Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1910-06-26
Campaign to Line
Up All Golf Clubs
in Association
Robert G. Watson, Secretary, Has
Been Getting Out List of Clubs
Which Do Not Belong.

NEW YORK, June 25.--It is understood
that missionary work on the part Of the
United States Golf association is under
way; also that Robert c. Watson, the
secretary, has been getting list Of the
clubs throughout the land that are not
members of the parent organization. and
that he intends to send each Of them a
letter and paper-covered copy of the year
book. There are upwards Of 1000 clubs in
the United States that do not belong to
the association. The plan to round up
some of the clubs outside the fold was
adopted at a recent executive session held
in this city. In commencing on this, Crafts
w. Higgins has made several suggestions
as follows:
The circular letter, so it is reported,
will set forth the reasons why clubs should
join the United States Golf association.
AS a matter of fact, the association offers
very few reasons, aside from sentiment,
and that there should be one supreme
ruling body, for the clubs to become allied
members, or even active members. II the
association would arrange among it's mem
bers some plan for interchange Of club
courtesles on the presentation OF proper
credentials it would not only be doing
lasting good for the game, but it would
put itself in vastly stronger position
with the clubs in endeavoring to secure
them as members.
| 'CIoser afflliation between golf clubs is
matter that seems destined to play an
important part in the development Of
American golf. While 1t might be objec.
tionable in many instances to give the
| privileges to members of clubs in the
same vicinity, there is no reason why Il
would not work out well to non-resdents
For instance, IL a man connected will
| q Chicago golf club is In New York or
business, It would be a great advantage
for him to be able to play on any metro
politan links by merely showing credentiali
and paying his green fee, instead of beint
obliged to ask the favor Of an lntroduc
ton at the hands of some one with whom
he has but slight acquaintance. Carried
out throughout the country, such a plal
would increase fraternal intercourse be
tween golfers and be a great thing for tn
game
"a stranger In q town, with time hang
ing heavily on his hands, could always flint
some fellow golfers who would be glad L
meet him without any more formal intro
ductlon than his club credentials. OF course
1t would be necessary to restrict the use o
such privileges to times when local condi
lions would permit the use Of the link
without interference with local events. an
not on Saturday afternoons. Sunday morn
ings or holidays.
Some plan by which the club issuing tn
credentials would be responsible for an
Indebtedness incurred by its members whil
visiting. similar to the practice, In som
, OF the open tournaments, would also be ad
visable.
Club secretaries could discriminate /
the matter of issuing credentials to mem
bers in good standing and Of good cred
locally. and. by limiting the amount tina
could be hung up on a card, there would b
no unreasonable risk.
Some other indueement other than jus
the privilege OF being permitted to play
the national championships Is necessary I
induce any considerable number OF clubs I
join the association, for there are yer
few clubs whose members are Of champion
Q ship class; and the size Of the Unite
States is so great that this privilege
available by only comparatively .fe
climbs -