Evening star., 1896-01-04

d,so soouragement, but there is always ex-
h1laration: hope never deserts the golfer.
AT each stroke. no matter how many years
OF hopeless duffer play lie behind us, we
sun believe that we shall send the ball
skimming triumphantly into the air. This
hope takes US with curiously irresistible
fcrce over miles of hills and sand dunes
which we would otherwise never dream OF
traversing and we return, after a long day
In the open air. our lungs filled with ozone
and day of innocent and healthful occu-
patton behind US.
The possibility of companionship with
husband, brother or friend is an important
and Turing reward for the practice of the
game, even did not ample joy result from
playing it. The name golf widow" once
term of misfortune. need now only be
that of reproach But it behooves us al
ways to be modest and self-effacing If we
wish to play upon the links which are al
lotted to the men and forsake the humble
and unambitious course laid out for us.
Golf is not a pastime; it is a serious pro-
fession. Undue indulgence in converse tion
must be vigorously frowned down. Each
stroke must be considered with equal care;
even when We have attained to the best
game within cur power the same care is
imperative, but the rewards are saved for
those who have the courage to win them.
The fields are open to u.s. and the new life
OF vigorous and healthy exercise is ours If
we will takeit There is no lack of promise
that these opportunities will be more than
amply taken advantage Of
There Is the greatest benefit to be de-
rived from watching the play of a cham
pion golfist. Mr.. Charles Mcdonald, whose
recent successes have made him champion
Of America, plays a most inspiring game.
Scotland. and renewed the practice of it
here In America, within the last three
Years.
His play is dashing and beautifully easy
He does not try too hard. This is the
danger for most amateurs, who forget that
the motion to be acquired Is an even swing,
which In its course sweeps the ball away.
Mr.. McDonalds playing. whenThe is not off
devotees of golf. is also very accurate.
His approach shots drop upon the green
with delightful regularity and accuracy;
his putting shots are as sure as if he were
playing champion billiards instead Of
champion golf. He does not stand long
over his ball. nor annoy his spectators
with unnecessary and elaborate addressing.
He walks up to the ball like the champion
he Is, gives one keen look at 1t, swings his
club as II he liked the operation better
than anything in the world. and away goes
the ball. sailing over the hills Of his favor
lite Wheaton 200 yards or more.
Mr.. Andrew Lang puts the sensation of
seeing golf ball fly off the lee in q
triumphant long drive as one of the two
or three most exhilarating that life can af-
ford.
With few exceptions. women do not excel
In driving, but there is no reason why they
may not play the iron clubs as well as
men, and 1t is indubitable that they may
excel In putting. and thus make up on the
putting green what they have lost by an
inferior drive.
And there is much sport to be got out of
foursome play, where q man and a woman
play against another pair, alternating
strokes. In this way very even and in
teresting match may be played. A game
which will bring weak and idle women off
he couches, and by its fascination carry
them over miles of hills and meadows
among the sunbeams and breezes, should
be considered in the light of a great bless
ing to humanity. Its rewards are for wo-
men as well as for men, for all ages and
conditions, irrespective of rank or of
wealth; real game for America, demo-
cratic and free.