FACILITIES FOR GOLF.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 20028, 18 August 1928, Page 13

FACILITIES FOR GOLF.

I \ MUNIuirAU uuunati j INACTION OF CITY COUNCIL. FAR BEHIND THE TIMES.

A municipal golf courso is badly needed in Auckland. Tbo lack of it in a city of this sizo is a matter of surprise to many visitors from overseas. A town quoted last week by a Canadian as an example to Auckland in this respect is Vancouver, which has an excellent municipal course, largely used by visitors and by residents, who play only occasionally or do not have the means to enable them to join private clubs. The British Isles, where the value of golf to the health of the people is fullly appreciated, are dotted with municipal courses, which bring the game within the reach of the multitude who cannot afford club membership. Auckland, which pos-. sesses a climate that makes golf an all-the-ycar-round game, is very much behind the times. By the inaction of the civic authorities, golf and its remarkable benefits may be enjoyed only by a small minority, a circumstance which encourages the idea that it is a game only for the leisured who can devote more time to it than is at the command of the average man and woman. The Spell of tho Game. What ought to bo realised is that in golf, as in other games, only the few. possessing the natural ability or exceptional capacity for taking pains ever excel, but that the ability to excel is not. an essential to deriving its real benefits, which come from exercise under tho best of all conditions, tho concentration which gives a refreshing respite from worry and the spirit of competition which may be sustained by tho possibilities of each successive green. Further, the nature of the gamo gives to its followers a pleasant sense of freedom from the crowd, even though there is an endless procession round tho course, and brings about a fine spirit of comradeship. Becauso of all these factors and the spell, its difficulties, its disappointments and its triumphs casts over its players, golf has - captured the world and is ono of the greatest tonics for the ills of a restless, rushing, nerve-racking age.

Said art elderly man who recently took up golf: "It this game were only a matter of competitive skill I would give it up, for I am convinced I will never be any good at it, but really I do not care. I stick to it and enjoy it, because nothing has ever done me so much good." That is a common experience which emphasises the importance of a municipal course to public health. Barred by Money Barriers. But under present circumstances thousands of people who might play are barred, and they will continue to bo barred until the City Council realises its responsibilities and provides a course wheie the public muy ptay & small fee for each round and have no other financial obligation, which is a most important consideration. It is difficult to understand the neglect of this citic dutv in a city which willingly spends a substantial sum each year on the upkeep of its splendid P ar ks, particularly' When there is every likelihood, of the course pretty well paying its way. What is needed in the City Council is a realisation that it has an obligation to cater for games and for such activities a little of the confidence it displays •in many other directions. Lake St. John Possibilities. Some few months ago it was mentioned that the opinion of a golf professional would be obtained as to the suitability of the Lake St. John Domain for a golf course, but evidently there is no disposition to get to grips with the .scheme. Amiable svmpathy with the idea will not advance the project. Something decisive is necessary, and there is opportunity at the present time to take decisive action. The City Council is asking the Loans Board for authority to raise £20,000 for unemployment relief, part of the vroik

in view being the construction of a roacl round Lake "St. John. If this work is sanctioned the preparation of the adjoining land as a golf course might conveniently bo tackled at, tho same time, provided it is suitable. Heavy expenditure need not be contemplated. A first-class course represents the work of years, and tho purpose would be served quite well if, for a beginning, fairways and greens were moderately No' elaborate system of bunkering need bo contemplated until tho course, showed it could earn interest on the expenditure. ]f the Lake St. John area is not suitable there is all tho more urgency for investigating any sites which meet the essential condition of convenience o! : access. Examples Abroad. By tho last mail arrived a hand-book of the municipality of Glasgow.. It makes several references to municipal golf courses, which arc regarded as essential civic amenities. A little study of the activities of any progressive city authority, either in the British Isles or in Urn United States or Canada, would indicate to the Auckland authorities how the lack of a municipal golf course is viewed by other eyes.

There is congestion in several local clubs, even in those which invito new members, whose aim is to speedily turn indifferent courses into good ones, for which revenue is required. Thus, congestion is intensified. But the present plea has no concern with private clubs. Its purpose is to show that apart.front people who can afford club fees, there are many who would play golf provided they may do so within their means. Only ;i municipal course could cater for thorn, and if the City Council is still ,in doubt it may bo referred to the majority of British towns of similar size- for an example. .