Evening star., 1935-01-27
ALL-SEASON PLAY
TODEC|DE ROSTER
Young Pros to Have Even
Chance With Star Vets
in Selections.
BY FRANCIS ]. POWERS.

r OS ANGELES, Calf, January
26,-The United States Ryder
Cup team, which will meet a
brigade of British professionals
et the Ridgewood, N. j., Country Club
next September, should be the strong
est we ever have entered in the inter-
national matches.
Heretofore the Ryder matches have
been played early in the Summer, be-
fore the United States and British
open championships and other i'm
portant tournament events, and play
ers who came up during the Winter
season or performed brilliantly during
the Summer frequently were omitted
from the international team.
For one reason or another. there
always was some discomfort with the
personnel of the United States team,
when it was selected by committee
on the basis OF past performance.
This year, I am told, the Profess
sional Golfers Association will select
the Ryder squad from performance
during the 1885 season. A close rec
ord of all the eligible candidates for
the team will be kept and when the
Selection Committee gets down to
business next August every player will
be measured according to what he has
accomplished in competition.
This method not only gives the
younger players an even chance with
established stars, but it also should
produce a team capable of winning
back the Ryder Cup from the British.
Automatically Placed.
~F COURSE the 1885 United States
open and p. G. A. champions
are automatic members of the
team, which is proper. But those two
are the only ones who can be certain
of places on the team without COM
petition. At this time it is quite likely
that several youngsters will win posi-
tions on the international squad.
Foremost among the younger players
bidding for a Ryder berth is KY Laf-
foon, the Chicago professional. Laf-
foon was low scorer among the pro-
fessionals in 1884 and he is of to a
good start again this Winter. KY is
gradually warming to his best form
in events here on the Pacific Coast
and as the tournament trail bends
eastward again, he frequently will be
in the headlines.
Victor Ghezzi. the tall italian from
Deal, N. j., will win a place on the
team if he can continue his present
pace, which won him the Los Angeles
open as we'll as place money in other
California events.
Johnny Revolta seems certain to be
among the best shot makers Of the
season and Harold (Jug) McSpaden
of Kansas City is developing a con-
among them you will find Gene Sara
warrant him much consideration.
Some Vets to Play.
ZONE veterans are quite certain to
be among the leading scorers
when the final vote is taken and
among them you will find, Gene Sara
zen. Horton Smith and Olin Dutra.
Those three seldom vary much in their
positions among the leaders and at
this time all Of them are playing well.
Sarazen was hitting the ball in great
form during the recent California
events and Dutra should make a
great fight in defense of his open
championship at Oakmont in June.
AS the Winter season fades and the
stars get back on Northern courses,
other players are certain to put in
strong bids for places on the team and
the Selection Committees task will
not be easy when it considers the sea-
son percentages.
Playing the Ryder Cup matches in
September gives a grand finish to the
golf season and furnishes an incentive
for younger players which has been
lacking.
Regardless of the personnel of the
United States squad, our 1885 team
should be one of the strongest and best
balanced we ever have sent against
the British and it should be able to
give the invaders tidy trimming.