New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-01-11
GOLF QUESTION
DESERVES FAIR,
SQUARE HEARING
By GRANTLAND RICE

When it comes to tho final, decisive
issue, with tho skirmishng over, at
the annual golf meeting Friday night,
this will undoubtedly be the main
point put before the gathering:
/. II the majority of delegates pres
cut believe that it is for The good OF
the game to prevent prominent am
ateurs from concentrating their skill
by rushing into the golf supply bust
ness. pass a rule TO this effect. that
will cover all future proceedings.
.. But with this change from the
present order that the rule shall ap-
ply only to those who have golf skill
to commercalize SAY a handicap OF
> or lover, and that it shall not apply
10 those who were in the business be-
fore the 1916 rule was passed and who
therefore were caught by retroactive
move.
This rule would protect the game
from any Characterization, and would
also provide justice for those who
were already in the supply business
before the measure was passed last
wear
The argument to be offered is this:
Those who might be i'm the golf sup
ply business or those who may enter
II in the future with no particular
skill at the game. having therefore no
skill to commercialize, should not be
ruled as professionals. 1t stands 10
reason that man who never played
IN Ia - ~
develop any business through his golf
skill, and so should be exempt from
any such legislation.
In the same way, 10 is argued, that
golfers like Oumet. who had been in
the business before the rule was passed.
who had been permitted TO play as
amateurs before, should not be forced
20 the alternative of giving up their
trade or retiring from all amateur COM
petition. Ouimet was in the golf sup
ply business before he had ever quail
fed in a championship. 1t is the only
business he has ever known. At the
time such practice was permissible
under the rules. So. the main fight,
in his case, will be made for reinstate-
ment on this basis.
There are now three factions in the
field, TO Judge from opinions offered
by arriving delegates and other we'll
known golfers around the city.
First-Those who will back up the
United States Golf Association COM
mttee in its present stand, which
maintains the disqualification OF 0ui-
met and others.
Second-Those who DO not believe
that any rule Of indirect professional
ism should be passed and that man
he allowed 20 engage in any business
that he likes As long as it isn't directly
connected with playing or teaching the
game for money.
Third Those who believe that 4
rule. for the future, should be passed
TO prohibit prominent amateurs from
entering the golf supply business, but
who believe the rule should not affect
those who we're already in.
Much may depend upon the stand
taken By the incoming president, How
ard Perrin. Of Philadelphia. But it is
now certain that a sharp battle will
result between the executive commit
zee on one side and those forces on
the other led by the Woodland Club.
Having heard both sides Of the ques-
ton. it will then be up to the voting
delegates 70 decide the issue. But IL
is imperative for the general good of
the game that both sides should be
given a full. fair hearing before the
final vote is taken.
Just at present both camps are we'll
modified. with enough arguments at
hand 10 last out the night. Several
prominent golfers around town have
been working fo- many days over some
satisfactory amateur rule. and several
Of these will hc presented for consid-
GRAFTON.
The one point fairly definitely
settled is the location of the three
champion ships -0akmont. of Pitts
burgh, for the amateur title; Brae
Burn. of Boston. for the open and
shawnee. Of Pennsylvania for the
women's championship.