Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-12-13
TRAVIS EXPLAINS
NEW GOLF|NC CODE
Says That Changes in Rules
Imply a Decided Improve
in the Game.

In 2olfing circles il is but natural that
the new code of rules which will 60 into
effect with the new year has attracted
widespread attention, for while there are
no radical changes. d number of impor-
tant amendments have been made to the
old formula with which 1t will be abso-
lutely necessary for golfers to be famil-
lar. Some criticisms have been made to
certain of the changes abroad. but the
general consensus of opinion is that what
changes have been authorized will make
for the better conduct and appreciation of
the game. The United States Golf Asso-
citation, which sent carefully prepared
draft Of recommendations last spring to
the rules committee of the Royal and An
cient Club of st. Andrews, Scotland. will
formally adopt the new code at its an
nual meeting early in January. and there
is not the slightest indication that sin
gle objection will be made to any portion
Of the accepted code.
Walter J. Travis, who has made as close
a study OF the technica Titles of golf as
any one In this country, has issued an un-
qualified Endorsement of the new code,
and editor of the American Golfer he
says in the current number:
Likes New Rules.
The new rules, as whole. will be hailed
with delight and universal approval by all
loyal supporters and true lovers of the
royal and ancient game. and their thanks
will go forth not only to the rules Of golf
committee of St. Andrews, but also to the
present officials of the United States Golf
Association. which organization for the
first time in its history has been official
ly recognized and represented in the
councils OF the governing body. No one.
In going carefully over the new rules.
can fail to be profoundly impressed with
the prodigious amount of thoughtful care
bestowed on their compilation
In. dealing with some of the changes in
detail Mr. Travis says that they must be
frankly admitted as distinctly in the line
of improvements over the former code.
Railways and fences will no longer be re-
garded as hazards, but permanent grass
within hazard is to be considered part
of the hazard. This omission in the old
rules, says Mr.. Travis, read in conjunc-
ton with the new rule simply means that
at present when ball is in a hazard,
whether it be on grass or not, the club
shall not be SO led under the penalty OF
the loss of the hole, implying that now
all hazards must be carefully defined.
Mr.. Travis approves heartily of the
change which prevents a golfer from
using the back Of his hand to smooth
down the line of his putt. Commenting on
this. he says:
Loose impediments may be lifted from
the putting green and dung, worm casts.
snow and ice may be lightly scraped
line of putt must not be touched. Brush
ing with the hand means the loss of the
holeJ A very important change, and a
most excellent one
Rules of Etiquette.
1T is gratifying to note adds Mr.. Ira
Wis. 1.-The reinstatement OF the rules OF
etiquette in the regular code and also the
addition of several desirable features, in
Guiding the duties Of players looking for
q lost ball. In this connection 1t will
be observed that the section has been am
plified which stipulates that players look
ing for a lost ball should allow other
matches coming up to pass them; they
should signal to the players following
them to pass and, having given such sig
nal. they should not continue their play
until these players have passed and are
out of reach
Other important alterations are: No one
shah stand to mark the line OF play
through the green or from hazard ZEN
atty loss Of the hole.
1t is no longer necessary to drop q
ball from the head. Face the hole, stand
erect. and drop behind, over the shoulder.
| Under no circumstances shall prac-
lice SWlIlE Oe ldhch dizzy "hOAC S-.SSPI VA"
the tee, when the ball Is not in play,
under penalty of loss of the hole.
Casual water on a putting green Is now
practically non-existent. When ball Is
on a green clear putt to the hole Is per-
MISSILE free from intervening water.
| On the much-mooted question as to
whether stymies shall be played Or not
Mr.. Travis says:
'.Stymies form an integral part of the
| code, and therefore should be played
lnpo on fhsa that
thew are capable of being negotiated by
the exercise of the highest degree of skill.
In match play competition it is absolutely
essential that all contestants should be
| compelled to play stymes. otherwise
great Injustice may be worked. The new
rules make their playing compulsory
under penalty, of disqualification"