GOLF IN AMERICA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22935, 13 January 1938, Page 18

GOLF IN AMERICA

PUBLIC COURSES POPULAR SMALL MEMBERSHIP FEES Late this year it was estimated that the total number of rounds that would be played in 1937 on the 10 municipal golf links of New York would total 575,000. That is approximately 125,000 morn than in 1936. And the 1936 figures exceeded those of 1935 by 125,000.

Throughout the year these 10 courses, in turf and general equipment on and off the courses, have been up to the standard of private clubs. At no section of the year were more than three of the 180 greens in use in questionable condition. The etiquette of the game was as strictly observed by public courses players as by members of private clubs.'

John Van Kleek, golf authority, who is superintendent of the New York Park Board's courses, makes a pertinent observation:—"The marvel of municipal golf course management is that the courses can break even, let alone show profits, when so many players can buy season tickets for 10 dollars and play as many as 150 rounds a season. A little more than six cents a round for golf privilege is America's ontstanding bargain in sports." In the London area there are 12 public courses, which figures about one course for every 727,000 people. Glasgow has nine public courses on which about 300,000 rounds are played annually. Edinburgh ha« Beven ..public courses.