The New York herald., 1921-11-30
WOMEN'S met GOLF
MAYLOSE CHAMPION
Departure Of Mrs. w. A. Gavin
May Mean Default of
Title.
By KERR. n. PETRIE.

Golfers OF the metropolitan district
are wondering how strong their section
will be in the women's field by another
year. Recently there was much rejoic-
inS in the camp at the intimation that
Miss Alexa Stirling, national champion
from 1915 until this year, had decided
to settle down in New York city. Fur
ther than that. the announcement that
Miss Stirling had gono into busines In
the metropolis came at a moment when
the fair golfers were expressing them
selves pessimlseically a che outlook
for next season following the report that
Mrs. w. A. Gavin. the metropolitan
title holder, was about TO leave the
United States.
BY this timo Mrs. Gavin probably Is
again back In England. Beyond that, lit
tie is known of her intentions. Her stay
abroad may be OF brief duration, or,
again, she may decide 10 remain until
after the next British women's cham-
pionship or even TO settle down in Eng
land permanently. What seems to lend
some degree of color to the latter theory
is that Mr. Gavin before sailing re-
Gently severed some OF his business con-
nections in this country.
But even II Mrs. Gavin should with
draw from American golf the New York
district still would come out stronger
than ever for the acquisition of Miss
Stirling. This new found strength
probably would not begin to manifest it.
self right away, inasmuch as the former
national champion may for a time be
prevented from playing in the metro
polltan by the residence restriction
passed at the last annual meeting. In
this connection it may be recalled that
stch an amendment to the constitution
was proposed year ago following the
winning the season before OF the dig
qualifying medal and runner up prize
in the championship by Mrs. C. M.
knight of Cherry Valley. Mrs. knight
had como from England, as many be-
lieVed to reside here permanently. 1t
was later fround that she had lived in
the United States about three months
altogether.
With Mrs. Gavin out voluntarily and
Miss Stirling ineligible women's metro
politan golf the coming var may be
slightly under what ii was during the
past season. BY 1923 it will easily have
passed the old standard If Miss Stirling
remains around.
New York can call itself fortunate in
its ACQUISITIONS. Not SO many wears
have passed yet since Mrs. II. Arnold
Jackson. twice winner OF the national
crown, came to reside in this section
Mrs. Jackson now plays on the metro
politan team in the tri-city matches for
the Griscom cup. BY and by Miss
Stirling may even lead the locals In
the annual matches against Boston and
Philadelphia.
Jack Clark, one OF the "Old Guard"
professionals, and formerly instructor at
st. Adams. lately has been satisfying
himself that the world Is Il small place.
A few days ago Jack went out TO play
a round over the NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS.
course and on being introduced 30
Cuthbert Butchart, the professional
there. came TO the conclusion that the
later was an old acquaintance.
Butchart, 1t seems, used to entertain
the golf galleries on the links OF Mont
rose, Scotland. when Clark and Charlie
Thorn, OF Shiunecock Hills, were caddie
boys at the Royal Albert Club. Twenty
eisht years have elapsed since the pairl
laid eyes on each other and In that
time broad seas have rolled between.
Clark came to America, while Butchart
went off to lay ont courses and to
play around the British Isles. Later he
found his way to Germany. where he
settled down as the professional at the
Berlin Coli Club. He was interned at
the outbreak of war. A year ago he
arrived in this country.
Butchart was plus s in the Montrose
Mercantile, according TO Clark. And"
says Jack, 'if he can play only half
the gamo that he possessed in the old
days no one is going to make a fool OF
t1 D,.t.
around the Baltimore south course in
64. That would seem to Indicate that
he has a little or the old stuff left"
Clark has opened an indoor school at
the corner OF Fifty-ninth street and
Broadway. He now has two courts
going and expects 10 have several more
In operation ct al early date.