GOLF FOR AIRMEN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23969, 20 May 1941, Page 8

GOLF FOR AIRMEN

TRAINEES IN CANADA SPECIAL COURSE MADE GIFTS OF MANY CLUBS BY TOM MOORE (Copyright) SOMEWHEKE IX fAXAD A, May 1 One of the larger wireless schools set up under the Commonwealth air training scheme has its own private golf course as the result of the combined efforts of ,Xew Zealand. Australian and Canadian airmen who are stationed there. The land for the nine-hole course was surveyed by student airmen themselves. Sand traps and other hazards were built by the boys. Professionals at near by golf clubs gave some help, especially in installing "sand greens." In this part of the world it is rather hard to grow a fine turf, so that all but the more affluent golf clubs use sand round the holes instead of the usual close-clipped, fine grass. The sand is levelled and mixed with a heavy oil that provides a smooth surface over which a golf ball will roll almost in the .same manner as on a grass putting green. The problem of golf clubs was solved by an appeal to residents of the city in which the school is situated. Newspapers advertised for gifts of clubs to the school, and large stores placarded their windows with appeals for equipment. Within a short time golfers had hunted up so many used but still useful clubs from old trunks, dark corners and lockers that the wireless students were fully equipped for the game. Altogether ]sflo student fliers at the school are now able to play golf on the course, which has become the envy of other training stations in Canada.