New-York tribune., 1908-01-20
ON THE GOLF LINKS.
Philadelphia Association to adopt q
Nez0 Scoring Method.

Tho Golf Association of Philadelphia is contem-
plating the adoption of some new methoo ior tHe
conduct of the tournament for the interciuD chdNi
pionship This matter claimed CHIEF attenuon a.
tba recan+ annual meeting of the association held
at the Bellevue -Stratford
While the exact nature of the changes were not
decided then and there, Robert Lesley, the presf
dent does not hesitate to give it as his opinion
that a plan similar to the one in use for the
OLYMPIC Cup competition VIII be tried. The latter
system consists of teams OF four compe'Ihs 0'
medal play lowest aggregate totals TO count
1t was the consensus of opinion over Philadelphia
way that the regular style OF home-and-hoiiie
matches had been found wanting. the principal
criticism against the old order of things being tne
persistence of the policy OF anything 10 WIN
The claim has been made that this keen rivalry
among the clubs has bred spirit OF un1Tlenoh-
ness that should not exist.
The plan adopted last season had its advantages
over previous years, namely, in reducing the mum
Der of matches. the maximum number that could
be played being three, ano increasing the naInOef
of men On a team to fifteen; but playing so mucn
awav from home ana the inconvenience caused the
home players. who were practically driven OH Ihel
own links on match day, created a great deal OF
opposition TO the method, and outside OF the
Suburban League, If vote were taKeh' III al
nroha biItv the large ma iorty of the representa-
tives of the various clubs participating IN these
matches. in addition to the home players, would
vote to abolish the plan entirely
Accusations have been made that the larger cluos
were drawing the best players from the smaller
organizations much TO the latter's detrment. Play
ers have been utilized TO strengthen teams who
have no allegiance or particular interest in Phila-
delphia and who after playing in these team
matches disappear like the proverbial swallow, not
to be seen again until another season.
The officers and executive committee were elected
for the ensuing year as follows:
President. Robert w Lesley. Merton Cricket Club;
try Club & ec1 Smitfee P
ID.
w Perrin Philadelphia Cricket Club; r c. James,
5Pook 5P5els Coli club; S Boyd Carrigan Mount Airy
Country Club, and F. F. Hallowel, St David's Golf
Club
In looking back the records of national
championships 1t may be that the plan re-
Gently adopted for this year makes the seventh
method The desire to change has been
prompted more less by a desire to relieve con-
gestion. It is also fact that there has been q
growing sentiment years in favor of thirty
six-hole matches.
The first United States Golf Association cham
piouship was at match play, while in the second
and third sixteen qualified at thirty ysx-hole medal
play In 1898 there was change, the plan calling
for a thrty-six hole qualification round, thirty-twO
to qualify. This prevailed until 1901. inclusive.
when the field at Atlantic City numbered 142. and
1t was found impracticable to handle such large
number before dark Consequently an eighteen
hole medal round sixtyfour to qualify. had trial
at Glen View the following year. On this occa-
sion l. James. who gained eligibility only after
having to play off for last place. succeeded in
winning the title.
In 1903 all match play attempted again. but
the following year medal play was resumed This
consisted of fty-four holes. sixteen TO qualify.
For the last three years qualifers have had to
play thrty-six holes thirty-two keeping at
eighteen-ho matches, with the usual thirty-six-
hole final. This year the matches after the quail
fcation test will all be at thirty-six holes, save
those in the first round
Officials OF the Baltusrol Golf Club met in annual
session at the clubhouse on Saturday night. The
financial report for 1907 showed that the total in
come was s51 29l 75 of which So. $50 dues of
members and 81 9Sl received for the of the
links by visitors. A trihe more than $1,000 was
spent on the up-keep and improvement of the
1t is understood that some time in the future a
clubhouse is likely to be erected the Gar