Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1916-12-17
FLORIDA BECOMES MECCA
FOR G0LFlNG TOURISTS
Nearly Hntf n Hundred Courses be-
signed by NRtlon's Foremost
Architects.

TAMPA. FLA. December l6.-Old
Sol. rising to greet tho new year. jus;
two weeks hence. will gaze upon the
marvel of 2olfdom when tho llorido
peninsula comes within the horizon.
The ancient Scot game has made ire
mendous strides in this country III tho
past years. but in no State In the Unior
has such remarkable constructive
campaign been completed within
single year, as in Florida, where more
than 100000 has been expended in
doubling the number OF golf courses
and improving what was here. In 1915
twonty-one golf courses were available
within the border of tho Land Of
Flowers.
Where only twcnty-onc courses.
many Of these hotel courses. were
ava liz bic al tho close OF 1915. the open
ing OF the new year Will see more than
twoscore. more than "a score OF which
are controlled by clubs in various
cities. and at which tho member OF
any golf club in tho country is well
come. his membership cari in his home
club being the only introduction needed.
Florida's golf enthusiasts have in.
creased threcfold during the year. and
the march forward has not relaxed for
4 moment. while every aim has been
higher
The State IS taking its place in the
forefront. and already boasts OF the
roursc in tho south. tho West OranE.
Country club. OF Oakland, $3.50 yards.
and tho Palma Celia Golf Club. OF
Tampa, SAL yards. Both these courses
were constructed under the supervision
OF Tom Eendelow. who, with Parsons
Ross and others. the worlds most
noted golf architects. have been kept
busy placing Florida where il righitui-
~ belongs in the goltine world, and
they can well look back upon their
work and declare it well done, takins
due merit for their efforts
Florida has FUZZY awakened TO the
value OF golf courses. and once the de-
termination TO improve this eminent
winter playground took hold OF Flori-
dams. they went at the task with
viii that has wrought the most mar.
velous Improvement that has taken
place within year in any State in the
Union.
ON the directorates Of the Florida
clubs showing that tho visitors here
have not hccn backward in assisting
in this constructive work. are some Of
the nations most astutc mcn from All
vocations. Ex-Governor Y. H. Van
SAINT. OF Minnesota: Thomas a. Edison
Henry Ford r. Norris Williams Scwcll
Ford. George AIDE. William Chase TEN
pic and many others who have tasted
Of tho pleasures Of Florida winter
have been only too willing 10 assist in
transplantins their favorite pastiInn
here.
Contrary 10 tho general opinion
Florida is not all Nat la nds. and in tn.
ajority OF tho cases. tho golf courses
have been placed with view To sccur-
ing all the natural advantages which
go ID make a Sporty" course. and there
Ar" several links which have been COM
pared iaNorabiy with any in tho conn
try. while there is not a single cuurs"
but what will tax tho dextcrity II an,
professional or amateur player.
golfer making a tour Of Florida
VIII hnd us" for every club on the list
many times and tho Majority Of thc
courses viii require thorough ability
wiih every club IL one is t.. attain n
standing with colonel RoEcy or par
liaN'n"s have h"cn utilized. and there
arc some wonderfully picturesque
ravin"s in this state and al the sam.
time good ones from a golfnE stand
point, ~" opportunity has brcn over
looked 70 bring into every course nos
slhlc tn" fascinating water hazard:
while pri'ncvai forests Of stately pines
aud palms. oaks and tropical foliage
have been invaded. just enough of tho
beauty cut away to enable tho golfer
TO make hip way from green to toe
and TIL" fairways arc lined with such
sights as awe the human when he
Stops to consider the majesty Of what
Is about him.
While many of the courses afc SOW
oral miles from the city. in Tampa
Jncksonrilic, Miami and others there
arc excellent opportunities for tho
golfer within easy walking distance
OF inc troil"ys or auto-bus "jitney"
iin"s Thos" courscs which have
st"prcd away from civilization arc
reached over excellent hard roads Of
which Florida, which has i~cn OK.
pending more than si3.0hO.0O0 for this
purpose within tho last two years is
Il perfect network.
The Florida clubs on cvnry hand are
catering 10 visitors. no tourist need