Evening star., 1942-01-16
Lack Of Laurel,
Not Equipment,
Criinps Sport
Steel Shafts Greater
Problem Than BolIs;
Pros to Garry On
By HAROLD CLAASEN,
Associated Press Sports Writer.


NEW YORK, Jan. 16.-Golfdom,
like other war confused sports,
doesn't know exactly what 1t will or
can do in 1912, but 1t does know
exactly what it is not going to do.
1t is not going to determine the
National Open, amateur, public
links and women's champions. al
though by sectional and tnvitational
meets it hopes to surpass the esti-
mated 63,406,000 rounds played IN
1941.
Despite the United States Golf As
sociation's action In calling OH It's
four major tournaments, the pro-
fessionals' group will decide its 1912
king sometime this summer on .
course still to be selected.
Joe Dey, executive secretary Of
the amateur combine, says the
championships were not Cancelled
because Of any pressure or lack OF
equipment. He explained the asso-
ciation's offices felt the title would
be hollow glory, with most Of the
better shotmakers IN the service or
TOO busy with defense work.
Steel Shafts . Problem.
Alexander H. Findlay Of Phila-
delphia. regarded as the first re-
taller OF golf equipment in this
country, is positive there will be no
ball shortage in the coming cam
paign.
Speaking for the retailers. I
might say there is sufficient rubber
for golf balls in 1912. We took care
Of that year ago. Naturally. ball
hogs who dedicate themselves to
boarding every available dozen can
make 1t hard on others. But from
here on We don't expect much Of
this.
Steel shafts will be a greater
problem than golf balls. Those who
have them should protect them," he
warned
1t was pointed out that the
amount Of rubber used by the tire
industry in a single, normal day
would supply golfers for an entire
season and then some.
Although 1t called Of its own
championships, the U. s. g. A..
adopted an "all-out" program Of as
sistance in raising funds for war
relief and defense.
Just what form this activity will
fokn hasn't kA>n A>tn~ai~>l L,,x
one suggestion is to hold exhibitions
such as were played in 1917-1els
when Bobby Jones. Jerry Travers.
Francis Ouimet, Chick Evans and
other stars Of that era donated
their services.
Suggests Bond Tournaments.
Another idea was advanced by
John B. Kelly, assistant director Of
civilian defense in charge of physical
fitness. He suggested club tourna-
ments be played on Memorial Day,
Independence Day and Labor Day.
with the winners getting trophies or
Defense bonds. Profits would 60 to
the Red Cross or similar organiza-
tions.
AS during the first World War,
amateurs may accept Defense bonds
and saving stamps up to 500 in any
one meet without jeopardizing their
standing.
George S. May, director Of the
Chicago Tam O'Shanter Open, has
offered to stage an all-America
amateur event in conjunction with
his 1912 putter parade along those
lines. 1t would be held In September.
Not only will the pros hold their
annual championship tourney but
they are going along with their
winter and spring programs below
the Mason-Dixon line Canada,
where War has been a reality for two
years. again will stage its open-its
only remaining meet with national
complexion.
Some Of the more widely known
golfers already In the service are
Bud Ward. the present amateur
champion: Ed (Porky) Oliver, win
ner of the 1910 st. Paul Open, and
Dick Chapman, the 1910 Simon Pure
titleholder.