Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1928-01-06

r UNLESS some delegate speaks
out Of turn, the United
States Golf Association at it's
~ annual meeting in New York
tomorrow probably will pay
no attention TO the efforts OF a few
trouble hunters TO put the faint Of
professionalism on Bobby Jones I've
cause of his acceptance Of 0.00t
home from his fellow townsmen Of AT
lanta.
The gift of the Georgians to theil
idol passed almost unnoticed here IL
America. But did create something Of
a furore I'm England, where II consti
tuted the greater part Of no ones bust
ness. The custom of municipalities OF
friends Of making presents to anna
teur athletes is not new nor has II
ever been construed as a violation OF
the code. There are many unprotected
precedents for IL in golf. Jess Sweet
ser was presented with a modest mo
tor car by the members of the Siwanoy
Club after his victory i'm the amateur
at Brookiine in 1922: Los Angeles golf
ers gave George Won Elm a motor
after his championship campaign at
Baitusroi In 1895 and Providence adj
mirers of Gienna Cellett purchased
car for the giri star after she had
won the womens' national title. Jones
was presented with fine automobile
by the citizens OF Sarasota, Fla. a cou.
pie OF Winters ago without any pro-
test being made.
Seen As q Professional.
But because the Atlanta gift was
more lavish than any of the others ana
because Bobby Jones is the outstand'
ing amateur golfer Of the world. he
was made the target of some abuse
after accepting the check for $50 .o0o-
with which the hons was 10 be built
from his home town folks. lie Is be-
ing accused of professionalism and the
intimation In made that England viii
demand clearance papers before II per-
mits him 10 play again In the British
amateur. That's not only pure malice,
but also a lot OF drivel.
II is foolish to accuse Bobby Jones
OF professionalism or any intent to
capitalize his ability as a golfer. In
deed he 10 almost fanatical in his anna
teurism. For years he rejected offers
% write golf articles and other propo-
eitions by which he might have In.
creased the size Of his purse. When
h. did decide TO write he first consult.
ed with the United States Golf Asso,
citation and all Of his articles except
the book Down the Pathway" are the
product OF his own pencil and mind.
The writer recalls very distinctly
Bobby working on his articles during
the national open at Oakmont. He
spent q couple of hours in the press
tent every day during the champion.
ship writing and rewriting his stories
In long hand and sometimes uttering a
soulreiisv.ng curse when the words
did not coma readily.
A. for Atlantis presenting him with
q home solely because he 10 the world q
greatest golfer, that In doubtful. The
citizens OF the Georgia city have the
beautiful custom Of every now and
then presenting some prominent citi.
zen with substantial remembrance.
Some years ago they gave q pronii-
nent banker a fine home. IL Atlanta
presented Jones with the home he,
cause he n great golfer. then II ran
only be said: They waited 0 long
Jones. Not His Golf.
Atlanta has a deeprooted affection
for Bobby that II not based alone upon
his ability 10 hit q golf hall little
IL IN true. at course. that golf hrst
brought Bobby 10 Atlanta attsntion.
But todaysAfiasta likes Bot y Jones
FIRST and Mr. erff second.
Giving Dreesnts 10 sports ceiebri.
ties is ainn6sfr entirely an American
custom. Great Britain never has gons
in for thu. idea, but sports do not pley
20 large & part In the daily life pf ths
British AZ tbey d6 here In the United
States. Buh Jones' 10 just as popular
I'm Engia Nd Ind Scotia nd ~ he IL here
81 home. and n II deubtfui .whsthel