The Birmingham age-herald., 1922-06-05
Golf Etiquette

GOIt EAquette
 Now that golf playing is at full swing 1t is well to recall the fact that we are judged and often harsh ly by our behavior on the links. It is indeed strange thing that many otherwise amiable people deport themselves in an extraordinary man ner when on the links.
 The other day I was talking to a man with a small golf grievance. He said that he believed that a golfer never intentionally does anything selfish when playing. but that un- consciously he does do many things and the point was to get him to see his unconscious selfishness.
 The grievance of this particular man was the discomfort and dis advantage he experienced when out driving the other three in four ball match. He says that by the time the three had played their seconds they were on the run and never stopped to wait for him to play. I think that he has Just cause to complain. Although few of us are shot as in our own, even from the playing viewpoint 1t Is important to us. and it really is we'll to initiate virtue that we do not possess.
 stand StilI
 No matter where you may be, it is best to stand still until your op- ponent, or companions, have played. This is only fair to the other player and when you are fair to him you are also fair to yourself, and when you have observed the etiquette nf the game you feel that you are play ing 1t more fully. Always play in turn. Never speak when the other man Is playing. Do not get angry and throw your clubs; you are not the only player who has had trouble on the links. Recall how annoying it was to hear Smith taking prac- tioe swings while you were driving.
 If player has some little per sonal characteristic learn it and thereafter respect it. I shall never forget little happening at Garden City during the national champion ship of 1913, and I hope that I have not offended the same person in the same way since. was paired against Mir. Walter J. Travis in the third round. and I met him at the tee. A stiff wind was blowing against us and the necessary carry of ITO yards looked hard indeed. gave the honor to MT. Travis, and as ne SlOOQ upon the tee ne lOOKeQ slight enough-I do not think he weighed over 1s0 pounds-for the wind to blow him over. But you should have seen the beautiful ball he drove, straight and true over every obstacle. Tn my boyish admira- tion, I exclaimed: That's wond s-- full shot, Mir Travis! A wonderful shot!" He turned around and an swered "Of course 1t Is; what did you expect?" T was almost taken off my feet. but after all why should have expected anything else from so great a player. He was merely true to form. I can assure you. however. that I did not say another word the rest of the day.
 When a player has made very roor shot, do not say, you hooked it. you topped 1t, you smothered It.. 1t Is going into the bunker" or so on. These remarks are all super fluous because the player is both seeing and feeling what is happen ing to his shot. I think that the best thing to do when the other fsl- low is having his troubles on the links, and we all have them, is not tc say word to him: it's the rare man who can sympathize tactfuliy.
 Copyright. John F. Dille Co.)