New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-08-17
TEST FOR GOLFERS
ON SHAWNEE LINKS
Vardon and Ray Will Have Try
Out Preliminary to Brook
line Tournament.
TRAVERS MAY BE IN PLAY
Possible That He Will Pair
with One of English Experts
in a Foursomes with
American Pair.

These are days when professional golf
ers. the masters at the game, are showing
their wares and getting the rust of their
irons. so to speak, preparatory to the cru
al Brookline the middle OF next month.
With those redoubtable Britons. Harry
Vardon and Edward Ray. here at last.
interest quickens in the movements OF
the pros" hereabouts consequently the
tournament at the Shawnee Country Club
on Friday and Saturday of this week
will assume practically championship pro-
portions.
Not since some thirteen years ago.
when Vardon and J. II. Taylor came over
and finished first and second respectively.
in the open championship has there been
a serious professional invasion from the
other side. Then such worthy opponents
as J. j. McDermott, Tom Mcnamara and
VI. j. Brady were unheard Of A few
months ago a delegation from this side
tried its luck both in Great Britain and
on the Continent with Disappointing re-
suits. the only visitor to do anything
worth while being McDermott. the ma
tiona open champion.
In discussing the subject the other day
McDermott was free to confess that
neither he nor any other visitors from
ha oil n Al
themselves justice abroad. AS for HIM
self the Atlantic City homebred admitted
thu; his lack of experience In combating
against climatic conditions as they exist
in Great Britain proved an insurmount-
able handicap The time may come, pro-
vded the best from here keep at Il. that
this barrier will be broken down. Ideal
weather such as they are accustomed to
in this country would be great aid to
Americans competing across the pond.
In a way. though to "A much less ex-
tent, golfers from abroad are affected by
the climate here. their chief dread being
torrid weather such as Harold Hilton
and Norman Hunter encountered during
the amateur meeting at Wheaton last
summer. on the other hand. should the
Britons be favored with pleasant wealth.
er their chances would be enhanced. and
If the elements turned stormy they would
hive TO be feared even more.
Yet. let 1t blow high or blow low, there
are those so confident OF the ability OF
the native born and the resident pros"
TO make a good showing on their own
stamping ground that even now wagers
are being freely made that neither VAR
don. Ray nor the Frenchman Will carry
OF the chief prize at Brookline. One thing
golfers from abroad like and appreciate
Is good greens. and they will be GER
tain TO find those at Brookline.
The masters will compete In tourna-
ment on n seventy-two-hole course at
Shawnee this week. A year ago Fred
Mel cod. now affiliated with the Column
bin Country Club, OF Washington. won
first money. showing the way TO such
fayorites as Alec Smith and Gil Mich
oils The last named I'm one of his rounds
turned the course in 70. which still stands
as the competitive record, but when the
collection of stars gets in action this time
the chances are that new figures will be
hung up.
Vardon and Ray VIII be opposed TO
half a hundred or more OF the foremost
professionals in the East. And there Is
also chance OF Jerome d. Travers, the
national amateur champion. competing.
Should Jerry" be there he would DOUBT
less be paired with one of the favorites.
Vardon and Travers playing together
would furnish treat worth going a long
way to see.
The experts are practically all on their
game now, which means that the foreign
visitors will have to do something ex-
ceptional in order TO show the way to the
home contingent at the finish. Most Of
the pros" are planning to make Shaw
nee early In the week. so as to get In
sevesal days of practice