The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1921-04-30


Scotchman. His phenomenal proves
on the greens later led to victory :
over his opponents.
World Golf Championship.
Chicago, April Decomposition for
the open golf championship of the
world may become an annual affair as
a result of action taken by the Decatur
Business Mems Golf association in Of
fering cup as the trophy for the
winner. The move made by the down
staterS may not seem in itself to be OF
international importance to those who
have been waiting for the better =
known organization to offer such y
prize, but a review of the plans OF the
Decaturans will convince even the
most skeptical that they have gone
about the problem of promoting world
play in most businesslike manner.
In the first place, there is no club
to accept the Decatur cup with au-
thority to Conduct a tournament for
the worlds title. Therein lies the
chance for the DOWNSTAIRS to take the
first steps in the promotion of a world
wide federation of golf cubs. with
rules and regulations to cover interna-
tional competition-and they are using
their strength where they can get the
most leverage. Under the now exist
ing conditions play for the title of more
than a single association is impossible
There are no universal regulations
covering the game.
st. Andrews club of Scotland was at
one time the ruling body of the golfing
world. Just why the Scotsmen were
permitted to dictate is hard to say In
point of law rules laid down by them
can have effect on no other course
than ST. Andrews. There is no Brit
ish association with power to make
rules, consequently st. Andrews meas
ures are respected turnout Great Britt
ain simply because of tradition. The
4 =
aroused such contention that many OF
the followers of the st. Andrews are
turning to other organizations. Its
hold on America is fully shaken off
now except as it affects players who
enter British tournaments.
In America golf is in rather a cha
| otto state. The United States Golf
| association rules differ materially
| from those of the Western Golf asso-=
citation and the two are very unlike
| British rules. In order to accept the
Decatur prize there must be properly
constituted international body of golf
erS, or else the downstate town Will
| have as much right to promote the
event as any other city in NE world.
| and the title event will be played off
under the auspices OF the Business
| Mems Golf association of Decatur.
| The proposed plan Of the tournment
| is similar to any national champion
/ ship event, except that the competi-
4
| try The play would be in the form OF
single matches. as therein lies the only
chance for golf at its height. Ameri-
lea would draw the first tournament.
inasmuch as the cup originated IN TINS
country. After that the play will be
held abroad, the place to be decided
by drawings.
Topekais famous "Bing Bang Bill"
Biby tells the following story of his
| entrance into golf:
! TT was in St. Louis. I had neigh
Dor whose house was decorated with
cups he had won at golf. His con-
slant patter got me interested in the
game-and Mrs. Biby also. In self
defense we allowed him to take us
down town one day and equip our
selves for the fray. I spent all my
money on sticks and bags and Mrs.
Billy put us in debt for six months
buying clothes.
"My entrance was to be on & Sum
day morning. I had practieed swing
ing my new clubs in the back yard
and felt real proud of my stance. The
/ Sunday papers on the day L was to
play announced that certain famous
! golfer would play at the municipal
links that morning. When / arrived
at the first tee I noticed an unusually
large crowd there-and 1 noted that
they seemed to turned their eyes
toward me. I was logged for the oc-
casion-dapper little hat, white and
/ pressed, Windsor tie, checked knick-.
| ers wooden hand painted hose, bright
| shoes-and a shiny bag full of shiny
| sticks to hand to the caddy.
/ Finally my turn. came at the tee
| With proper recognition OF my ap-
| pearance and importance, | kneeled
gracefully and made my sand tee.
brushed the sand from my fingers
nonchalantly. Giving my new lid an
extra rakish dip and my nobby knick-
ers an extra hitch. / squared away at
that ball. You could have heard a
! pin drop as my club went back over
my shoulder. Movie! The swish OF
the club thru the air was all that was
| heard. The ball did not move from it's
| nest. Again I cooked my hat. again
1 l hitched my trousers and again I
| posed for the proper length of time.
With uncurbed anger I threw all my
strength into that driver. The effort
| threw me off my balance and for the
second time. following the great
windup, 1 saw that 'deVilish ball
tucked snugly in the sand. Still not a.
sound from the crowd. The Silence
! was killing me. I lost my sense OF
control couldn't stand those critical
| silent faces around the gallery. Turn
ing to that perfect sea of cynics I
yelled:
my God, people, laugh at me.
| laugh at me. / deserve lido any
| thing. l can't stand your silence.'
| THE effect was instantaneous. The
crowd first snickered, then doubled in
| laughter.
1T brought me back to earth and
my third mighty swing at the ball sent
1t at least fifteen feet into the grass
to the right of the tee
1T was my entrance into the big
leagues To think of It is a nightmare
to this day"
/ The Shawnee fairway is in wonder
full sha pe--in fact, it is ideal for any
4 time of the year. The one rolling was
| sufficient to hold the sod in place and
the trough" has not had time to grow
rank. Groundkeeper Flanders is to be
} commended for his excellent work this
last winter and spring.