Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-02-17
RU4H'S FINE TRIM
CREDITED TO GOLF
SIugger Keeps in Condition
by Work on Links-PIays
Strong Game Now.
By the Associated Press.

BY the Associated Press.
- T. PETERSBURG, Fla, February
1.-THE great man of base bali
plays a great game of golf, when
~ he rids himself of a bad habit of
pushing his wood shots.
Babe Ruth's performances on the
links justify no criticism from the
duffer or even the better -than-average
player, for the big slugger can bust
80" with considerable consistency and
flourish. As matter Of fact, he won't
be content until he "busts 20" on the
well-trapped tricky jungle Club course.
His chief trouble, however. is desire
to whack the golf ball with all the
gusto and enthusiasm with which he
cracks a base ball In fact, distance,
with very little, if any. direction was
the Babes chief difficulty few years
ago when his golf was in its infancy.
Since then he has altered, developed
and improved his game.
ct don't bang EN- for distance any
more" he remarked after round over
the Jungle Club course that was some
what erractic but good enough to pro-
cuce a score of 70. 9 over par. He has
shot this particular course in " this
Winter.
II still like to wallop 'enn and see 'em
ride. but have found out that an extra
80 or 20 yards isn't the main thing.
It's sticking the second shot up around
the pin that counts. They don't pay
of on those long drives. especially II
they wind up in the rough or the
woods"
Is Strong Driver.
Stories have circulated about the
Babes prodigious driving, probably for
the reason that the ordinary golfer
IF S1ank-
ing, long drive down the middle than
any other shot, unless its long putt
The debate on this point isn't Settleo,
Ruth has carried over $50 yards from
the tee. This is based on fact and
nrt,,al measurement He has several
times driven into ditch only 25 YARDS
In front of the 368-yard fourth mole
at the Jungle Club. Beyond that the
Babe cannot say definitely as to ms
record for long hitting.
ANY time he hits one ION the nose
II is good for close TO 500 yaros, ouC
his average drives now are not much
over $50 wards. He carries that far
With a wooden cleek that he has Just
ACQUIRED but had some difhculty In
he uses a number 8 iron to reach
the 2iS-yard fifth green at the jungle
Club and he was hole high. e:Nat 1eet
from the pin, with a number iron on
the l93-yard seventh hole in match
with this correspondent
On this seventh hole, one OF Ille
Bahe's companions. Walter Gregg OF
Bavside. N. Y, holed out from on the
green. but the big fellow then stepped
I'm IN sink his long putt for deuce 10
have the hole. II was a perfect eX-
ample of the fine competitive tempera-
ment. the ability to step up ana 90 ms
stuff under some pressure that has al
WAYS been a Ruthian characterlstlc.
Thsre is nothing the Babe likes better
than competition of tough spot. HIS
base ball record is full OF marvellous
achievements made under pressure.
Common SOuthpaw Fault.
Ruth's tendency to push or slice his
shots is common TO most southpaws OF
the links, Just as wildness is generally |
attributed to portside pitchers in base |
ball. On the other hand. the Babe has |
so natural. easy and graceful gol |
swing that all he requires Is the applica-
tion of moderate pressure TO keep MS |
shots under control.
Golf, Sc holes of it, nearly every day. |
is putting Ruth in prime shape Tor |
what he expects to be another great i
season of base ball. 1t has cut his
WelRnG GOWN 10 III anu llAS
TO 40. If he entertains any doubts about |
coming to terms over his 1890 contract
with the Yankees, in time to start train
ing on the diamond here March 5, ne
does not manifest it.
All reports and ballyhoo TO the con-
trary, Babe Ruth has not the slightest
idea of quitting base ball. He has been
in the game too long and he loves 1t TOO
much to think of retiring while he is
still in good trim. As boyishly eager as
ever TO begin smacking en- over the
fences.
Tourists. men, women and boys come
from all parts of the country 70 see
Ruth. shake his hand, ask him to
autograph a book or base ball. He Is
glad 70 see them all. An elderly couple
from Utica, N. Y, walked up TO greet
him as he came of the eighteenth green
yesterday. The woman said:
ct don't know much about base ball,
Mr. Ruth, but hope you have good
season"
And so do I. MAN." he smiled.