New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1906-01-09
.G0LFING CLANS GATHER
-Four Of Great Britain's Best Profess
sionaLs Here on Tisit.

Alec Herd. Jack White Andrew Kirkaldy and
Rowland Jones four of the best known golf pro-
fessonals in Great Britain. arrived yesterday on
the Cunard liner Carmania. route for Mexico
City, where the big international golf tournament
will be held, January 10 to 90 They were accom-
panied by Bernard Nichols, and all were heartily
glad to land. after decidedly rough voyage.
Il suggested gathering OF the clans as the pro-
fessonaIs came down the gangplank and met ola
acquaintanCes. some of whom had not clasped
hands for ten years Among those on hand to re-
ceive the visitors were Alec Findlay. OF Boston,
who has the foreigners in charge; Tom Anderson
father of Willie Anderson. open champion OF the
United States James LANG George Strath. Percy
Barrett Charles Kirchner. John Duncan Bunh'
Alec Pirie and James Smart.
After having their luggage attended to the visit
ing pros and their friends went direct to the
Fifth Avenue Hotel. which will be their headQuar-
ters during their brief stay in this city The stran-
gers looked like golfers from head to foot. wear
ing golf caps, loose coats and broad, thick soleo
russell shoes. White and Jones wore overcoats;
These two have engagements at home compelllhs
their return by the end Of February, but Kirkaidy
and Herd will probably stay in this country until
April.
Jones who is the smallest of the party is an
Englishman. the other three being Scots. AT the
pier an old friend exclaimed to Kirkaldy. why
Andrew. old chap, you don't look day older than
you did ten years ago."
odd" responded Kirkaldy. I'm fit and good for
a bundled years.
Kirkaldy owns up to forty-nine winters, but his
rugged frame and rudy complexion would enable
him to pass for a man of forty When he reached
the Street, Andrews keen eye noted dummy
putting along with line of freight cars, whereupon
he exclaimed: "A great city, this-they have rail-
road trains in the street
When he reached the Flatiron Building he seemed
amazed and after twisting his neck out of shape
in am endeavor to see the top turned, with the
query My word, whoever stops away up theret
While at dinner many good yarns of the Inks
were spun by these men, whose DEEDS nave con-
tributed so much toward golf history. White toid
a story M the EXPENSE OF a. j. Balfour, eX-Prime
Minister of England.
Mr.. Balfour was playing in four pan rnatcn Io'
long ago over one of the well known Scotch INKS
His partner was Scot short of stature, although
a famous professional. The 1atter's approach to
certain green of Dunchbowl formation found rest
ing place at the top of the basin, close 10 some
steps.
Mr. Balfour and his partner disagreed as 10 the
best way play the shot. The former "aIleu ~
play straight for the hole down the steps, put inc
little pro said nay, giving him the line 10 pay
away from the hole with a borrow AFTER nue.
hesitation and with apparent reluctance MI. Ddl
four decided to the suggestion OF MS Paf
The shot was played according to directions 'ne
wisdom, of the act being shown few seconds
later when the ball, describing beauti1ul semi
circular course, stopped stone dead
1T took him long time to accept your line RE
marked brother pro TO the little telo" DIS my
walked on the green. Inc OlHSI AcEiiNN'
Il understand there is to be a change in the gov
ernment and I think it is high time with a man
like that at the head OF II; +, 90 sightseeing till
they take the train from the Pennsylvania staIioIl
ST. Louis last night Findlay took the visitors to
the HippOdrome. and they will go 10 me iea'i a
likely tina! the visiting quartet Would nave ng
N match or Two over one % li g,c th9ughts so
aow il is settled that they will not nit a Pan on
this side of the Atlantic until they tee up at Mexico
City
When they return the Eastern PrQfessi9nal I GS
reception, dinner and theatre party. .oz -,+,,
visit from golfers Of such well known ability.
Herd is probably the best known of the lot. and
ia ISGa ana started to NAV golf as soon as he could
weld a club His first professional engagement was
Portrush ireland. He was there only short
time when he went Blundellsands,
The first important match with Kirkaldy, at
ST Andrews, Herd winning after a memorable
struggle. e then HudderSfield, where he
has remained as professional ever since II was
defeated Harry Vardon. Herds greatest triumph
of Great Britain at Hoiylake. Herd has ever been
less unucky golfer, and should have
Prestwick he had i lead of five strokes over J. H
ayor but on the last rUgho sno %S 6s
Taylor started in perfect weather after the ram
Kirkaidv, of St Andrews. is often called the
soldier golfer Scotland, mis- deeds OF valor the
exploits on the links. He has never yet won the
open Championship although on one occasion jn ne ne
the play-off. Kirkaldy is a powerful player. al
a light club He is a grand putter and bold
player for the hole. which may account for his
being more successful at match than medal play.
White of Sunningdale has been pushing the big
four closely for the last few years; and had the
ponship at Sandwich in 1901 Although brilliant mt
kept him just outside the big four consisting
of Braid, Herd, VardOn ana Taylor
When just right Jones, OF wimbledon. is one 9t
the greatest golfers. He made name for himself
last fall by defeating Nardon in the News of the
second to Braid in the open championship this