“THE GAME OF GOLF”

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 255, 27 July 1927, Page 3

“THE GAME OF GOLF”

Sir.—l was interested to read the letters signed by "Fair Play” and "Football.” that recently appeared in your columns. For their edification I would draw their attention to the old saying: "Where ignorance is bliss ’tis folly to be wise.” for it is very evident from the ignorance displayed in their letters that neither of them have played golf, and that rliev know absolutely nothing about the game We golfers play the game for the good health, pleasure, and comradeship that wo get out of it. We don’t play for sereams of the assembled mutitudes, and we don’t punch our opponents or indulge in foul tactics when the referee is not looking, but we do accept the ruling of our umpires without question, void our committees do back up the umpires to ihe last ditch, and what’s more we pay for our own game. I may say that at one time or another I have played most games, including football, and without hesitation I can say. that with the exception of billiards, I consider golf the most scientific of all games. I recognise that football, played in the proper spirit, is a good game. The following is taken from an article that appeared in the Juno number of Scribners magazine: "There is no other game quite like golf. In most other games the few'play while the many watch. To sit with thousands and watch the battle of gladiators. the racing of horses, or the expert contests of professional athletes is often thrilling, but what do we gain in health nnd strength by such spectacles? Football, baseball, polo, hockey, basketball. boxtng. field sports, are the games of youth.'-' Croquet may be nlaved throughout life hut its appeal is limited. Golf is almost the onlv game which appeals to all ages. And such a game is needed to keen ns all .fit and hanpy; tn draw 'is out of doors in all weather; to recreate us from dav to dav. and to wine away the ravelled cleave of care Doctor Mackenzie, the eminent British golfcourse architect, was in bis earlier days a brilFant surgeon. Tie is now fond oj comfortin'- himself with the thought that in laying- out golf-courses lie is doing far more for the health of the world than he tonld noss:bly hava done in surgery.. His present are wen expressed in the lines of Walt Whit- " Where the city of the faithfullest friends stands. , , ~ . Where the citv of the cleanliness of the the healthiest fathers Where tiie citv of the best-bodied mothers stands, , j « Th pre the erreat city stands. 1 a “’ et °” LTVE AND LET LIVE. Marton, July 22.