Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1943-01-24
SPORTS.
Congressional Moves to Close
Clubhouse, Drop Its Golf Pro
AS Result Of Auto Use Ban
Would Readjust Dues to Retain Members;
Cox Asked TO Clean Up His Affairs

But the national golf body, in its
annual report, lists the Middle At
lantic area high among those areas
which did their part in aiding War
bond and stamp purchases, and in
helping to raise funds for war re-
lief and recreation purposes. Sale
OF War stamps and bonds from golf
! within the District of Columbia
amounted to $1,93475, although all
| the private clubs in this area are
! outside the District. MARYLAND
raised more than $4,000 by the same
means.
Nationally nearly 100000 worth
Of bonds and stamps was sold
through golf, and at many places
clubs and balls were donated for
soldier, sailor and marine play.
Three or four courses around town
continue free use of their courses
by men below commissioned rank,
but there's a queer angle to that.
An Army second lieutenant, for in
stance, has an income about the
equivalent of a sergeant. But the
commissioned officer is forbidden
use Of the courses unless he pays
a green's fee, while the sergeant
with about the same income can
play free golf.
Those clubs which have opened
their courses to men in the service
in equity should permit lieutenants
to play without greens fees.
Future of Clubs Uncertain.
Future of the outlying country
Clubs around town remains obscure
with little prospect that any allevia-
ton Of the ban on pleasure driving
VIII come along soon. For the clubs
lar from bus or Streetcar lines the
situation is serious, but in the main
the clubs around town can be
reached by public transportation.
Clubs most seriously hit are Con-
greSsional, Manor, Burning Tree
and Prince Georges.
Unquestionably all of these will
lose members and some may nave
to close. Congressional first to
take curtailment steps, is in a seri-
Gus position and the officers of the
club do not know yet whether the
organization will be able to con-
tinue as a country club. Other
clubs have informed their members
OF available bus schedules and the
bus, never before envisioned as a
means of getting to the county
club, now is hailed as a saviour.
On the public courses the situation
also is serious Only one ma jor public
course remains open. That one is
Rock Greek Park, and on good DAYS.
such as last Sunday, it is over
crowded. East Potomac and Ana
costa have been closed for some
time, and the public linksmen are
up against serious situation. not
Withstanding a strong representa-
ton by one group to open one of the
courses.
Dues Suspension Suggested.
The District Golf Association, at
its annual meeting early next month,
will have problems more serious
than the mere matter of tourna-
ments to consider. 1t wouldn't be
too bad an idea to suspend associa-
ton dues for the duration of the
war, as the Maryland association
has done for single year.
All the clubs are faced with dwin-
ding finances and necessity for cur
failing budgets. Inasmuch as the
chief function of golf associations is
to foster competition, and inasmuch
as it seems there won't be much of
that this year, the associations could /
call it day and curtail or eliminate
their dues.