Evening star., 1943-01-07

shortage and turnover of labor;
certain materials used in playing
equipment and course maintenance
Indications that 1943 will be a
time Of testing were seen last year,
when some few courses were forced
to close. AS one public course op-
orator wrote us. in answer to a re-
quest to hold a war relief tourna-
ment, I'VE are trying hard to stay
in business. Better promote some
thing for the relief of golf courses" +"
Further, some people question
whether golf playing is in keeping
with patriotism.
But If a things right to exist to-
day is gauged by whether it is useful
to a nation at war, then golf courses
deserve to come through success
fully. AS I remarked a year ago,
golf In wartime has mission-to
help us keep fit and to aid war char
tiles.
Golf Promotes Fitness.
II it is patriotic to be in shape
physically, mentally and spiritually,
then it is patriotic to play golf.
OF course, We won't win the war
with mashie. Further, We
ahouldn't use the mashie when that
would interfere with the war effort.
But golf can further the we'll
being OF some 2,351 900 Americana
just as it has been doing all these
years-and that is valuable. Golf es-
sentially is participant sport.
Even as spectator sport it pro-
notes fitness, for 1t keeps its fol-
lowers on the move.
There Is no wartime newness
about COLTS benefits-such things as
mans most natural exercise, walk
ing, and 4 to S miles Of it-fresh
Air-nature's restful green views-a
test OF accuracy-a tonic for men
tai poise and balance-an opportun-
ity for courage, self-control and
courtesy.
These are things which war
geared America especially needs.
There are $500 golf courses in our
land where they may be found.
Many golf courses provide also ten
mis-, swimming, winter sports. They
can be useful all year round for
clean, outdoor exercise, and they are
important in the national recrea-
tional picture.
Links Game Could Be Useful.
So We feel golf is a real giver in
wartime and that 1t fits naturally
into our Governments definite pro-
gram Of encouraging fitness. under
the direction of John B. Kelly. We
readily were able to cooperate in
this Hale America" program last
year.
Paul v. McNutt, as director of
the Once of Defense Health and
Welfare Services, has said: "Physi-
cal fitness in America cannot be
assured through any acts or DEGREES
from Washington. The RESPONSE
bihty for initiating programs that
will result in strong, robust and en-
during citizens rests solely with the
States, communities and the indi-
viduals who make up the commun-
ties. The importance Of physical
fitness in this great emergency cam
not be over-emphasized, but the
objective Of our program cannot be
realized unless every individual in
each community is made conscious
Of the value of physical well-being."
Golf, then, can be particularly
useful in our present situation
Just by being it's owu natural self.
I call upon golfers to re-evaluate
their game. I call upon them to
realize it is patriotic duty to keep
in shape, and that it is therefore
patriotic to play golf, within proper
limits.
Sees Chance for Sport.
I am confident there will be
enough playing equipment, and
that the transportation situation
can be met fairly in most cases.
Colts immediate future depends,
then, on whether golfers realize it
Is right to golf On that perception
hangs also part of the larger matter
Of the national well-being.
The game in 1943 doubtless again
will be a medium for raising war
relief funds, selling War bonds and
stamps and providing measure
of wholesome recreation for some
men in the armed services. Golf
made a good record In 1912. The
USGAs own program resulted In
raising $l30,03475 for war relief and
perhaps more that We don't know
about. This amount was multiplied
several times through events spon-
sored directly by clubs and sectional
associations.
There will be little if any major
competition. Star players not in
uniform doubtless will help war
charities through exhibitions. But
golf will be almost exclusively on
it3 old original pattern-a friendly
game at ones home course.
Colts turf experts, who have
helped the Government greatly in
grassing airfields, shoulders of de-
tense highways and other emer-
gency projects, will continue that
activity.
1t will be An interesting year
Interesting to observe how golf
meets its own problems and helps
the Nation in It's great ones. We
shah do our bit on both counts II
We Just keep 'em swinging!"
nramore Tarkla 0Id oivsI