New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-02-25
GOLF

The old cry for uniform but simpler code Of
rules for golf IS again being heard IN the land.
and this time an echo comes from Great Britain.
where the ruling body AT St. Andrews has here
tofore held absolute sway II begins 20 look as
Il the tine had come when the plea Of the golf
ers against the present cumbersome and com
pick code would be needed and steps taken to
frame the rules in such a way thar all may read
end understand without having them inter
preted. The United States Golf Association has
been harshly criticised for not taking the initia-
tive IN this respect. The desire 70 have tho
rules here conform 10 those abroad has led TO
its taking position which. while right IN the
main, IS wrong IN that the rules are not suitable
70 modern conditions. The code could be made
simpler and still conform with the rules Of old
St Andrews but the governing body here has
not been able 10 see II. Now that an uprising.
so to speak, IS occurring in England. something
may be done. The English critics almost 10 A
man, are advocating a simpler code and are
preaching rebellion against the royal and an
Gent club. The following extract from the
World OF Golf" a London publication. shows
the trend OF feeling:
st. Andrews IS dear to all golfers. We have
grown accustomed 10 its faiHngs, its shOrtco.n-
ings its lassitude. its Indifference. We should
not be surprised To hear that if takes an active
interest IN what is going around il. But
unless we do not understand the trend Of cur
rent events, st Andrews must awaken now or
sleep forever. 81. Andrews is conservative, Il
Tory Of the Tories Il IL lacking in sympathy
Tor golf Of to-day For golf is now a democratic
game, game for ali players for all courses.
st Andrews does not recognize an inland course.
It's legislation on the championship problem Is
oilatory and 1mpracticable. And Yet golfers an
over the world have uncOmpleiniugIy accepted
the jurisdiction Of ST. Andrews. although all
legislation has had in view one course only a
course with few points in common with the vast
majority OF other courses. The ruling body at
81 Andrews IS complex and therefore weak
Il consists OF several committees, each with one
duty Accordingly, II any point is submitted
that does not fail within the province of one of
these committees, II IS turned aside with the re
mark. I'VE have nothing TO do with that" Ana
the questions on which it refuses or ueglects 20
pass an opinion are now so numerous that they
clan1or for authoritative body that possesses
enough confidence TO deal with them.
It certainly seems as e there should be some
ruling body both here and abroad which could
be approached by any club and on any subject.
The formation of the Midland Association in
England has led TO the comment abroad. and II
Is not Improbable that that association may be
the entering wedge for such a body. THE Golf
ers' Magazine" IN this country with commend
ebie enterprise, has taken the question up. and
viii publish in It's next issue a suggested Arneri-
can code prepared by a well known golfer. who
has made long and careful analysis Of the
needs OF the game. It says ediUorially on the
subject;
Ninety-nine per cent Of golf players would
Ike TO see q uniform and fair but simple code OF
ruleS-so simple and plain that everybody could
nnoefSizno them. II is possible TO have such
q code. but the United States Gois Association
can Be made 70 act In this matter only by heavy
eH'2ts with niblicks. Get out your nibl!ck and
join tbs swatters. This IS no reform move
raent" The present rules should be put into 9
melting pot and recast. not reformed.