BIGGER GOLF BALL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 264, 6 November 1937, Page 4

BIGGER GOLF BALL

ENGLISH CHANGE IMMINENT LAST OPEN REVEALED ALTERATION MUST BE MADE Commenting on the proposal to adopt the American golf Dall in England, our London correspondent this week says that the minus ot club golfers have been eased by the fact that it is not intended for universal use at present. Those who take part in the championships and other open competitions are, on the other hand, more or less prepared to accept the proposal that tnere should be a special ball for their use, he adds. In fact, they recognise its necessity. But it is not likely that this special ball will be availaole until 1939. The question has yet to be considered by tne new St. Andrews committee in co-opera-tion with the rules and championship authorities, and, in addition, the manufacturers will require time in which to alter their equipment. Nothing, in fact, has yet been decided. It is felt the simplest solution of the problem to reduce length will be to adopt the larger and lighter American ball. If that were agreed to it would avoid complications, and also delay in coming to an agreement with the American authorities.

British professionals are already familiar with U ? American ball. They used it when they last played in the Ryder Cup match. While it is not as flattering as the British ball, it did not set up any serious difficulties for them, and they are now reconciled to its adoption, low scoring in the last championship at Carnoustie warned them that some change would have to be made. Despite the wet and boisterous weather, and the fact that the course had been stretched to an extreme length, it was still possible to maintain an average of fours, and in subsequent events under favourable conditions reurns in the sixties became common.

If a championship ball is introduced there is no doubt that it will be available for all, but whether club golfers will adopt it will depend on their experiences with it. It will, of course, be the aim of the manufacturers to bring lit into general use, and they will probably succee..