The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1909-04-20
AMATEUR AND PRO" GOLFERS.
English Experts Try to Explain Why the
Latter Has the Advantage in Play.


J.. II. Taylor, the British professional,
and H. H. Hilton, who as an amateur
twice won the British open golf cham
pionship, have been trying to figure the
reasons for the difference between the
amateur and professional golf players.
Both agree that to Be an expert in the
game one must be associated with the
sport from childhood day. Taylor's firm
conviction is that the fact of the profess
sional having been through the mill as a
caddie explains considerable. He says.
From the early days when he can
scarcely staRger under set of climbs,
the caddie has looked at the game
through eyes that have enabled him to
penetrate, as far as it is humanity pos
sible, right through to the very heart
Of the game. He has carried the clubs
Of players whose skill is as diverse as
the poles. He has noted the weaknesses
Of one in certain phase Of the game
and has compared it to the strength
Of another, which strength may be shown
in Just the same particular BY this
means of comparison he is enabled to
strike the correct balance which helps
him to know that such a way must be
the correct one. The caddie notes the
effect OF temperament and that what
ever a mans temperament may be it
will be surely reflected and reproduced
in the game be plays.
q am strongly of opinion that the
caddie is in an absolutely unique position
for q correct and thorough knowledge Of
the game and / viii 20 50 far as to
say that 1t issonly By going through the
apprenticeship Of d caddie that the game
can be learned in its bedrock thorough
ness. The ex-champion believes 1t il
this constant communion with the game
in his 'early years, the time of life when
ones mind lie the most receptive Of what
is good and evil, that gives the -tyro
professional such advantage over the
amateur The amateur learns his game
in superficial manner. He may know
perfectly well how stroke should be
played, but be cannot just play ii in the
mastery manner that the professional
does He has not made such an intimate
friend Of the breath Of the game as the
professional has.
THE amateur, am convinced pro-
ceeds Taylor, does not feel himself ia
intimate communion with the game az
does the professional He tries to over
come the bristling obstacles Of intrica-
eies in foreign gsrb, and is not clothed
in sweet reasonableness and such seduc-
tive and harmonious sympathy as the
player who has gamboled with the imps
Of golf from his youthful caddie days.
The amateur may have the theory or
the game at the tap of his tongue, but
I make bold to say that the game can
not be entirely wooed By theory; it NAV,
and does, enable the player to smooth off
the rought edge Of his ignorance, and
may be good substitute for his lack
Of early knowledge; but 1t does not EN-
able him to inhale that breath Of the
game that is so very essential The pro
fessional, in playing a stroke, feels what
he wishes to do; the amateur hopes he
may do it. and in this subtlety / think
lies the whole different between the two
classes Of players"
While admitting a great many Of
these points, Hilton's answering opinion
is that the professionally is literally
forced by circumstances to take an intel
ligent interest in the playing Of the
playing Of the game, and cannot afford
like the amateur to let up. Nor be
thinks, can he afford to be completely
out Of form and leave the cause to work
ont its own salvation. A man may be
able to learn the game Of golf by playing
It for mere pleasure, but one is much
more likely to learn it thoroughly when
it represents bread and butter in addi-
ton to pleasure. Hilotn also holds .
very decided opinion that the continual
round OF tournaments and matches are
of inestimable value in improving the
standard Of professional golf, as aside