GOLF

Te Aroha News, Volume XXXIX, Issue 6335, 1 May 1923, Page 5

GOLF

SEASON OPENED

Saturday afternoon saw a large muster of golfing enthusiasts and their friends meet at the club house for the official opening. The president, Mr R. L. Somers, in declaring the links open said that if gave him great pleasure to be present once more on the important occasion of the opening of the links. Judging from the number present it was evident that the dub was prospering and players would find the links in excellent order! and the greens all that could be desired, a fact which reflected great credit on Mr F. Bliss, the green superintendant. In welcoming the visitors, amongst whom were members of many of the neighboring clubs, Mr Somers said that he was delighted that so many had taken the opportunity to journey to Te Aroha on this occasion. It was exceedingly gratifying to him and to all the local members that the clnb had been given the opportunity of entertaining them. In conclusion he wished everybody good luck with their golf and a good afternoon’s amusement.

In replying on behalf of the the visitors Mr Seifert (Morrinsville) thanked Mr Somers and the mem bers of the Te Aroha Club for the exceedingly cordial welcome that had been extended to them. Continuing. he said that occasions of this description were conducive not only to good fellowship, but also to good golf. Interclub visits not only added interest to the game, but undoubtedly improved o.ne's golf as play was keener and experience gained invaluable. Mr Seifert con gratulated the club on the attendance and said the beautiful weather prevailing would add materially to the success of the afternoon-

The competitions were then pro* ceeded' with and some very good cards were returned. Mrs Burrows (Te Aroha) and Mr Bradley (Morrinsville) were the winners and Mrs Hunger (Te Aroha) and Mr Seifert (Morrinsville) runners up.

The afternoon tea tables were a credit to the ladies and the floral decorations also called for some very eulogistic comments. About 100 members and friends were entertained and the appreciation expressed on all sides more than compensated our lady players for the trouble to which they had been put. The presentation of the trophy to the winners and farewells to the visitors brought a most successful afternoon to a close.

(By “ Replace the Turf ’’) The professional coach is having a busy time, and judgingLy the effects produced by some of his pupils, his labors have not been in vain. To play golf well a lot of practice is necessary and unless a player is practising correctly his efforts have very little chance of producing the desired effect. Mr Watt will be in Te Aroha till Tuesday, Bth May, and anyone wishing to book lessons should do so at once as the list is almost full.

The committee’s action in providing lockets for storage of clubs was very favorably commented on by members, and it will be necessary to obtain another set, in addition to those already installed and in order to cope with the present applications.

It now behoves members to put in cards for rounds of 18 holes as frequently as possible in order that the 'handicap committee may make adjustments in the lists of handicaps. Unless this is done the task of handicapping becomes very difficult and if players only gave the matter due consideration they will be able to appreciate this fact. The more cards each individual player can put in the more easily can the committee guage his handicap. The first medal handicap (ladies) is to be played on Wednesday next, and the men’s on Saturday. For the men the first draw will take place at Ll 5 p.m and the second draw at 1.45 p.m. In addition to above all players should put in at least three cards of 18 holes duly certified as correct by their opponents. A few remarks on golf etiquette would perhaps be beneficial to those who have not had the opportunities of studying the rules per" taining thereto. It is very necessary that all players should be conversant not only with the foregoing, but also with the rules of golf, full copies of which may be obtained from the secretary for sixpence. A rule which is most flagrantly ignored is “ Replace the turf, ” or as it is sometimes put “ players will, and others must, replace the turf.’’ The gentle irony of the above will prob-

ably impress the rule more forcibly on our minds, but it should not need so impressing, ■ What is more annoying, after perhaps playing a good drive, than to find ones ball lying in a deep impression left by some thoughtless player who has lifted more of mother earth than necessary and not bothered to replace the piece of tifrf torn out. It does not take more than a fraction of a minute and it is a habit which once acquired will never be forgotten. A rule which is also much neglected is the following : —“ Players looking for a lost ball should allow other matches coming up to them to pass them, they should signal to the players following them to pass, and, having given such a signal, they should not continue their play until these players have passed and are out of reach.” Of course it some times seems [hard to lose ones place in a match by observing the foregoing but it should be done and done at once, Many players abso lutely refuse to stand by and allow a following match to pass, being of course hopeful that at any minute they may find their own ball and this oflen delays quite a number of matches unnecessarily. If, when reaching the spot at which you expect to find your ball you do not do so, turn round immediately and signal (by waving your club or hand) to any following players to pass through. In a great many cases you will find that they will be well out of the way before you are ready to play your next shot as five minutes must elapse in searching before a ball is given up as lost