The Birmingham age-herald., 1921-04-23
M E N w MEN
 A ND HING S


 For years I have lived in plain viev
 of the Country club. as the grounds il
 the front of my residence are only
 short block away, while on the otne
 Side they are within long block.
 
 Living as I do. almost in the elbow O
 the links, am accustomed to their love
 n1tss as every morning l feast my eye
 on the scene as I dress, and after break
 fast frequently stroll through them t,
 tue lake or across to Clairrnont avenue
 II seems strange that until the news
 pa7er tournament I had never made tn,
 rounds Of the koebuck links with the
 exception oi following the several holes
 alongside the car track when Vardor
 and Ray were here in an exhibition
 match to watch them and the gallery
 of local golfers.
 This is why, when about 10 days ago,
 went out to play on the links that my eyes were opened to their dazzling beauty, for they were at their very best in their new spring attire. looking as oewitching and fit as a Birmingham debutante at her coming out party, about the prettiest thing a man can loo1 upon.
 It doesn't take a golfer to enthuse over the lcvelieness of the links, for any na- ture lover can get inspiration by simply walking ever the course, as the fertile valley, the nearby hills and the noun tain in the distance make a picture which for sheer beauty is hard to find anywhere, even in this city of picturesque homes and natural parks.
 It's the dream of every country bred man who comes to the city to seek wealth and position, then when his quest ends in success 70 retire to sarm through whicc 1urs a sparkling branca of clear. water in which little fisn can be seen at Hay while bubbling spring is within easv reach of the house, where he can slake his thirst from an old gourd dipper.
 Well, just above the Roebuck club house is one of the boldest springs in Jefferson county, sending down through the valley and cleaving in twain the golf course stream of pellucid water which IS a source of continual joy to every hard-worked man and careworn woman who, to forget their troubles and find solace in playing the great Scottish game which is> the best cure known for that tired feeling which is so much advertised.
 The sheer loveliness of the branch as 1t went it's way singing to the lake be- low entered into my very soul, and yet it proved to be my undoing in the matches I played for true to my train ing as a Baptist, I never got anywhere near it without driving my golf ball into the deepest hole in all of it's course think this should have made my handi- cap more. for try as I might, I was never able to keep from immersing every ball I attempted to drive across it. If 1 played on the course often I would have to use "floaters" or go broke for balls
 The clubhouse is in keeping with it's environment, and is most artistic as it seems to be natural part of the scen- cry and not something which was super imposed upon it by man. The use of the natural brown stone was happy idea, and is wonderfully well carried out in the steps fences and the smaller houses. as we'll as in the walks. It gives just the restful tones needed to make a har- monious picture. I do not know the architect who designed it, but I con- gratulate him on his achievement.
 But the crowning beauty spot of the whole series of buildings is the swim i ming pool, which seems to be grasped in | the arms of the main clubhouse. It's clear water with the darker rocks for back ground make 1t joy forever to one's aesthetic being. It comes rushing from the great spring above and is cold and | nvigorating, giving just that jingle which makes plunge in it a tonic. No wonder that it's waters draw many nto its depths.
 The planting all about the clubhouse is n excellent taste, as landscape gardeners rave utilized every tree, bush, shrub, 5ine and plant which can add to the 'icturesqueness of the grounds But na- ure is always a better gardener than nan, for she can take all the time need d and scatter with lavish hand all of he treasures at her disposal in the way # rills and rivers. hills and mountains, lales and valleys, shrubs and trees, vines md flowers.
 Now. it seems as if dame nature tried o bestow on Roebuck everything she lad to give out of her cornucopia. ave spoken of the general lay of the and. the branch, the hills within and he mountain without ;but now I want to peak of the virginal trees which every 7here Tn the course lift up their heads < n pride. I'll not attempt to catalogue heir names. but I will call special at entioE to the clump of pines just above nd to the right of the clubhouse. one pot which always challenges the admira- ion of all l' an be, furnished tastily and having : verything for the comfort of the mem CTS and their guests. It is hard to ( ear ones self away from it's charms. It f as been the scene of many brilliant . ubiic gatherings and private parties. It nd the grounds make up one of the { how places of Birmingham, and it is al- k avs with pride that distinguished vis- ors are ushered into the rooms and