GOLF

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXII, 30 January 1939, Page 8

GOLF

COTTON ON STAGE [By Air Mail—Own Correspondent 1 * LONDON, sth January. The snow has gone, but not the keen and eager winds. The professional golfer thinks of Florida, and envies the American player his opportunity to move his tent into the sunshine and compete in the big money tournaments. British professional golf is dead. But Henry Cotton has found a now £3OO a week occupation. Though he lias m sense of showmanship he is continuing his music hall engagements. 1 am afraid, however, that his turn can appeal only to the serious minded golfer who is interested in the mysteries of swing and balance. Cotton appears on the stage in a sweater and grey flannel “slacks,” just as he would on a course, and demons!rates the

shots in a rather colourless way. Indeed, 1 ance is when he bangs a few rubber balls 1 among the audience. His American trip still hangs fire. 4 I . have asked for a guarantee of £2OOO and J my expenses,” he told me, “and the only reply I have received from the promoters is that 1 should not have the slightest difficulty in earning this sum from exhibition matches. But that does not satisfy me. I want a guarantee, and I shall not go unless it is forthcoming.” THAT INEVITABLE POSER The new rule forbidding the player to , us a more than fourteen clubs lias come j into force, and, oft course, it has the inev- (. itable fljiw. “Would it be proper,’’ it is j asked, “for n competitor in a champion- I ship at St. Andrews to go out with the j; wind with one set of clubs, and then, on turning against the breeze, change it foi a different one?” The answer is: Not and keep within the spirit of the rule. 1 do not suppose any one will change bis clubs in this wav, liut it nia\ l,e ..Uiaablo to ' arid to the rule "The clubs at the stall of a round must be used to the end,' 1 though that might prevent even breakages being made good.