The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1904-10-09
A Thinning Following.


livion, 10 be spoken OF only as an his
tOriC game.
A Thinning Following.
At least this is the opinion Of expert
sDortsmen throughout the country, who
have observed with great interest the
gradual, steady decrease in the ranks Of
those who once styled themselves fol-
lowers OF the game Golf clubs are no
longer being formed. The green swards
on which only recently thousands FOL
lowed IN the wake OF the elusive ball are
almost deserted. Clubs whose chief at
fractions were the golf links are threat
ened with bankruptcy. Newport has
tabooed the game. Other resorts have
followed its example.
Five years ago the game made its sp-
pearance In America with a. boom and
hurrah- That is. IL sprang into poDu-
laTitY I'VE years ago. Before that time
II was practically an unknown quantity
here. The number OF courses then in
existence could almost have been count
ed on one hand. Few persons had ever
heard much about Il. fewer had seen ii
played, and fewer still had ever expe-
rlenced the sensation OF making a long
drive from the teeing ground.
Only a Fad.
IT was the novelty OF the thing that
first attracted attention. Lovers OF
sport were seeking something new-and
they found IL IN golf. Society took il
up because It gave them something new
70 think about And besides. 1t was so
aristocratic. Kings had played the
game for centuries; since time imme-
mortal It had stood 80 high favor among
the aristOCrats OF the old country. And
why not, asked Newport. the real
thing in America?
Win society's stamp of approval, the
ancient and royal game of Scotland
soon became a bowling success through
the country. Golf clubs were organized
BY the hundreds. Thousands became its
slaves. from the muIu-miIIionaire. who
had links constructed on his own es-
tate, 20 the department store clerk,
who strained a point in order 10 Join
one OF the less fashionable clubs
Everybody was golf-mad. and at one
time the game seemed TO have sup
planted everything else tn the estimation
OF the sport-lOving public.
Five Years Run.
And only i've years has it taken 10
bring about the downfall of the once
popular game. The novelty has worn
on. Society has wearied OF il, and
thousands OF the smart sets emuIators
have wearied OF IL with due obedience.
Others have wearied OF it simply be-
cause it is human nature 10 tire of
things so that practically the only fol-
lowers Of the game now are those who
have become proficient players, and are
ambitious TO win new fame as its ex-
ponents.
For the lack OF something better per
haps. that section Of the people which
ma enjoyment In physical exercise has
returned 20 tennis. ObserVaut persons
cannot but help have noticed the striking
revival Of this game in popularity. and
while u doesn't yet occupy the exalted
position recently held by, the Scotch
game. there IS every indication that
y wiz soon have supplanted gOlf en-
tirely.
Tennis Once More.
4 great deal OF the return OF interest in-
tennis is due TO the enthusiasm aroused
BY the International matches at Newport
and 20 the yearly intercollegiate contests.
These have combined to put the game
before the public again. and now tennis
courts are springiug up through the
country Ike so many weeds ia a field
interclub, interclty. and intersection
matches are being held throughout the
months when tennis IS practicable. And
even BODY Is slowly but surely acquir-
ing the tennis craze.
Washington alone is a striking illus
uatlOu OF the revival OF interest 90 the
game ANY number OF tennis clubs have
been organized In the city recently. and
Few families who have room for a c0urt
on Lnelr own property have not already
laid out one. AT the Chevy Chase Club
the game has three times the number
Of followers Of golf. The membership
OF me BachelOrs' Club has steadily In
creased until now fl has about as large
a membership as IT. can handle
And so while golf is on the WFane ten
uis Is on the boom