GOLF

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 24 June 1937, Page 8

GOLF

PROFESSIONAL’S EXPENSES [By Air Mail—From Our Own Correspondent] LONDON, 27th May. When a golf professional competes in a tournament is he entitled to withdraw from it whenever he chooses, or should he carry on to the end, even though he may have lost the chance of winning a prize? This point has been raised in an event at Southend, in which Henry Cotton took part in the first round, and then, after playing, as he said, the worst round of his professional career, wished to retire. He was persuaded to carry on, but he did not improve his prospects, and he declared that he should be permitted to cut his losses, just as any one else in business. Golf, he declared, was his business.

Cotton explained the position in this way. To cover his expenses at a tournament which lasts a week, it was necessary for him to win a prize of £SO. This did not take into account his losses through being absent - from his club. The championship, for instance, was always a loss except for the winner, who received £IOO. “Last year,” Cotton added. T won about £BOO in prize money, and the whole of this sum went in expenses. I broke about even. I expect I shall pay out about £SO during my stay at Southend, and, as I cannot now hope to earn more than £lO, I think I am entitled to withdraw and go home.” This is the first time the question has been raised. 1 cannot recall any player ever withdrawing from an event because he had no chance of winning. Men who have stood equally as high in the game as Cotton have seen it through, even when it was impossible for them to gain a prize. They have felt that they owed this to the promoters. and I think this view is still held by most of the professionals. In fact, they have always accepted it as a responsibility on entering. Fortunately, Cotton had not to make a decision, for a rain storm flooded the course on the second day, and play became impossible In the circumstances the third and fourth rounds were postponed until September, when the payers will be allowed an extra £5 each to meet the additional expenses which will be incurred in again visiting Southend.