The Washington herald., 1909-05-28

Undaunted by rain and the soggy con-
oition OF the links. Ben woodruff and E.
D. Carusi both OF the Columbia Club.
teed OF on the Columbia links yesterday
morning at $40 O'Clock. being the first
pair to leave the initial tee for the
qualification round in the annual tourna-
ment Of the Middle Atlantic Golf Asso-
ciation.
Although but few were on hand 70 Wit
ness the start OF the tournament, the
clearing Of the weather brought hundred
or more Of the loyal enthusiasts 10 the
links during the afternoon matches. and
the progress OF the various experts was
watched with interest
Links In Poor shape.
As q result Of the recent rains the
links offered a great hamper to al OF the
competitors during the morning session.
but when tine for the afternoon matches
arrived the sun had sufficiently dried
the course TO make It IDEAL for good
playing.
A comparison OF the scores registered by
the players OF the first sixteen in the
morning and afternoon rounds plainly
shows the handicap under which the
golfers played before the sun dried out
the course.
Seventy-nine in Opening Round.
SeTenty-nine golfers made the opening
round in the tournament. and although
the usual surprises and reversaIs were
encountered. but few failed 70 qualify
IN q proper class. Because Of the large
number which entered the tournament
those who are handling the event decided
70 add several additional consolation six
teens. so that ali who have entered viii
get . crack az match play.
WashinEtOnians Prominent.
While there is q goodly number Of
representatives from al OF the clubs reg
istered IN the Middle Atlantic Association.
Washington holds a large majority, and
when approached yesterday several Of
the oldest critics in the city were Inclined
optimisrcally over the chances Of some
one Of the local clubs landing the grand
honor. Chevy Chase, Bann0ckburn, and
Columbia are all well represented. and
nearly every. prominent golfer IN the city
started over the course in the initial
round
With the conclusion Of the qualification
round. Washington was a pronounced
favorite. for Eddie Brooke, Of BanRock-
burn, and Lee Harlan. of Columbia both
made the links far better than any OF
the nearest visiting golfers Brooke
held the best score IN the opening round.
79 while Harlan was close behind with
So Many OF those who started early
were sorely disappointed With their
scores. blaming the fog and rain for the
large totals.
The Afternoon Play.
Some Of the best golf seen on the Co
lumbia links for several years was exhib-
tied during the afternoon session, several
Of the matches requiring extra holes for
a decision Because OF q delay in starting
IN the morning session. It was nearly 8
O'Clock before the first pair left the tee
for the second traverse OF the course.
Due to the excellent management OF
those who are handling the tournament
tue afternoon matches were played in
record tine. ali Of t1e competitors having
reported by o'clock
feature OF the present tournament.
and one which IS appreciated by those
Wno are competing, is the formation OF
consolation sixteens for ali classes This
the promoters did n order that all hands
should get at least two days on the links,
no matter how ragged their form might
be. Prizes have been offered IN all OF the
sixteens. consolation and otherwise
AS both E P. Brooke and z. B. Eynon
registered 79 on their initial round. these
golfers will have 10 play OF the lie for
tne cup offered 70 the winner Of the quail
ifcation round. Both being busy with
their matches during the afternoon, il
was decided TO postpone the play-of un-
I'll Saturday morning.
Columbia has obtained az least ore
triumph this early IN the tournament
that Of landing the team trophy cup Of
fered TO the six-man team making the
qualification round IN the least number
OF total strokes. Again the keen rivalry
which exists between the Columbia and
Chevy Chase clubs was plainly shown.
Until the last Columbia golfer had hand
ed IN his card the issue was N doubt and
nearly all who had reported remained at
the board, missing luncheon. 70 see which
Of the two clubs would claim the big sil-
yer cup.
While nearly every man who survived
the afternoon round IN the first sixteen
showed excellent form, the majority Of
the experts favor A 5. Matungly. OF the
Columbia Club. and r Lewis. Of the
Chevy Chase Club. for the final honors.
None OF the visiting talent offered dan
gerous competition.
How FfrSt sixteen Qualified,