The New York herald., 1921-09-18
UPHOLDS CHOOSING
OF WESTERN LINKS
Twofold Significance Attached
to Selection of st. Louis,
Says Anderson.
by JOHN q. ANDERSON.

BY JOHN q. ANDERSON.
The withdrawal of many Of the best
golfers in the country from participa-
ton in the amateur championship at st.
Louis has two fold significance, we
believe. First 1t would appear that at
no time In the future will there ever be
proper representation when the tour
ney is awarded TO some Far Western
links. and secondly that perhaps this
very fact will make for greater inter-
est In the tournaments.
There are and always will be at least
three or four past champions who viii
seek to recapture the laurels which once
were theirs and which they might again
hold with honor to their club and them
selves. The reigning champion always
will be in the lists as well. Wherefore
there will be given to new and quito
possibly younger golfers golden oppor-
tunities to win their way to third or
semi-finalist's position which will re-
dound to their own and their districts
lasting credit and spread abroad interest
worth while. Ultimate success swouid
seem to be cffectually dwarfed because
of the presence each year of such golf
ers as Jones and Evans. Ouimet and
Gardner. II these four were to absent
care must be taken In the selection Of
courses calculated to bring out every
good player.
The chief reason for thought in the
selection OF golf courses now finds ex-
preston In international entrants. There
are In the New York section several
golfers who entered and later Withdrew
from the national amateur because OF
distance and other minor reasons who
are well able to play an even game with
the British amateur champion. His
path toward success has been made
easier by far, provided the draw brings
no undue severity, than would otherwise
have been the case.
withdrawal of Easterners.
If Messrs. wethered. Tolley and few
others had Joined In the hunt again this
year for international honors their
chances for success would have been en-
hanced with every withdrawal maze by
Eastern golfers. This Is point we'll
worth considering when future c.iam-
pionships are to be granted and venues
are to be assigned by the Committee OF
three.
Local knowledge will always prove its
case in every championship When the
tourney Is held at the Country Club.
diction to make that there will be fifty
entrants for the championship from the
Immediate vicinity OF Boston. that the
very numbers will put an average down
on the low scores and that ten will quail
ify for match play where there will be
three this year. But of this ten few
will not have championship experience
calculated TO bring them through to high
places. Yet partial success may con-
duce to send them the next year to Pine
Valley and there try their skill over
the finest course In the world. The same
may be true of the event at st. Louis
this year.
We are not In sympathy with those
who say that the tourney never should
have been awarded TO a club so far
west, since the arguments which we
have stated cover any mutterines in
that direction. For some time that city
has been known for its aggressiveness
In golf. for several remarkable young
sters. and we can think of no gofng
deed moro mcritorious or in keeping
with the ideals OF governing body than
TO give the people. players and gallery.
a chance to zee how their local ia vorites
compare with others OF more national
reputation. II 1t Is found that inter-
national rivalry is making inroads, then
pressure will have to be brought to bear
upon the best golfers to ensure their
presence eaeh year.
Expense to st. Louis.
The expense attached to the trip this
year TO st. Louis Is the greatest since
the start of championships. The round
trip fare alone from New York with
train meals amounts to st30. The early
starting OF the championship on the pre-
cedlng Saturday means that IL one stays
through the week another $3.50 must be
spent upon the necessaries. Add $50
for other expenses OF a more or less
essential nature and the total mounts to
appreciable figures In these unsettled
times. And the fact that ten days at
least must be given UP by those who 90
not wish to travel a thousand miles and
then return right home after defeat or
non-qualifying, especially when there is
o British champion in the lists. adds to
greater business cares and worries.
One gives up about everything for
golf, but this season has seen somewhat
OF a decline In rapt enthusiasm. The
reasons for this are good.
II can play in three Journeys around
the metropolitan district" said one
| likely candidate for high national
honors. II am not at the top OF my
me to spend time and money and not
enjoy myself when I can find enjoy
mont and pleasure right here at home
for half the money. And spend each
night with my family. too"
So II goes and with good reason. II
Is "a rub of the times" that such must
be the decision. but Il will always be
thus IL signs do not fail unless the in
ternational entry becomes a positive
menace.
M. MclIo Tol,oo Tue