New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-11-30
COLF N THE UNITED STATES.


The vogue which the ancient game Of golf has
recently attained in this country is interesting
and significant. It Is only eight years since the
pioneer club, St Andrews Of Ionkcrs, was
formed Now Massachusetts alone has about
sixty links laid out and the number in this State
Is considerable The sport has won favor
throughout the East and is making it's way in
the West. Reports come from all sides of the
organization Of new clubs, and enthusiasts eX-
pect 10 see golf installed ere long rs one of the
recognized leading sports of the Nation. THIS
sudden rise to prominence here of game that
has been played In Scotland for generations
may suggest the likelihood Of IN equally speedy
decline in public favor, but those vino have taken
up this pastmc are confident of the permancnce
Of it's attractions. and they are showing their
faith by investing considerable sums OF money
in land to be laid out in links. The recently p'r-
chased property Of the 81. Andrews CnlD coih-
prses 100 acres Indeed, this element of large
outlay will tend tC retain for golf the patronage
that il gets 1t can never become Il thorough!
common game like baseball or football, and viii
always have a certain distinction on this account.
Another guarantee that golf is not merely
fad to he dropped as readily as II was taken up.
is the class Of men vino are its followers. They
are not merely iders who are drawn to 1t by lis
novelty and its vogue in England but serious
minded business and professional men who ma
in II charms and solid advantages not exactly
70 he duplicated by any other form of outdoor
exercise Old college athletes, who no longer
care to keep mp the vigorous sports of their
early manhood are among those VINO play goil
with the most enthusiasm. When these men,
thnn hos nllDl "a
mis- get worked I'D over a new game, ii is likely
20 have In II the elements of lasting popularity
Golf like cycling has led many men Of middle
age TO take exercise who would not Otherwise
do so. Indeed. the Scotch game is most attrac-
tive to those who can no longer enjoy football,
and find even tennis Overtirng Cricket would
also meet this want, but does not make the
strides toward popularity here which golf Is
making Some men who are noted as lawyers,
clergvmen and financiers are among the abest
wlcdcrs of the cleek and nblck.
Women too. are fond Of the game and play ii
with skill This may be one reason for the favor
IT finds with men The new woman has awaken
cd to the need and pleasure Of outdoor pastlmeS
and contests and has gone in for gof win
ardor Those features which make II desirable
for men who are not trained athletes appear 10
her also 1t should not be overlooked mat
spectators as well as players are benefited by
the contests Usually the competitors are ioi-
lowed over the green by a knot OF lookers-on.
These get considerable exercise themselves, as a
match over thirtysix holes means six or seven
miles Of tramping The distance is covered in
lcsurely fashion; the playing offers constant dis
fractions so that the walk Is no, weaiying.
Golf IS not limited To the summer months. ana
herein lies another Of It's good points. One club
was formed especially for winter play, and
matches will take place there in every month
from fall to spring.
Golf has therefore much to commend it ana
is likely 10 prove valuable coadjutor To the
bicycle in making Americans Il healthier. harder
and stronger race.