing season. When our regular greens were planted in rye for the fall and win­ ter season, these temporary greens were planted in rye also, and maintained dur­ ing the winter with the same care as our regular greens. This was done in order to have good temporary greens to switch to in the early spring. Preparatory Work During the winter months, we tried to do all of the things which should be done ahead of time. We wanted to avoid any possible delay, once we had .started. One of our first preparatory moves was to measure and put on paper the size and outline of each green, accurately plotted to scale. We used the following method in measuring our greens, all of which were irregular in shape: 1. By eye, we established the long axis of the green, driving a small stake at each end to the intersec­ tion of the axis and the edge of the green. These two stakes were driven just below the grass sur­ face, out of the way of the mowers, and kept for future refer­ ence. 2. We then stretched a line between these points, and beginning at one end of this base line we drove small temporary stakes every 10’ along the line. 3. At each 10’ interval, we measured the ordinates or distances to the right and left edges of the green. These distances were measured at right angles to the base line by the use of a T square made of two strips of wood about 6’ long, tacked together at right angles. The stem of the “T” was placed along the base line and a tape stretched along the top of the 26 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 “T” at the point to be measured. 4. From the measurements thus ob­ tained, a scale drawing (Vs” equals I’-O”) of the green was plotted. After all eighteen greens had been measured and drawn to scale, we then plotted the positions and sizes of the plastic covers which were to be used in the gassing or sterilizing. From experi­ ence we had decided to use a 32’ width of cover, and not to go over 80’ in the length of any cover, as anything larger than this size would be too unwieldy Also, from experience, we decided to use the heavy duty (.006) thickness of plas­ tic. From the drawings which showed the covers in place, we were then able to determine the number and lengths of covers necessary to do our job in our scheduled time. We used two covers 65’ long, two 68’ long, and two 78’ long. All covers were 32’ wide. Topdressing Prepared in Winter During the winter months we prepared all of the topdressing necessary to plant our grass and enough additional to take care of the green conditioning. Our top­ dressing was a mixture of creek .sand, topsoil, and peat, in equal parts. This top­ dressing was sterilized in our dirt shed by the use of methyl bromide gas and a plastic cover. The mixture was spread on the dirt shed floor to a thickness of 3y2” covering an area of 28’ x 28’. We used dressed lumber (4 x 4’s with top edges rounded) to contain the mixture and to give us something over which to lap and sand bag the cover. Each batch of topdressing mixture was left exposed to the gas for a minimum of 48 hours. Each batch was then screened (¥4” mesh) and stockpiled in one end of the shed. Our dirt shed has a concrete floor, but has open sides. It was necessary to close in these sides with canvas awnings in order that we could heat the build­ ing with “salamanders.” Without this heat the methyl bromide would not be completely effective. During the winter months we also col­ lected approximately 500 gallon jugs for use in supporting the plastic covers. A jug laid on its .side forms the best sup­ port for these covers, as it presents a rounded surface to the cover and, theo­ retically, the side of the jug in contact with the green does not cover any of the COMING EVENTS September 3, noon to September 4, noon Penn State Turfgrass Field Days University Park, Pa. September 8-9 Prof. H. B. Musser Cornell University Field Days Ithaca, N. Y. September 11-12 Dr. John F. Cornman University of Rhode Island Field Days Kingston, R. I. September 15-16 Dr. Jesse A. DeFrance Midwest Turf Foundation Field Days Lafayette, Indiana September 16-17-18 Dr. Wm. H. Daniel University of Florida Turfgrass Conference McCarty Hall, University of Florida Gainesville, Fla. September 30 St. Louis Field Day Clayton, Mo. October 2-3 Dr. Gene C. Nutter Leo S. Bauman Northwest Turf Association Conference Washington State College Pullman, Wash. October 6-7 Utah-Idaho Turf Conference Boise, Idaho Dr. J. K. Patterson October 9-10 Mr. Jay Richardson Rocky Mountain Turf Conference Fort Collins, Colorado October 9-10 Prof. George A. Beach Louisiana Turfgrass Conference Southwestern Louisiana Institute Lafayette, La. Prof. J. M. Peek October 15-16-17 Central Plains Turfgrass Conference Manhattan, Kansas October 21 Dr. Ray A. Keen Southern California Turf Conference Los Angeles, California Mr. Frank C. Stewart October 23 Arizona Turf Conference University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona October 24 Mr. Joseph S. Folkner New Mexico Turf Conference New Mexico State College, New Mexico Prof. C. E. Watson grass. We had previously tried other items for supporting a cover, but all pre­ sented the problem of tearing the cover We needed about 600 sand bags for sealing down the edges of the covers. These were made of twill by a local bag factory. When filled with sand and the open end tied off, the bags resembled a large sausage of about 6” in diameter and 30” long. These bags were also as­ sembled ahead of time and filled to % of their length with sterile sand. A bag too tightly packed is unwieldy and does not make a good seal for the covers. We also needed and had ready the necessary wood strips for outlining and USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 27 Before gassing or sterilizing a green to kill the old grass, we first verticut the green (Fig. 1) with the blades set y4” deep. This was done to knock out the ryegrass and to loosen up and ex­ pose the old bermuda turf to the gas. A greens mower with a basket was then used to clean up the green. We then spiked the green by passing over four times with the aerifier which was weighted for a 4” penertation of the spoons and the plugs were left laying on the green. The spiking further helped to expose the old bermuda stolons and root system to the gas. The green was then laid out in its pre­ determined arrangement for plastic cov­ ers, using the existing base line for loca­ tion of the covers. (Fig. 2) Inasmuch as all of our greens required three to four moves of covers to complete the gassing, alternate sections were gassed at the same time, putting two covers into use Fig. 2. Laying out plastic cover pattern for sterilizing. at one time. Sometimes, because of its pattern, it was necessary to use one cover cnly at a time and to make three moves. We made no change in our cover arrange­ ment, once we had started. The section of green to be gassed was then bounded by the strips, using the lat­ tice strips on curved sides and the 2” x 2” strips on the straight sides. (The 2” x 2” strip, which forms a com- Fig. 1. Verticutting the green before sterilizing to kill the old grass. confining the section of green to be sterilized. For the curved sides or edges of the green, we used a regular stock lat­ tice strip (5/16” x 1%”) with the two corners of one edge rounded. These strips were placed on edge with the rounded corners up and fastened to 1” square .stakes, 7” long, with 3d headed nails. The stakes were driven about 3y2 feet on center, and always on the inside of the strip so as not to interfere with the plastic cover. For the straight sides of the section, we used a dressed 2” x 2” (1%” x 1%”) with its two top corners rounded. These strips were fastened to the green with 8” headed nails (spikes) driven through holes in the strips bored about 30” on center. These particular 2” strips were ordered in 10’ lengths, ex­ cept that we did have some shorter lengths of 5’ and 2’ to fill out a side and avoid cutting. Sterilization of Greens When our scheduled time (April 15) for starting our change-over arrived, we were prepared and ready to go. As each regular green went out of play, all we had to do was to move the cup and flag to its temporary green. These temporary greens were in good shape by this time. 28 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 Fig. 3. Section of a green with cover supports and gas applicators in place. The latter were placed so as to get an equal distribution of the gas. mon boundary between adjacent sections to be gassed, is always moved approxi­ mately 3” after the first section is com­ pleted, in order that the grass under the strip is exposed when the second section is gassed). Next, the empty gallon glass jars (Fig. 3) for supporting the plastic cover were placed in the section about 4’ on centers, both ways. We always placed a row of jugs approximately 12” from the strips, and always one in any corner formed by the strips. This helped keep the cover up at its edges. The gas applicators were then placed so as to get an equal distribution of the gas. We always used six applicators per cover. The applicator tubes discharged into a small procelain enamel pan of about 10” diameter. The end of the tube was weighted down on the bottom of the pan with a half brick. The tube also was looped through the handle of a glass jug placed near the pan. These last two steps prevented the tube from jumping out of the pan when the liquid gas under pres­ sure was released from the can. The cover was placed, and the edges of the cover were sand bagged over and against the boundary strips. (Fig. 4) We always had at least a two foot lap of cover on which to sand bag. Allowance for this two foot lap was made when plot­ ting the cover on the drawing layout. A .straight side of the boundary was always bagged first, then the opposite side, stretching the cover as tightly as possi­ ble. The sand in the bags was always dis­ tributed evenly within the bag itself be­ fore placing. The bags were lapped by the side (not on top) of its adjacent bag. When the section was completely .sealed, the methyl bromide was released. We used one and three tenths (1.3) pounds of gas per 100 square feet of area although the manufacturer stated that 1 pound per 100 square feet was sufficient. We used the extra amount of gas because our sterilization was done in the spring­ time and not with summer temperatures. The cover was left in place for a mini­ mum of 48 hours. Sometimes, the cover was left on three days if the outside tem­ perature did not reach 70 degrees. When the cover was removed, the grass was Fig. 4. Sand-bagging the edges of the plastic cover. USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 29 browned out and no green color showing at all. The grass also looked dead and the stolons had a dead feel. If, during the time a green was being sterilized, the covers were in danger of being damaged from a ball in play, that green was protected from such danger by a 1” mesh poultry netting fence 4’ high, attached to 2” x 2” wood stakes, 8’ on center. This fence was placed across the front of the green about 4’ off its edge. The fence was removed after gassing was completed. Planting Immediately on the completion of the sterilization of a green in its entirety, fertilizer (20-0-20) was applied at the rate of 20 pounds per 1000 square feet and watered in. The green was watered daily for a period of 10 days, and no other work was done to this green during this time interval. straight sterile creek sand. (Fig. 5) This sand was matted-in two ways. The green was then ready for planting. We used the “broadcast” method of planting and used 0.65 bushels of grass per 100 square feet of surface planted. The required total quantity of new grass for that green was hauled and stored at the edge of the green. We used a John Deere Field Harvester for cutting and shredding the grass (Fig. 6) prepara­ tory to planting. This machine was placed at the edge of the green (with the wind, if any, at its back) and with the spout placed so that shredded grass would land and stockpile on the green. A tractor was used to furnish the power for this ma­ chine. All of the grass for that particular green was shredded at one time. The green was hand sprinkled with water im­ mediately prior to broadcasting*. The broadcasting was then done by hand (Fig. 7), using half bushel baskets as con­ tainers. which were filled from the one stockpile. This operation was done as quickly as possible starting at one side of the green and working across it, broad­ casting as evenly as possible and con­ tinuing the planting until the stockpile was used up. The larger clumps of grass that did not fall “roots down” were turned over. One man, using a nozzle with a mist spray, kept both the stockpile and the planted grass damp all of the time. The grass was then rolled before top­ dressing, in order to press as much of it as possible into the sand dressing. The Fig. 5. The fertilized green is topdressed with straight sterile creek sand. At the end of 10 days, the green was then verti-cut two ways. The verti-cutting at this time loosens up the dead grass and also cuts up the plugs left by the aerifier. A greensmower with a basket was then used to clean up the green. Next, the green was topdressed with Fig. 6. Shredding stolons with a field harvester. 30 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 Fig. 7. “Broadcasting” the shredded stolons by hand on a dampened surface. The job was done quickly and distribution kept as even as possible. prepared mixed topdressing was then ap­ plied with a spreader. The dressing was spread to a thickness of Vs”, roll­ ing the spreader in one direction, and then another Vs” of dressing was spread at right angles to the first direction. This total thickness of ¥4” amounts to about % of a cubic yard per 100 square feet of green. The topdressed green was then rolled in two directions, and immediately watered, using a fine spray or mist. After a green was planted and top- dressed, we kept that green damp or .slightly wet at all times for the first 10 days. This watering was done by hand (Fig. 8) and by misting or fine spraying. This period, we found, was the critical time of the entire operation. After three or four days growth was noted and after ten days the grass had really started to cover by spreading. After 10 days time we cut our watering to twice daily, and also switched over to the conventional greens type of sprinklers. After four weeks, watering, was done once daily. Conditioning the Green for Play The greens, after an average of 17 to 20 days from planting, were ready for their first cutting and topdressing. The first cutting was done with a greens mower set to cut ¥2” and without a bas­ ket. Topdressing was applied and mat­ ted, and the green rolled. Approximately 8 to 10 days after this first cutting and dressing, the greens were ready for this same procedure again. This time, the mower was still used without a basket, but the cutting was dropped 5/16” or Usually at this cutting there was a cer­ tain amount of “scalping” due to uneven­ ness of the grass, but this condition al­ ways cleared up with subsequent top­ dressings and cuttings. The basket on the mower was used after the first two cut­ tings. Five to six weeks after planting, most of our greens could have been opened for play as far as grass coverage was con­ cerned, but they were still not a true putting surface. This true surface did come, however, with additional growth of grass and additional topdressings. We thought it best not to open a green for play until it was in good “putting” shape. Our fertilizing schedule (after plant­ ing) was as follows: End of first week—2 pounds of am­ monium nitrate per 1000 square feet End of second week—2 pounds of ammonium nitrate per 1000 square feet End of third week—3 pounds 20-0-20 per 1000 square feet End of fourth week—3 pounds of ammonium nitrate per 1000 square feet End of fifth week—3 pounds of am­ monium nitrate per 1000 square feet End of sixth week—3 pounds 20-0-20 per 1000 square feet End of seventh week—3 pounds of amonium nitrate per 1000 square feet The number of topdressings, after the first two, depended entirely on the par­ ticular green. The frequency of cutting, USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 31 SUBSCRIBERS TO U.S.G.A. GREEN SECTION RESEARCH AND EDUCATION FUND, INC. Augusta National Golf Augusta, Ga. Club, Catto & Putty, Floyd Farley, Georgia Florida Turf Association, Lionel MacDuff, Metropolitan Golf Writers' Association, National Golf Fund, Inc., New England Golf Association, San Antonio, Tex. Oklahoma City, Okla. Winter Park, Fla. Lynn, Mass. Manhasset, N. Y. Dunedin, Fla. Boston, Mass. Association Connecticut State Golf Maine State Golf Association Massachusetts State Golf Association New England Golf Association New Hampshire State Golf Association Rhode Island State Golf Association Vermont State Golf Association Bernard H. Ridder, Jr., Duluth, Minn. of course, increased as a green neared readiness for play. The previous year we had planted a small nursery of Tifgreen bermuda (25’ x 35’) for use as quick supplementary plantings by plugs of sod, if at any time we did not get our predicted growth on any area of any one green. We did have occasion to use these nursery plugs to help out on three or four greens and they really helped. A 2x/2” plug cutter was used. Where there was a great amount of slope on any part of any one green, that sloping area, after planting, was always Fig. 8. During the critical 10 days after planting and topdressing, the green was kept damp by misting or fine spraying. .stripped with 1 x 2’s set on edge and staked down. This stripping was to pre­ vent washing in case of a heavy rain. The strips were placed 3’ x 4’ on center, and left in place for the first two to three weeks after planting. As stated before, we started steriliza­ tion of our greens April 15 and our last green was back in play August 1, a period of 3y2 months, and V/2 months ahead of our original schedule. We did the steri­ lizing of all 18 greens in 4 weeks, the actual planting of the 18 greens was done in 3 weeks, and the total growing and conditioning time (from the time the first green was planted until the last green was back in play) consumed 11 weeks. These time periods overlapped, of course. Our first green was planted May 7 and the last green was planted May 29. The average growing and conditioning time (from planting to opening for play) was 8 weeks. As mentioned before, most of the greens could have been opened for play in six weeks with a mediocre putt­ ing surface, but we thought it best to wait until the surface was as it should be. Also, we knew that once a green was opened for play, we would have to start catering to the golfers and not to the green. Over-seeding of Tifgreen Bermuda with Ryegrass for Winter Play When our old bermuda greens were planted in rye in the fall of 1956, we also planted in rye the one Tifgreen bermuda green which we had just completed and opened during September of that year. For experimental purposes, we used the same quantity (35 to 40 pounds per thousand) of rye that we usually used on the old bermuda. We found out the next year that this was a mistake. We had quite a bit of transition troubles due to the heavy planting of rye. Also, we found out that because of the texture of the dormant Tifgreen bermudagrass, not as much rye is needed as with the old com­ mon bermuda. Accordingly, last fall when we planted our Tifgreen bermuda in rye we cut the quantity of rye in half and used only 20 pounds per thousand. We have had good winter greens, and ex­ perienced no transition difficulty when the Tifgreen bermudagrass came back in again this spring. 32 USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 IT’S YOUR HONOR A Plea Against Instruments | To The USGA: I wa.s somewhat surprised at read- X ing a recent ruling by the USGA to X the effect that the use of a plumb X bob on the green to determine its X slope did not violate the rules of X golf. I wonder if the Rules Commit- X tee appreciated the implications of X that ruling. The use of a plumb bob X may be merely a comparatively un- X important and unobjectionable pro- X cedure. However, if a player may use X a plumb bob on the green without X violating the rules, he undoubtedly X can use a spirit level for the same X purpose. Instead of trying to size up X a green as to how it rolls, he could X easily pull a spirit level out of his X bag and determine the roll exactly, X so long as he did not touch the line X of his putt. X Worse than that, if they can use X plumb bobs and spirit levels on the X green, there is no reason why Ben X Hogan shouldn’t carry along in his X bag an army range finder so that he X can focus it on the flag on any ap- X proach shot and determine to a frac- X tion of an inch the exact distance to X the cup instead of having to rely on X faulty observation. It might have the X advantage that he wouldn’t then have X to walk up a hundred yards towards X the green to determine the distance, X but I doubt if that compensation is X adequate. Some other golfer who X may be bothered by a wind could X run up a telescoping rod with a wind X gauge on top and get an exact X measurement instead of a wild X guess. X I haven’t any doubt that, for a some- X what substantial consideration, Min- X neapolis Honeywell or IBM can put out an instrument under which, by use of radar, a player can focus on the flag and have distance, altitude, wind direction and wind strength all computed and translated into a sin­ gle answer—a No. 6 iron. Once you say that the use of in­ struments of that kind is permitted under the rules, there is no limit to the extent to which a tournament player might go; particularly, the use of a range finder could become almost a necessity in tournament golf. I realize that there is no specific statement in the rules of golf that a player cannot use a plumb bob on the green. However, the rules are not a criminal code, where anything that is not down in black and white is per­ mitted on a golf course. There are certain traditions that are implicit in the game, and in addition, there are several rules, such as the “equity” rule, intended to preserve traditions as to proper play. While the wording of the paragraph on etiquette in the rules prohibits a player from talking while his opponent is addressing the ball, it doesn’t prohibit him from blowing a whistle; however, I doubt if the Rules Committee would say that the lack of a specific prohibition made such a practice legal. It seems to me that it is an im­ portant and essential tradition of the game that the roll of the green, the distance from the cup, the length of X an approach shot to the green, and X similar matters, should be deter- X mined by observation and judgment, X not by packing along a flock of scien- X tific instruments for those pur- X X poses. <♦> W. K. Montague X Duluth, Minn. X USGA JOURNAL AND TURF MANAGEMENT: SEPTEMBER, 1958 33 USGA OFFICERS, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN PRESIDENT John D. Ames, Chicago, III. VICE-PRESIDENTS John G. Clock, Long Beach, Cal. Charles L. Peirson, Boston, Mass. SECRETARY John M. Winters, Jr., Tulsa, Okla. 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. Wm. Ward Foshay, New York, N. Y. Richmond Gray, Richmond, Va. Hord W. Hardin, St. Louis, Mo. Stuart A. Heatley, San Francisco, Cal. William McWane, Birmingham, Ala. F. Warren Munro, Portland, Ore. Bernard H. Ridder, Jr., Duluth, Minn. GENERAL COUNSEL Wm. Ward Foshay, New York, N. Y. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Joseph C. Dey, Jr., New York, N. Y. John P English, Assistant Executive Director USGA HEADQUARTERS "Golf House", 40 East 38th Street, New York 16, N. Y. COMMITTEE CHAIRMEN RULES OF GOLF: John M. Winters, Jr., Tulsa, Okla. CHAMPIONSHIP: Charles L. Peirson, Boston, Mass. AMATEUR STATUS AND CONDUCT: John G. Clock, Long Beach, Cal. IMPLEMENTS AND BALL: C. W. Benedict, White Plains, N. Y. MEMBERSHIP: Hord W. Hardin, St. Louis, Mo. GREEN SECTION: William C. Chapin, Rochester, N. Y. WOMEN'S: Mrs. Charles Dennehy, Lake Forest, III. SECTIONAL AFFAIRS: F. Warren Munro, Portland, Ore. PUBLIC LINKS: Emerson Carey, Jr., Denver, Colo. HANDICAP: Richmond Gray, Richmond, Va. Handicap Procedure: William O. Blaney, Boston, Mass. JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP: J. Frederic Byers, Jr., Pittsburgh, Pa. SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP: William McWane, Birmingham, Ala. GIRLS' JUNIOR: Mrs. John Pennington, Buffalo, N. Y. MUSEUM: C. W. Benedict, White Plains, N. Y. BOB JONES AWARD: Wm. Ward Foshay, New York, N. Y. FINANCE: Charles L. Peirson, Boston, Mass. USGA GREEN SECTION EASTERN REGION Northeastern Office: Rutgers University, New Brunswick, N. J. Alexander M. Radko, Director, Eastern Region T. T. Taylor, Northeastern Agronomist Mid-Atlantic Office: South Building, Plant Industry Station, Beltsville, Md. Charles K. Hallowell, Mid-Atlantic Director Southeastern Office: Connor Hall, University of Georgia, Athens, Ga. James M. Latham, Jr., Southeastern Agronomist MID-CONTINENT REGION Southwestern Office: Texas A. and M. College, College Station, Texas Dr. Marvin H. Ferguson, Director, Mid-Continent Region and National Research Coordinator James B. Moncrief, Southwestern Agronomist Mid-Western Office: Room 241, LaSalle Hotel, Chicago 2, III. James L. Holmes, Mid-Western Agronomist Western Office: P. O. Box 567, Garden Grove, Cal. William H. Bengeyfield, Director, Western Region WESTERN REGION