New-York tribune., 1911-01-17
INDEPENDENCE IN GOLF
Declaration Signed, So 1t Turns
Out. at Annual Meeting.
RULING BROAD IN SCOPE
Leighton Calkins Explains the
Action of National Body
at Chicago.

Later and authentic reports from Chi-
cago show conclusively that those who be-
neved that old St Andrews should con-
tinuc to enact the laws OF golf for the
entire world were defeated. The United
states Golf Association at its annual meet
ing on Saturday night not only declined 10
bar the centre-shafted clubs, but went fur-
ther and specifically amended the associ-
alton bylaws so as to permit IT hereafter 10
lcgislatc FOR itself. n IT so wished.
In tho interest. however, of general uni
formity, the association voted to confer
with old ST. Andrews and other recognized
national golf associations. with a view TO
tho general adoptioG Of universal code
in all countries mis- is regarded as a
distinct victory for Leighton Calkins. pres
ident OF the Plainfeld Country Club and
those who believed IN his principles.
II IS also contended that the desired end
has been brought about without doing
single thing which could within reason be
objected 20 by the gverninG body abroad
or It's admirers in this country, on the
ground OF the golfers here teing either un-
grateful or disoyal TO any essential inter-
est Of the game.
In discussing the subject yesterday, Mr..
Calkins said:
Full reports from the annual meeting of
the United States Golf Association, held
last Saturday in Chicago, show that broad
minded and liberal views prevailed, and an
important step has at last been taken in
the direction OF practical uniformity in the
playing rules. Not only did the delegates
decline 70 accept the ST. Andrews rule
barring centre-shafted clubs (Which nearly
every delegate admitted 10 be absolutely
unnecessary and uncalled for by any exist
ing evil and also vicious in principle, as
tending toward STANDARDIZATION, but they
amended the bylaws Of the ASSOCIATION
which now require US 60 play according 10
the St Andrews rules, The new bylaw re-
quires US 70 play according to the revision
Of 1908 enacted and adopted jointly by ST.
Andrews and by the United States Golf AS
sociaton. except so far as such revision
may hereafter be amended by US, IN other
words II st, Andrews should amend the
rules in any particular In the future the
change would not apply IN this country.
No rules will hereafter obtain I'm this coun-
try unless affirmatively adopted here.
IN addition, a resolution was adopted d.
recting the appointment Of special com
mittee to confer with st. Andrews on the
subject Of the adoption OF universal code
Of rules for the whole world. The resolu-
tion went even further and authorized TINS
committee 20 confer with any recognized
national golf association in any country
The powers OF the committee are broad and
are aimed az the establishment or uni
form code of rules. which all prominent
voice in enacting.
II was not felt that ST. Andrews could
reasonably decline 10 cooperate with us in
this. Nor was II felt that we would be dis
loyal TO the best interests OF worldwide
game 10 take this stand While fully recoS-
niZing all that ST Andrews has done IN
the past the United States Golf Association
has decided 10 put uu 70 ST. Andrews In a
courteous and dignihed manner that It
cannot continue 20 leeislate by. Itself and
hope to have other countries follow blindly
without voice OF vote.
II is hoped that St Andrews will .recog-
uize our earnest desire 10 establish uni
fOrmity and will fall in line. II not as
many Of US have been pointing out. the re-
spOrsibllity for separate codes in dlnerent
countries will be theirs, not ours.
81. Andrews has for decades ana almost
for centuries borne the hrunt Of the work
81 Andrews is now asked TO share It's re-
sponsiHilitv with other countries Where VIC
game is played and loved in equal measure.
Admitting the great service performed by
St Andrews I'm the past. the United states
Golf Association proclalms lseH unaole
longer 10 abide by any rule In the making
~ which it has had no opportunity TO be
heard
to agree to the principle Of mutually or
Obligation" as regards the playing rules or
the game, or 70 decide TO paddle It's own
canoe. I believe the sentiment IN Great
Britain will supuort our decision ana that
St Andrews will fall into line. IN any
event we have now the respect not only OF
half n million Of golfers In this countr.
but Of al other countries where SJII Is
played
Fortunately the arguments Of those who
felt that this action would he uuFenerons
or dieIOval 70 an ancient oTganlZfuon dld
not aupeal to our association. There was
practically no support given 20 that areu-
rncnt Il was conceded 10 be practical
question for Us 10 decide for ourselves
without excitement and as becomes gentle
mon and golfers.
with a uromptness that, in the opinion of
many golfers, might well be copied In THIS
country. the Brltons have already as
signed dates for most Of their champion
ship tournaments The amateur event has
6sen fixed for May 90 and following days
at Prestwick. while the open championship
meeting Is 10 be run of ct Sandwich, ne
ginning June 25. The Irish women's cham
rionship will take place at the Island
Nalahide during the week commencing May
70 feature Of the open championship
meeting at Sandwich this year Will be the
coronation match. which has been ar
ranged in honor OF King Georges corona
ton The match will be team contest
by hole play between amateurs and pro-
ressonals and will take place on the Satur-
day prior TO the opening Of the open cham
pionship.