The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-03-06
Tee, Fairway and Green
DEMOCRACY OF GOLF. . HE reason for so much change
By CHICK EVANS
In golf courses, 1t seems to


 me, lies deep. It Is something far down in the roots of human na- ture, something which, cultivated in moderation, is one of the best things we have-a certain individual pride in our clubs. and our associates and in our surroundings. And let us not forget tEe fact that many courses need changing. and many clubs can afford to do 1t. but 1t Is not that phase of the question to which Sam uel Blythe called our attention. It is trying to make championship courses out of fairly good ones; tearing them up by the roots, Ieav- ing them unplayable for months; the special assessments and in- creased dues forcing many fine men and their families from these clubs.
 I acknowledge that this happens only too frequently, but I think that it Is my duty to clear "the low browed professionals who have done nothing else but play and practice golf all their lives in most cases, and couldn't do anything else if they tried, in most cases, also" from blame in this matter. I would confident htat not one of these same "glittering amateurs" ever called one of these respected "sus- taining golfers" who go around in 90-and over--"dubs,' and "duf- fers." think they give these names to each other.
 The Committees.
 If one looks over the member ship list of almost any club he will find that the personnel of officers iyvrA nt club Is made up not of the best players. but of the best payers and the most prominent socially. The few best players are quite content to take what is handed out to them. As rule they have neither the time nor inclination-for committee work. The occasional exception is the man with a dual role-a "glittering anna teur," and an accident of wealth" Therefore 1t Is upon the shoulders of these leading clubmen, who never go around in les than 80 and ire quently pass the 100 mark, that the blame, or credit, for all chang es should fall. It may be an inherent restlessness in the minds of com mittees, burning desire to have a course as good as the other fell lows: the natural wish to keep up with the procession. Making over a course is sort of outlet for the manifestation of pride in ones club. None of us likes to be called a back number and everyone does like to think that he plays on a first class course and sometimes is going to play first-class game. Of course there are few difficult courses on which very fe wpoor players could enjoy their game, but the f.l r,t1 make his scientific course beyond the skill of the average player. He merely makes it possible for the skilled player to cut off shot, or two, at various holes, and take a good many risks while doing it, and that is something of the fascination of the advanced game. We like the risks, but there is always a safe, fairly certain route to the hole for the unskilled majority to pursue. Expense of Course.
 There is great deal of expense. legitimate expense, in the upkeep of an American course, and it pays to keep course in condition. The turf gives us the most trouble, for our hot summers burn out the grass. Then, too, with balls increasing in distance, there often seems nothing to do but to lengthen certain holes, but putting all this aside there IS no doubt that a great deal of money is wasted remaking golf courses which is hardship for many peo- pie. The middle path is usually best.
 l wonder if we may not eventually find that few really fine courses in the different sections of the coun- try might not better meet the needs of the people. Good courses aplenty and few superfine ones whereon those who feel the need can try out their finAst shots Democracy and economy are good watchwords, and whoever can teach us that will do