Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-05-30
Stotesbury, Baptizer of
Infant Links, Fasci-
mated by Christening
Iron Shot
By SANDY McNIBLICK


MANY enthusiasts journeyed to Cobbs
1Hl Creek Park today and participated in
the opening of the public golf course The
green fairly sparlled with brght-hued cos
tunes. and the constant click of golf sticks
and a generally jubiant spirit of the play
ers who braved an unrelenting sun showed
that the peoples golf arena will undoubt-
edly be a popular attraction.
Although the course was officially open at
daylight, the players took their time about
arriving. The first to reach the new course,
which is just west of the seth street ter
minal were Joseph Kelly, of Oakmont, and
Theodore Asheworth, who arrived there at
5 o'clock this morning.
The latter had the honor of driving the
first ball at the public opening.
Harry b. Hanknson, of 5753 Addison
street, was the first to finish over the
course. He said it was a wonderful course
and one of the best he ever played on.
Those who were dubious about the game
were shown the many fine points by Hor-
ace H. Gamble professional teacher. He
has established headquarters for the for
getful, and many of the players bought
their golfsticks bags and balls from him
at the grounds.
The course was officially baptized yester-
day by Edward T. Stotesbury with long
mashie shot off the first tee to the rough.
The presiding golfer was much like Jerry
Travers. open champion. He did not like
the click of the camera shutters that took
his action, and in this way accounts for
his opening shot, which was slightly off the
line. 1t was n clean shot, though and the
large gallery of prominent citizens and
city officials woke the country echoes with
noisy plaudlts.
The transit magnate was so pleased with
his first shot that he Immediately teed Off
a In 10 1Rnly ya1 10 OH ma
around to see the birdlike flight of his ball.
Instead of the ball. however he saw
huge chunk of turf, and thereby had the
honor of taking up the first divot on the
new course, a million of which are ex-
pected to be taken up by the scores OF be-
ginners who will play the course in the
first week.
Benny Shows Real One
President Robert W. Lesley of the Golf
Association of Philadelphia, was the next
golfer to mount the teeing ground AS IAN
acknowledged golfer, he was expected to
show the crowd how the trick was done.
and the honorable prexy" did not disap-
point He took up a wooden club and
landed on the tiny pill with sweet smack
that picked it off its sandy tee for pretty
carry far out in the fairway.
The last baptizer to step to the bat was
Benny Sayers, the granddaddy of golf.
both in this country and abroad, He is one
of the most famous characters in the game.
He has taught most of the Kings, Queens
and other royalty, both ancient and mod
ern, the game of golf and the gallery
stepped forward as Benny picked up the
famous "dreadnought" driver, that he in
vented. and waggled the huge head over
his bail
His midget body twisted in perfect bal
ance and the ball fitted away like bullet
from gun.
"It hasn't stopped yet" said Golfer
Stotesbury in amusement some minutes
later as all stood entranced at the shot,
Benny Just missed his putt for by
fraction of an inch on the first hole. Presi'
dent Lesley laso played out the first hole
and got 6,
StOtesbury May Build Course
The new course gave Mr.. stotesbury an
idea and he discussed the possibility of
$50 acres of country land he owns. He
Country Club board of directors but never
plays there The thrill Of hitting golf
bali entranced him for some time and the
possibility OF spending his few spare mo-
ments in golf knlckers looks like a eer-
tainty.
Benny Sayers said the transit magnate
showed a quick intuition of the require
ments Of the game and ought 10 be a fair
golfer In a short time. 1t took the wizard
pro only two minutes 10 show his pupil
enough TO hit the ball.
" Twas remarkable" said Benny. Il