Norwich bulletin., 1917-07-12
OUIMET CHASED AS
 AMATEUR IN WEST
Woodland Golfer Will Start in West ern Championship With Many Other Easterners.

With the United States Golf Asso- cia tlon'S letter refusing him reinstate- ment to the amateur ranks in his DOCK ct. Francis Ouimet, of Boston, at the present moment is out there some where in the vicinity of Chicago, mak- ing ready for the amateur champion ship tournament of the Western Golf Association. This time next week Francis may be on his way hack here with said title in his pocket or in his caddie bag, pr wherever golfers are supposed to carry these things, once again a1 amateur champion. although by the decree of the United States Golf Association still not fit and proper person to mingle with the si- mon puree in the national amateur tourney.
 This will be Ouimet's first champion : ship in many months. As matter of fact, he has scarcely lifted a club for tournament play since the C. $. G. A. set it's feet down hard and fast on the dealer in golf supplies Overlooking for the moment the things that led up to Ouimet's entry in the Western, there is no denying the fact that the officials of the association which has have shown considerable enterprise in inviting the Woodlander to compete. for, with all the L. s. c. A tourna- ments cancelled, the Western now promises to be the one big golf event of the year.
 But the Western associa ton is not arranging to have an exhibition game by Ouimet. It means to have real tournament, and that the event to be decided next week at Midlothian is by the entry list. which includes At lanta's boy wonder" Bobby Jones; John c. Anderson. who was runner-up in 1913 and again in 1915 for the ma = tional amateur championships; Jesse ciuilford, the Massachusetts champion; Reuben Bush, New Orleans. and many others of the star players of the Chi oago district.
 ward to a meeting between Ouimet and Chick Evans are likely to be disap- pointed. for Evans holder Of the na- tional open and amateur titles. is not entered. Another Chicago star who will be missed is Robert A. Gardner, national title holder in 1909 and 1915. Some time ago Gardner announced that he would not compete in any golf championship this year. He has ap- piled for admittance to the officers and is anxiously awaiting the call to arms.
 While it might be though that Oui- met will play under a handicap. inas- much as he has not competed in a tourney for so long he is m reality one of the most dangerous of contenders. His game is built along such solid lines that he needs very little practice to keep him Tn the pest or form, Wnlle few rounds of the links would be suf f1cient to put him in physical condi tion to last through a gruelling week of compes ition.
 The few exhibition games in which Ouinlet has taken part this season have clearly demonstrated that he is still the equal of any amateur player in the country, and that indeed he would still be a sturdy contender in any open championship. One of the most re- cent appearances of Ouimet the links was made in the Boston district, when he and Jesse Guilford. the Mas sachusetts State title holder, defeated NJ. J. Brady and Louis Heller. two of the country's leading professionals.
 This will be the first time that Oui met he/ ever participated in the Western championship. Tn fact. he has played very little in the Middle West, particularly in amateur events. but Francis has way of making friends, and there will be many to welcome him at Midlothian.
 The present holder of the West ern title is Heinrich Schmidt, who, all though now in California, is also Massachusetts bred golfer. With Oui- met Anderson and Guilford in the field it does not seem that this par ticular championship title. and Bay State golf are likely to maintain their present close connection for some lit tie time to come