New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1899-04-10
GOLF.
FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR THE METRO
PoLITAN CHAMPIONSHIP THIS WEEK.
PROBABLE STARTERS IN THE GARDEN CITY
ToURNAMENT-PLAYER FLocKING TO THE
COURSE FOR PRAcrIcE-How THE
ENTRIES MUST BE MADE.

COURSE FOR PRACTICE-How THE
ENTRIES MUST BE MADE.
Oficial handicapping in golf is more or less OF an
experiment and the metropolitan championship at
Garden City this week is expected to demonstrate
whether not II may be termed a success. This
tournament which has been eagerly awaited for
so many weeks Is the first In which an attempt
has ever been made to limit competitors on
handicap basis, and not only in the metropolitan
district, but among golf players throughout the
country. the result will be watched with the keen
est interest. The task presented TO the Handicap
Committee was a difficult one involving the con-
sderation Of more than three thousand players
and an accurate rating OF their abilities according
to the showing made in other seasons or this vast
were made eligible for the championship itself. To
sft the enormous mass Of figures presented the
clubs for data to their members; and though
has been comparatively little criticism Of 1t from
players at large. OF course. there have been some
Committee could know personally the performances
of every one, but as whole the work has been
It's merit TO the satisfaction OF all
John Du Fails secretary OF the association. issued
a partial list OF the entries yesterday. which was
printed in these columns; and though some surprise
was manifested at the meagre number those who
are familiar with such things feel no alarm. Golf
players are proverbially late In sending in their
names and usually wait until the last day before
entering. In order to avoid any misapprehension.
however II may be well TO reiterate that players
must enter through their home secretaries Many
have apparently got the idea that because their
names appear the official list eligible for the
contest further notfcatio is necessary This
is not so. and all entries must be made in the
Du Fails at his office. No 1856 Fifth-ave.. before
noon to-day will not be allowed to play whether
the handicap on Saturday entries may be made
up to Friday at noon The tournament is to begin
fish his headquarters at the Garden City Hotel
where all subsequent communications should be
sent.
For the last ten days the championship course
has been crowded with prospective champions who
have hocked to Garden City 10 get little needed
practice before the actual contest begins. Her
bert Hartman. OF the Meadow Brook Hunt Club,
who is rated at handicap, has been OF the
most constant OF the visitors. and his best record
so far has been So for the eighteen holes which
gives some idea OF what the winning score will be.
Douglas the amateur champion, has not yet
entered but It is reported on good authority that
he will appear. Travis is down one Of the start
ers and should Douglas fail TO enter at the last
moment Travis should stand excellent chance
OF winning the cup. Among the younger element
G. owen Winston and Harry Hollins. jr. are the
most prominent entries thus far. Winston by his
clever game in the interscholastic tournament at
ST Andrews last week has attracted the attention
of the going world and 1t may be confidently pre-
dcted that he will take leading part in the pres
ent tournament John Reid jr.. OF Yale. who with
Hartman and Travis, is rated at the mark.
will probably not appear. owing TO college duties.
but T. A. Havemeyer. another member OF the Yale
team is entered, and will represent the university
element which. by the way, promises to be rather
small II the tournament had been given last
week while the college boys were enjoying their
Easter vacation. q large number would have taken
part but as II is the entries from this source Will
not exceed a haf-dozen at the most.
As for the course itself, candid critic must ad-
nit that II lacks a great deal OF being in tourna-
ment shape but the lateness Of the season could
hardly be foreseen at the time the dates were de-
cided upon and though IL is conceded that May l
would have been A more desirable time the asso-
citation hopes TO have the ground I'm satisfactory
condition by Wednesday. There are no hills on
has been more rapid than on other courses In this
district but the ground is still soft, and only the
faintest signs OF grass are TO be seen on the
putting green's. But as regards the situation or
hazards and the general character OF the links the
oninion seems to be unanimous that the course Is
the best in the metropolitan district. 1t Is essen
tally a championship stretch OF country, with
host Of good points and only few drawbacks-a
course where the best golf Is sure 10 win ana
where weak and faltering play Is severely pun
ished A topped ball from any OF the tees means
a disastrous hole for the fair greens are so sit
mated that good drive is absolutely essential FOR
securing a good lie. man who cannot handle ms
altogether Here is the latest summary OF hoies