GAMBLING IN GOLF.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 261, 4 November 1933, Page 2 (Supplement)

GAMBLING IN GOLF.

Golf came in for another criticism recently—that of the amount of heavy gambling to which it gives rise, states the English "Field." Admittedly the game lends itself to betting, and there is no doubt that the majority of players like to have wagers, on the result of their matches; the number of golfers who bet in pounds is almost negligible. The average man is content with a humble half-crown or five shillings. This particular critiq draws a pathetic illustration of a man who finds himself in the position of not being able to afford playing for the stake which his three companions have nominated. His course is plain and obvious. If he carries on and' plays then he deserves no sympathy.

" To suggest tlint heavy gambling affects the standard of play of our leading amateur* and is a cause of American victories is absurd. The best of the British amateur golfers rarely play for high stakes —when they do they know beforehand that they can afford it. And if the truth must be told, Americans are far greater gamblers than Britishers. But in any case, what one person gambles for is his business and his alone. Betting began in the distant ages and will continue despite any individual or concerted action to stop it. And the. limits depend on circumstances.