WAR AFFECTS GOLF

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 10 February 1940, Page 5

WAR AFFECTS GOLF

“RICH” CLUB SUFFER FALL IN MEMBERSHIP LONDON, 12th January. Golf is a game seriously affected by the war. Well-to-do clubs, in particular, have suffered, and it appears that the simpler the club the brighter its “war” outlook. “Golf Monthly,” commenting on the position, says:— “Prince’s, a rich man’s club near Millionaires’ Corner’—as the name implies, one of the richest sectors of England—is closed for the duration, and members have bgeen invited to subscribe towards the liabilities. Now one of the richest and most influential clubs in Surrey is confronted by a serious financial position. The club spent approximately £IO,OOO on improvements, and since war was declared 250 members resigned. Plutocrat golf clubs, with large staffs and enormous expenditure, are confronted with problems which will be difficult to solve.” Another consequence of the war is one which affects all but a small number of professionals. “Professional golfers, already grievously hit by the repercussions of war on the game, are to suffer another loss by the decision of all golf ball manufacturers not to engage in contracts for a cash subsidy for ball sales.” The joint arrangement amongst the golf ball manufacturers is to continue engage in contracts for a cash subsidy for ball sales.” The joint arrangement amongst the golf ball manufacturers is to continue for the duration of the war, for they consider that there will be no publicity value in successes in national or local events, or from the efforts of individual professionals to advance sales amongst their members. Almost every professional at a club of any importance enjoyed a contract which took the form of an annual retainer, varying in amount in relation to his estimated turnover, and the eminent professionals received large sums for victories in open events which could be used for advertising purposes. In the latter connection enormous amounts (running in some cases to £1000) have been credited as paid to, the winner of the Open Championship 1 who played under arrangement, with a specified ball. It is understood that there is an agreement amongst the makers that there are to be a limited number of exceptions, less than 10, of professionals of outstanding eminence who have contracts which must be maintained.