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Letter

The Golf Shots Heard Around the World
It happened at The Country Club, Brookline, Mass.
scene of our July 1, meeting. For the interest of our
younger members and to those who have forgotten
the historic tournament at The Country Club it
might not be amiss to briefly review what happened.
Back in 1913 the American golfers were beginning
to have hopes that somehow they might take the
English golfers, who up to then, had dominated the
golfing world. That year the renowned Harry Vardon, and Ted Ray, (backed by Lord Northcliffe of
the London Times) made a successful tour of the
United States. Presumably, the climax of the tour was
their entry in the National Open in Mid-September
at The Country Club.
At the end of 54 holes Vardon, Ray, and Quimet
were tied for the lead at 225. All of the other American and English golfers, in what had been considered
a heavy entry, were out of the running and no man in
his right mind could expect the 21 year old—inexperienced amateur, Francis Quimet to stand the enormous pressure of the last round of a major tournament. Ted Ray was the first to finish the fourth
round with a 304. Then Harry Vardon tied the 304.
The only American golfer left on the course who
had a chance was Quimet. T o get a 304 Francis had
to play the last eight holes in one under even fours.
The crowd thought this was impossible but Francis
thought differently. On the 13th he figured he would
have to play the last six holes in 22 strokes, 2 under
par, to gain a tie. His playing strategy didn't quite
work out and he found himself on the 17th tee needing a birdie and a par to tie.
Those of you who played the course will remember
the 17 th hole —dog-leg to the left. Francis played
straight out and then his approach to the green was
some 20 feet above the pin on this sloping green.
When he stood over the ball for his putt the sympathetic audience were biting their nails for fear the
nearby street traffic with blaring horns would unnerve
the young man but he was unaware of this problem.
His putt hit the back of the cup for a birdie and then
he got his par on the 18th to tie Vardon and Ray.
The rarified and dignified air of The Country Club
was filled with a mass cheer and spontaneous outburst the like of which has never been equalled on
any course.
On the all important playoff when the three opponents again came to the dog-leg 17 th Ray had
fallen by the wayside and Quimet was leading Vardon
by one stroke. At this point Vardon elected to gamble
and play close to or over the corner. He didn't make

GOLF COURSE SUPERINTENDENTS
ASSOCIATION OF NEW ENGLAND

JULY 1957
it and had to take a five. Quimet again got a birdie
here and with his four on the 18th finished the winner
by five strokes.
This event was a turning point in American golf.
It put the game of golf on the map in this country.
Francis Quimet, the local boy, the former caddy, who
lived across the street from The Country Club made
the shots heard around the world and gave the game
a great big boost in this country.
So you see The Country Club is just bulging with
tradition and history. One could almost sense this
background as one approached the sedate and spacious
buildings grouped in the center of the property.
John Kealty, the quiet, loyal, conscientious host
Superintendent has been a part of this background for
over 17 years. In spite of the dry June he had the
course in very respectable condition and on the way
for the National Amateur in September.
A delicious roast beef luncheon was served in the
club house. This in itself was making modern history.
In the old days the English custom excluded the help
from the C.H. The results of the tournament were:
1st net R. Mucciarone
90-30-60
2nd
A. Caranci
84-19-66
tie
T . Niblet
75-9-66
3rd
J . Senkarik
75-6-69
tie
T . Murphy
84-15-69
tie
N. Sperandio
86-17-69
Membership
Roster
Two memberships voted in: Sam Mitchell, Jr.,
Sharon C.C., William Dest, Cohasse C.C.
Application for new membership: James J . Grady,
Brookline Municipal G.C.
It was voted at this meeting to have the following
inserted in the Newsletter.
All member Superintendents in a position to help
John Kealty during the National Amateur, Sept. 9-14
please contact him as soon as possible.
THE NEXT MEETING — AUGUST 5th
MERRIMAC COUNTRY CLUB
Metheun, Mass.
Go to Metheun and inquire the best way to the club.
Robert Mucciarone, the Supt. has an interesting
layout to see and to play.
IMPORTANT. Don't forget your club dues. The
dead line approaches.
H. DARLING, Editor