, 1923-09-19
STANDARDIZATION OF GOLF
PLAY CAUSES UNP0PULARITY

least four inches deep. The rules
also defined the character of stroke
by the following: THE ball must
be fairly struck at. not pushed,
scraped o spooned."
Practically the only limitations,
therefore. were the size of the hoe
and tho character of the stroke.
One OF the chief charms of the game
lies in its individuality and the
range Of freedom OF action for the
player.
As To the Ball
II IT were not for the fear that
became general a few years ago that
increased resiliency OF golf balls
would be the means of spelling the
courses. or at least marring them
to such an extent rs TO necessitate
their having to be rebuilt. II Is
doubtful II there ever would have
been a standard ball: that Is, stan
dard as to size and weight. It has
ever been open to question. however
II extreme length would have worked
a detriment to the game. As II Is
now, a morjority OF the holes on the
longest courses. are little more than
drives n pitches or at the most,
irons for the leading players. Some
how or other. It is always what the
stars or champions do or can do
that seems to set the example or
fashion for the vast majority OF de-
voteez.
They tell a story at the expense
OF n certain golfer who for a num-
Der OF years had done nearly all his
playing over a rather short and com
p~aratively a course. In a bust.
ness way he became acquainted with
several men who were members OF
a club on Long Island known the
world over for its super layout. We'll
these friends kept telling this man
from the easy course what wonder.
full matches they had. how they en-.
joyed the game, and how 1t was only
possible to enjoy the game where
real golf could be had.
In n moment OF enthusiasm he al
lowed his friends to put his name
up for membership and In due time
he was elected. 1t so happened
that he had never played the purse
until after he Joined the club and
the day selected for a round happen
ed to be when the wind was thresh.
Ing from the sea forty knots an hour
Not being a long hitter he naturally
had his troubles. and OF course. the
extra wind hazard capped the eli
max. Anyhow. he played Just
three holes and walked back to the
clubhouse where he promptly hand.
ed in his resignation.
The point is lint this individual
realizing that he was completely out
OF his element lost no time in decid-
Ing that for him at least, II would be
better TO continue TO play th5 T1fhe
In his way and whore his
shots, such as they were, got him
somewhere. In other words he
knew his capabilities and preferred
to play accurately rather than con-
tinue in a futile attempt to ape the
champs"
Here's another story which shows
which way the wind blows. as far as
h public Is concerned with the
steel golf shaft.
Quite a prominent golf authority
is making an extended tour of the
countrys' courses. He carries with
him a very beautiful and expensive
Especial built driver. It Is the de-
light of professionals and other golf
ers with whom he comes in contact
with to waE this club and even drive
a ball from the tee.
The other day somebody in the
crowd OF golfers standing around ad.
niiring the ivory headed driver said:
why. the steel shaft7"
The golf authority looked aghast.
HIS reply WINS short and snappy.
Steel shaft. you ask? Man alive.