New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-05-12
COLE
HINTS FOR BEGINNERS.

II seems strange that no short. clear and simple
rules for such popular and growing game as gole
have been published for the benefit OF the beginner
that is, for those who have knowledge whateves.
to enable them TO understand the various manuals
which rather to be written with view TO set
forth the technique Of the game to its devoee than
to explain the first principles to those who do not
understand anything about It, The various articles
which have appeared IN the magazines. although
very interesting from literary point Of view hardly
serve to clear up the very hazy ideas OF any one
who has not seen or tried the game. So perhaps a.
there may be many who would like 20 chase
quInine pill around ten-acre lot" IL they knew
just how to go about 1t. few simple and condensed
rules may be OF service The first step Is to procure
clubs; an entire kit, which Is both troublesome. ex-
pensve and puzzling. is not necessary for begin-
ner Three are really all that are essential FOR an
ordinary player-a driver used to drive the ball
from the tee" or starting point "cleek" for long
distance Shots and, IN absence Of putter. to use
on the putting green" and 'lofter' to raise
ball over a "hasard," or Obstacle" out Of a
cavity. Great care must be taken every time before
playing to see that the heavy heads firm on the
sticks, as very bad accidents have occurred from
the heads flying off when a shot has been made. No.
q Is the ball generally used.
Although links which laid out by profess
sonal and kept in perfect order by club are gem
orally best to play any one who has suriciene
ground may lay out a course which will serve well
enough for amusement and exercise. II possible
there should be nine holes about go yards apart but
five or six seven will do. These may go from
angle angle in any direction, so that In limted
space the track may be doubled. The holes should
be four inches in diameter. and are usually lined
with iron. although for an amateur course sunk
flower pot Is just as good These holes are placed In
the centre Of a moved square OF grass about 2cA20,
The distance between holes is called a link"
and the object Is. Of course. to go over each link
with as few shots possible. hitting the ball into
the hole at each terminus. Each OF these holes
should be marked with a small flag, which Is taken
out Of the hole for the stroke and then replaced At
each hole the ball may be lifted out and placed on
a tee" This is a slight elevation Of sand or earth
which player generally arranges for himself. box
OF earth being put beside each hole for the pur-
pose After the first strike from the tee the player
follows his ball. and strikes from where 1t lies, each
stroke counting against his score
golf ground should abound in ''hasards' or OBJ
stacles of every description. These may be anything
that is difficult to get over, long grass roads, water
or even mole hills or rough ground OK any descr'p-
ton. One great advantage in this game Is that u
may be played alone, by trying to beat FORMER
record or In pairs where the score is kept for each
person; or by four together called "foursome'
each couple playing partners with one ball.
At no time may the ball be pushed. scrapeo'
or "spooned" II must be fairly struck at any
movement OF the club which is intended as strike
being counted. When the bail gets into water or
any impossible situation the player may take II oue
and drop II over MS snouider' Pasi"s o'ie ~
way Of penalty II on going over the course ioose
mpedIment is encountered within clubs length OF
the hall II may be removed; II further away the
penalty OF a stroke is counted. Where many play
on the same ground there is certain etiquette to
be observed which is enforced by the club resuia-
lions hut on private grounds 1t is sufficient to re-
membar that any player In front must be on his
stroke from the tee 80 as 10 Pc Gu o. h
e,rthsst from, the tee should be played first tho
Honor being privilege OF leading in the drive f9r
,bs naxt hole that is granted to the winner OF the
Needing hole Golf Is a game for all ages. and
ysrv old men are often capital golf players. but
te RRscome inefficient one cannot begin too young.
Although the unn;a,sd the game Of s1 sss Sy
,s and It's advantage to health and spirits
IL ,ndoubted May its disciples increase. and long
NAV n flourish in our land!