New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1914-05-17
u. S. 6. A. Head Does Not
Question Amateur Status
of Golfers Abroad.
WIRES TRAVERS THAT
HE NEED NOT WORRY
Former Official of Metropolitan
Association Sorry Point
Has Been Raised.

Because OF a false impression that mas
been given concerning circular letter
recently sent out to all active and allied
golf clubs belonging to the United states
Golf Association Robert G. Watson, presl-
dent OF the organization, gave out state
ment last night lie makes 1t emphatic
that no insinuations have been made as
10 the ameteur status of the American
golfers now in England. The president s
statement is as follows
zone of the New York newspapers
printed in its columns this morning long
article stating that some Of our golf play
ers who are now abroad were disturbed
about the letter sent by me. representing
this association, to the secretaries or the
golf clubs belonging to the United States
Golf Association.
.If this is really true II Is absolutely
uncalled for In every respect, as naturaiiy
no amateur American golfer abroad would
be permitted to compete In the BRUSH
amateur championship by this association
II there was even a shadow OF a doubt
that he was INDUCING in professionalism
They are all amateurs In good standing.
mo criticism has been made about any
amateur reporting for newspapers or
magazines current or past or future golr-
ing news. II is perfectly legitimate work
in any branch Of sport. Mr.. Ouimets en-
n,ovment by Wright e. Ditson in 10 way
affects his amateur standing, unless ne
should violate Section Of the u. ). q. "A.
bylaws. which every one knows he does
not.
.Representing this association. simply
renor,ed To the secretaries OF the United
states Golf Association that certain 1ac.s
now existed and asked them to nave their
respective boards consider the same ana
notify me as to their decision regarolhs
the entire matter, and this will be In due
time brought before the executive COM
rnittee of the L. 5. G.. A. for proper con-
s,deratlon as to the adyisability of amend
ing bylaw No Z. defining any amateur
golfer and eliminating practices that were
deemed improper by the consensus OF opin-
ION Of the entire United States COLI Asso-
ciation.'
on Friday Mr.. Watson sent cable mes
sage to Jerome y. Travers telling him not
to worry. as no question had been brought
I'D as to his amateur status. Later the
United States Golf Association president
received the following reply from the ma
tional champion:
1--WE know the story is all bosh Good
luck"
Discussing the subject last night, A. II.
Pocson. former chairman of the Metropol-
itan Golf Association handicap commit
tee said
am inclined to believe that the present
rating OF an amateur golfer is all rlsnSS
with one exception. the RUE sHou u,t
provide against the laying out OF soil
courses for money. 1t looks as though
the l.. $. c. a. is going to get into a
terrible muddle II II doeSh LOOK ou.,
But il an attempt L. made 10 make d
distinction it would be well 10 get at
golfers of prominence whose very names
over articles practically guaranteed thelr
sale In a way ] am sorry 10 see TIC
question brought up at this time. Tor IN
the event of an American winning the
British title il will give the writers over
there a chance to knock.
Earl Hooker Eaton. of the Upper Mont
clair Country Club, expressed himself
as follows:
This practice on the part of prominent
amateurs OF Writing arlIcles ne a.
going on for years and. IN my OPINION, -
Perfectly legitimate. In doing this writ
Ing amateurs only take time from their
regular business. Take jerome Travers,
for instance. Golf has cost him many
times over what little he has got our Oh
il nv writing do, however, belleVe
that there are grounds for complaint
when prominent golfer uses his .reputaee
ton as an aid toward the exploiting OF
a magazine.
Another golfer gave his opinion that
MIR. Watson had shown commemorate
fearlessness in tackling the situation at
this time The question was bound to
come ND for positive action sooner OF
later. as it has been under consideration
for a good many months.