Golfer's Guide for the United Kingdom

Home , Ackergill, Andrew Kirkaldy (golfer), Auchendinny, Beckenham Road tram stop, Ben Sayers, Bob Ferguson (golfer)

Gold Medals Awarded at International Exhibitions.

AS USED BY HUNDREDS THE OF CHAMPION UNSOLICITED PLAYERS. TESTIMONIALS.

Every Ball Guaranteed in Properly Matured Condition. Price Ms. per dozen. The Farthest Driving- and Surest Putting- Ball in the Market. THORNTON GOLF CLUBS. All Clubs made from Best Materials, Highly Finished. CLUB COVERS AND CASES. Specialities in aboue possessing distinct improuements in utility and durability. Every Article used in Golf in Perfection of Quality and Moderation in Price.

PKICE LIST ON APPLICATION. THORNTON & CO., Golf Appliance Manufacturers, 78 PRINCES STREET, EDINBURGH.

BRANCHES—, LEEDS, BRADFORD, aqd BELFAST.

' SPECI A L.1TIE S. WEDDING PRESEF

ELECTRO-SILVER PLATE JAMES GRAY & SON'S NEW STOCK of SILVER-PLATED TEA and COFFEE SETS, AFTER- NOON TEA SETS, CASES "I FRUIT and FISH KNIVES and FORKS, in Pearl or Ivory Handles, FINE CASES OF MEAT AND FISH CARVERS, TEA and FELLY SPOONS In CASES. CASES of SALTS, CREAM, and SUGAR STANDS. ENTREE DISHES, TABLE CUTLERY, and many very Attractive and Useful Novelties, suitable for Marriage and other Present*. NEW OIL LAMPS. JAMES GRAY & SON Special De*lgn« made for their Exclusive Sale, In FINEST HUNGARIAN CHINA, ARTISTIC TABLE and FLOOR EXTENSION [.AMI'S In Brass, Copper,and Wrougnt-Iroti, Also a very Large Selection of LAMP SHADES, NBWMT DJUUQWB, vary moderate In price. The Largest and most Clioieo Solootion in Scotland, and unequallod in value. TnspecHon Invited. TAb&ral Heady Money Dlgcount. KITCHEN RANGES. JAMES GRAY & SON Would draw attention to their IMPROVED CONVERTIBLE CLOSE or OPEN FIRE RANGE, which is a Speciality, constructed on Liu :best principles FOR HEATINQ AND ECONOMY IN FUEL. Thorough Action being guaranteed In every case. in Stock or to Order lor every class of Residence. TntpecUon Tnvitad, DRAWINGS AND ESTIMATES FREE ON APPLICATION. GRATES AND TILES. JAMES GRAY & SON Invite Inspection of tlt

HIS l''ii\st-(.,'lns.s Hotel is beautifully situated, having a 1 southerly exposure overlooking th» aaa, tmmediately adjoining are the Links, Tennis Courts, Ladles'Golf Course, and I!;uhing Ground.

BOARDING TERMS FOR Till; WHI3K.

Special Terms during Spring and Winter Months.

The Hotel 'Bus meets tlio principal Trains and Steamers. Post iiiul Tflcstnil'li Office mlJolninK the Hotel. JV»r iHirtinilitr.* apply tn Ilir .11 I N uii:n. The Elie Links, which have within the last few years Iwen considerably extended, are reputed the most picturesque in Scotland, whilst the Sands and Bathing Ground are second to none on the East ("oast. ftlie, the prettiest of Fife's Watering Races, is, with its southern exposure, eminently suited for a Winter and Spring Resort. ROSE'S Lime Juice CORDIAL

Delicious, Wholesome, AND Refreshing-. ANDIE DINMONT OLD SCOTCH WHISKY. Or. STEVENSON MACADAM flays-—"A genuine first-clnna vpirlt Wall matured. *•>«• from Fuanl Oil. Of pure and axc All en t quality." A.ALEXANDER Sc 0? ti/m REVOLUTION '"™ MANUFACTURE GOLF CLUBS

V the introdaction and ingenious adaptation .it Special Machinery, THE SCOTTISH GOLF CLUB MANUFACTURING CO, (Limited), an now pro- ducing Clubs nl the very finest description, made from theI H-SI and most carefully i led Models, and finished in the highi Bl possible style, it.m ispe cially selected. Materials, thoroughly oned «m their own pre- . in Albert Street The Principal Workmen (in in > h Profe ssional

Particulars and Mot Uati on Application, UNEQUALLED IN VALUE. WORKMAN- SHIl', AND KINISa e Can he hail tnun Jill R tail Dealers.

(J lu>h •-irlr OtUy I r» III SGOlllsn GOlI CIUD (LIMIT K D), 19 ALBERT STREET, Edinburgh. COLFER'S GUIDE FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM

EDITED BYW. DALRYMPLE : PUBLISHKI> ANNUALLY BY W. H. WHITE & CO., EDINBURGH LONDON: SIMPKIN, MARSHALL, HAMILTON, KUNT & CO., LTD. 1895 ESTABLISHED 1815. WILS0N & Co., Scotch VhisKy ]Ylerchants, LEITH STREET, HPINBURGll.

"THE FALL OF FOYERS" OLD SCOTCH WHISKY. ll fit fit £ SE S ;j;:::R Carrion paid to any Railway Statom,

lllll yknown i<> i«.. bjtet. H SCOTCH •WHISKY. lv' IMIIIIII. n Fine I'luin Mcllnw, Tbfto t Foui ymi i ol - 14/- nml 15/- Finest Highland nr OmiplrtUtiwn, Five yi'ius ulili ... ill1 17/- Finest Islay or Glonllvot, Six yean old. 1 GlenUvst, Sevan you . old. 4.1, ... as/- nilily in Hutlk, also in Jars ,/toSiJcallw,77, r and hit ait* tf Pto and'i,i Ttn f'H CattouGallttu •mi/ »;,/ upwards, ,

,\; .MU v r"r» iilw.iv- hold .1 I" ln Bond »nd 1 WILSON & co. 1)uh: ,.,,„, , ,.,,;„,,. ,,M v, ,h,, oroductof the mo«l Cel ebreted 1 > lUleriei in SeotliintL Thew, having ESnitntaSS «lwt«d «>d Ihorottghly HIHI 1 ^teed 10 be petfoctly pure rind of lht*TE lurJR" M" 'I"'!'S 1*CASH. sl'KCl.tl. PJtICaS QUOTED 7V CLVB3, INTRO DUCT I ON.

}T is not proposed to weary the reader will) an InlrocUiction of any length ; but a brief note upon hist season anil its doings may not be out of place. The result has been that two very fine English golfers have com* to the fronl and succeeded in currying both Opou and Amateur Championships south of Tweed. We reproduce likenesses of both Mr. Ball, junior, and Taylor, the Open Champion of tlic tMKM, and have devoted some space to a brief record of their piny. (While still at press we are pleased to be able to take the opportunity of giving a brief note upon the Amateur Championship, played al St. Andrews in early May of the present year, along with a likeness of the winner, Mr. Leslie Balfour-Melville, perhaps the most famous Scot of our time in all-round sport—golf, cricket, racquets, tennis, billiards, and so forth—in fact, wherever hand and eye work al their best together.) But of even greater interest, it seems to ns, are the two niiiin discoveries that have been made with regard to the story of the game. The lirsl is, of course, the now famous Bruges Missal of 1500, to which we tsfci FTL length on p. 82 ; and the second, of scarcely less weight, Hie Kxlruct from the Minutes of the old Manchester Club. The hitter bear.-. : "During the reign of Henry the Eighth golf was generally played in the vicinity of the metropolis, and an interesting extract from :i letter of Queen Katherine to Cardinal Wolsey, 13th August 1513, when Henry was invading France, is recorded :' Master Almoner, from hence I have nothing to write you but that you be not so busy in this war as we he here encumbered with it, I mean that touching my own concerns, for going further, when I shall not so' often bear from the king. And all his subjects be very glad, j thank God, to be busy with the Golf, for they take it for pastime, my heart is very good to it, and I am horribly busy making standards, banners, and bagels ! '" It may be urged that the sport here mentioned is not our modern game at all, but some form of bandy-ball, hockey, shinty, (tow-bail call, it what you will. Against this, pray, note, two fuels (First) the x Preface.

gracious Queen's courtly sneer at her foolish people for daring to look upon golf as a mere pastime. Pastime I Did old Gourlay—I ask any golfer—did old Gourlay so regard il ? Do you yourself! {Scond} Think of the sweet womanly words -"my heart is very good to it." Why, this very feeling finds an echo on a hundred Indies' links or our own'day, for it is the game of games for beautiful women, Was it not dear old Philp himself who, Shortly before liis passing, solemnly expressed his life-long gratitude for the fact that he had never seen a plain woman on the Links? No golfir hat. Surely all this points to the fact that the Queen's reference wns to no other than our own game. I would also draw attention lo Rembrandt's delineation of golf upon p. 82. In our note we venture an opinion that this is not our golf at all, but really another1 old Edinburgh game called "spoon." Personally, I do not remember to have ever seen this game, hut I have corn.hum- tion from some who do remember it. Another note unearthed in the course of the year may Interest some. A Montrose hotel bill of the early parl of last century liears some deliciously suggestive items: "To caddies," "to drums," "to. broken " Hush ! The extraordinary spread of the game all over the world is still noticeable ; and the enthusiasm seems to lie nowhere greater than in the United States. While we ant at preu the yarn Comes that they have even opened a green in Malabrlelaiiil. No delay lo speak of here I In fact, the doubt occurs whether fellows of this kind would even allow'an ordinary chap lime to putt out, Another development of (he game South of Tweed will strike many golfers, ami this is, that it is gradually shaping Itself ON county lines. It does not seem likely that this will ever obtain in Scotland. In sport, at all events, the county spirit in Scotland seenu by no means strong. Not one in a hundred would trouble lo walk a hundred yards lo see a match at cricket, say, between Kast and Weal Lothian, or Gallo- way and Mull. It seems strange for many reo ions i"i more than that, a Scot is, as a rule, devotedly attached lo liis home, and delights to support county schemes, whether for charity or education. The story is a true one of the fiery I'ifer : " I'll ruck my banntit as heich as I like. Man, I'm a l''if«r ! " This Is |ut lB II should bej and they even have the same feeling in Peebles, perhaps. As in our last issue, we have to express our gratitude to many lovers of the game for invaluable aid in the preparation of this little bonk. W. DALRYMPLE. NELSON BROAD & CO.,

High Class Gown and Jacket Makers, 1,27

Original, and Exclusive Designs in

Day and Evening Dresses,

Jackets and Coats,

Mantles, Pelisses, and Wraps.

GOLF COATS. CYCLING COSTUMES,

Individual requirements studied.- Mt guaranteed.-

The "OPOS" UMBRELLA (ROSS'S NEW PATENT). » f Has no Springs to get out of order, and when j, closed keeps perfectly close to the stick. Simply i/k ,'JjljjA and Quickly Opened and Closed. No Irarinj; uf .y 'A W. ROSS, « * PATENTEE AND MANUFACTURER, 45 GEORGE IV. BRIDGE and 2 HOPE ST., EDINBURGH, NEW OLD Umbrellas made to order. Umbrellas re-covered and repaired NTENTS.

PREFACE. ,...••• ix T. H. TAYLOR, CHAMPION FOR I894 . I I HE DUNN FAMILY ...... 8 WILLIE PARK, Senior . 20 Six HEDGWORTH WILLIAMSON, BART., AND MUNGO PARK 25 HON..A. G. BAI.FOUK . . • . 27 WILLIE PARK, Jun...... 30 MR. DRIMMIE ...... RAMSAY HUNTER . . . . • • 33 GEORGE LOWE .... 3r>

MR. JOHN BALL, Jun...... 3r> A. TOOGOOD ...... ROBERT CHAMBERS , . D. STANLEY FROY ...... DAVIE STBATH . . . . . s ANDRUW STRATH ...... 53 MR. F. G. TAIT ...... DOUGLAS MCEWAN . . . . • D. MCEWAN & SON ...... i THE LADIES' GOLF UNION .

RLSMHRANDT AND GOI , . I ' 1 68 GOLF IN THE LOW COUNTRIES, 500-1510 84 CADDIE WILLIE. . . • . 84 THE FAMOUS 1857 TOURNAMENT ..,,., 89 OLD GOLF BAI .I.S

DESCRIPTIVE NOTES OF THE GREENS AND CLUIIS OK THE UNITED KINGDOM. SCOTLAND— PAOB SCOTLAND— Abbs (St.) 2OQ AvUrcv.Uh . 102 Aberdeen . , 97 209 Ardwell . . 309 Aberfeldy 98 Arisuig . . 102 Aberfoyle 98 Auchenbke . 2O9 Abeniethy 99 Auchterarder , 102 Abington 99 Aviemore • 1°3 Aboyne .... 99 Ayton . 103 Aivdrie (with Plan) . 100 Ayr • 103 AHoa .... 100 Baberton (with Plan) . 104 Alyth .... 209 Ballantme . 104 Annan .... 209 Ballantrae . 209 Anstruther 100 Ballatet . 210 xii Contents

GREENS AND CLUBS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM—continued. SCOTLAND— I'AGE SCOTLAND— TACK Banff (with Plan) . IO6 Duns .... 211 Barrhead., . ZIO Durness .... 128 Batligate . . .106 ZI8 Karlsferry and Elie . 128 Beauly .... 108 Edinburgh . . ' . 129 Benbecula 108 Barn ton 211 Berwick-on-Tweed . 108 Bruntsfield . 132 Birnam .... 210 Craigentinny 139 Bl&irgowrie (with Plan) . 108 Cvaiglockhart Hydro- Boat of Garten I 10 pathic 136 Brechin .... no Craigmillar Park . . 212 Bridge of Earn 210 Duddingston 211 Bridge of Weir 111 Edinburgh Ladies' Club 212 Brora .... III Inverleith Park 132 Broughty-Ferry 210 Leith . I36 Buckle .... in Mortonhall . 136 Burntisland in Muirfield (with Plan) . 129 Callander 112 Musselburgh . 129 Campbeltown, Machrihan- Newington . 211 ish (with Plan) 112 Portobello I4O Campbeltown, Dunaverty 114 Pricstfield . . , 211 Carlops .... 2IO The Braid Hills (with Carl uke .... 21O Plans) 134 Carnoustie (with Plan) 114 ,218 Edrington Castle 212 Castle Craig 210 Edzell .... I40 Coklinghaiti 210 Elderslie .... 212 Comrie .... 117 Eriboll .... I40 Corrie .... II? . Erroll (Port) . 212 Cove .... Il8 Falkirk .... I4O Cowdenbeath . Il8 Fauldhouse 212 Crail . . .118 217 Fettercaun 141 Crawford (with Plan) Il8 Fillans (SL) . . . 212 Crieff (with Plan) . 120 Fochabers I4I CriefT, Dornoch 120 Forfar .... 141 Cromarly 210 Forres (with Plan) . I42 Cruden . 2IO Kortrose and Rosemarkie . H5 Cullen (with Plan) . 120 Fort-William . '45 Cumbraes (with Plan) 219 Fort-Augustus . 146 Cumnoclc 211 Fraserburgh . 146 Cupar, Ladybank 122 Galashiels I46 Cupar, Hilltarvit 122 Garelochhead . 212 Dalbeattie 211 Girvan .... I48 Dirleton .... 122 Glasgow .... 149 Dollar .... 122 Kelvinside . . 212 Dornoch (with Plan) 114 Ruchill 213 Douglas (Lanarkshire) 126 Blackhill 213 Dumbarton . . ; 126 Toryglen . . 213 Dumfries . . 126 Merrylea 213 Dunbar (with Plan) . 126 Eastwood . . . 213 Dunblane ., , . 128 Bearsden 149 . Dunfermline .. ... 128 Cambuslang. . . . 149 Contents xut GREENS AND CI.UNS OF ' ['HE UNITED KINGDOM—continued SCOTLAND— PAGE SCOTLAND—• 'AUK Glasgow— Lochearnheacl . 169 Cathkin Braes 149 Lochgilphead . . . i69 1st Lanark R. V. 15° Lochmaddy 170 Pollok (with Plan) 15° Lockerbie . . . 170 Glenluce . .. 213 Lomnay . 215 Glencorse 213 Lossiemouth 170 Golspie .... 150 Lothianburn . , 170 Gordon Castle . 214 Melrose .... 171 . Grantown 150 Methil . , 171 Greenock 152 Millport .... 172 Gullane .... IS2 Mnl'ial .... 172 Haddington (with Plan) . 152 Motherwell 215 Hamilton 153 Monifieth (with Plan) 174 Hawick . . . 1532 218 Montroae • 172 Helensburgh . 214 Nairn .... 174 Helmsdale 'S3 Nenn Castle 215 Huntly .... 154 Newburgh . . . 174 Innellan . 154 Nawcasueton (with I'lun) 214 Innerleilhen 154 Newtonmore 176 Invcrallochy T KA Nirnr 176 Inverness 155 North Berwick (with Plan) Lnvergordon 155 176, 216 Irvine 155 Oban (with Plan) , 176, 217 Islay, Machrie (with Plan) 155 Orkney .... 176 Jedburgh . • • 156 Paisley ..... 2rs John o' Groat's (with Peebles .... 178 Plan) . . 1462 218 Perth. . , 178 Kelso .... 156 Petcrheac! (with Plan) . 1 So Kilmalcolm 156 Pitlochry . . .' . 215 Kilmarnock . . 158, 218 Portmahomack . . 215 Kinghorn 15S Prestunpiins . , . 181 Kingussie 158 Preslwick (with Plan) [Si Kinross .... 159 Prestwick St. Nicholas 1S2 Kirkcudbright . 159 Queonsferry, South , , 184 Kirkintilloch . 215 Rcay .... 215 Kirn .... 159 Roberton iH,| Kirriemuir 159 Russlynlee . . , 184 Lairg .... 160 Rothesay . . , '«5 Lamlash .... 159 Rulliwell • 8? Lanark .... 160 St. Andrews (with Plan) 185 u 1 <> Langholra 160 Selkirk (with Plan) . i,S(. Langside .... 215 Shandon .... 215 Largs . . .160 218 Shetland .... l.NS Lander .... 215 Skelmorlla [88 Leslie . 215 South Uist 1S8 Lonzic (with Plan and View Stevenston . , 190 of Club-house) 161 Stirling .... i'ji Leven (with Plan and View Stonelmvun . , 100 of Club-house) 162 Stornowoy . . , 101 Linlithgow 168 Strathpener . . , 191 Linton, West .. 169 Scliiehallion 191 1 Sontonts

SS AMI CLUB CH niK 1 UMIKII KINC;IMIM— oontiftuetl. S' MI l AM. IA..I-: ENGLAND— 1 Tain .... 191 Barton under Needwood . 262 T.iyuutU .... lt... Bath .... 262 port . 193 L&nsdown'e . 262 lli.TMllill 215 Beaconsflald 263 '1 hum .... 2IS Beckenhacn 263 1 iM.il.iimii h . , , 102 Bedford .... 263 Troon (with Plan) . 19a , »I6 BelUngham 263 Uddingston 104 Belton I'iirk 263 WYiiiy...... Berkhiunpstead 263 W.-.i KUI.it.U- . '95 Beverley and East Riding Wick (with Plan) . »95 Club . , . 2O3 1 'mil in Bui Lothian Bexhill . 20; Dunbar . Kill Blggleswadc 263 North Berwick Birkdale .... 263 At. tinlit'lil . . , 203 l'.iikeiisliuw 263 Mulrfield 203 Blackpool 263 liiill.inr 204 Blackwell 2O3

I.MHHI'SS (with I'lsin) 105 , •>:; Blendon Hull . SaUcoats 206 Bletchley 263 '1 horntra, Presl on pajig •Illl Wielding 263 Haddlngujn . 206 Bodmin . . 2G3 Boenor .... 263 | 1 AM> AM. WAI 1 Boldre Grange 263 \l» nl>.vi-y 2(i 1 Bolton .... 263 Aticrcavetiny . 2t,\ Borth ..... 263 • irecn . l6l Botley .... 263 Alcettei . . , •in Bournemouth Corporation Alilrtitur^li •in Golf Links, Mcyrick Alderthot 161 I'.irk (with Plan) . 241 241 Allrstan . 261 Bowdon .... 264 Alimnmth ji.i Boxroooi 364 Allrimjhnm 11 Bradford . . . . 264 Applaby . 161 Ravensdlffe . 264 Anl rt . ;*.(>! Blrkenshaw . 264 A ' I'l 261 Braintrea 264 A ihbournc 261 Brancflst 2&4 A ihdown Fore«l and Tun Bridgenorth 264 bridge Wel ti 361 Union .... 264 A»l.lr-y l'.lll 2C2 Bridport .... 264 A iii.MI, Long . 262 .MI,Long. and H Glf 262 Club 2G4 AyU-.Uny .* 262 Kemp Town Golf Clu 264 .1 263 Biinkley ... 2G4 Bsldoci 262 Brlnscombe 264 lUlluim , 262 Bristol . 264 ibury . • ,,• l!l.null.Ill 2G4 h mi 1 town*, (Cool 363 Bromley and Bickley ('.. C 264 Bmnooth < . • iLtllil' V . t . • •6a Buoksworth it iiapla M..' Bttde nnd North Cornwall l:.inuw in Portion , 262 (J.C. . . . 265 Contents xv GKEENS AND CLUBS OK run JNITET) KINGDOM—continued ENGLAND— PAGE ENGLAND'— PACTS Budleigh, Salterton . 265 Dewsbury 268 Bungay .•265 265 Dklsbury . 268 Burghley Park 265 Disley .... 265 Bunihara 26s Dover .... 2(>S Burnham 265 Dudley .... 268 2(>K Bury •365 365 Durham .... • Busliey .265 265 Dunstable 26S Buxton and High Peal. 265 Eastbourne 368 Calne •265 265 East Grinstead 268 Cambcrley 265 East Mill G. C 26S Cambridge • . . 265 Elton .... 268 Grandcliester 265 Ely .... 26S Colon Hill . 265 Enfielil .... 269 Canterbury . . 265 265 Epping .... 269 Carlisle .... 265 Epping Forest. . , 269 Castlelown 265 Epsom .... 269 Caterham and KenIcy 266 Ewel me .... 269 Chard .266 266 Exmouth.... 269 Charnwood Forest . 266 Falrfield .... 269 Chatham ..266 266 Fakenham [6g Cheadle ..266 266 Falmouth Golf Club 254, 269 Chelmsford . . , 266 Felixstowe 269 Cheltenham 266 Flax Bourton . 269 Chester ..267 267 Felton, The 269 Chesterford Park 267 1'ieetwood 269 Chipping Norton 267 Folkestone . . 269 Chislchurst 267 Folkingham . 269 Chorlcy Wood . 267 Formby .... 26.J Churston 267 Fort Cumbflrland 269 Cirencester 267 Kuhvood ..... 270 Clacton-on-Sea 267 Girton .... 270 Claygate Common G. (J. . 267 Gladwyns . . . 270 Cleveland 267 Golden Parsonage . . 270 Clitheroe and District 267 Goring .... 270 Conway . , 267 Grange over Sands Gull Conington Castle 267 Club (with Plan) 2482 270 Coplhorne 267 Granllium . . , 270 Colon Hill 267 Great Bentley , 270 Cotswold 267 Grlmsby and Cleethorpes Coventry Golf Club . 256, 267 270 Cromar 267 Guildfor<;. cd. . . 270 Crookham 268 (1uernsey 270 Croxton .... 268 Hagley .... 270 Datchet .... 268 1 lampion Court 270 Dalston .... 268 Halifax .... 271 Darwen , 268 1 ampshire 271 Deal .... 268 llaugcT-l till 271 Derby .268 268 larbornc , 271 Dereham .... 268 1 larringworth , 271 Devizes , . . 268 1 arrow .... 271 Devpnport 268 Hartley Winlney 271 xvi Contents

Unasra AMI CLOW OP mi. [JOTTED KINGDOM1—ooattimsd ENGLAND I'.M.I; ENGLAND ••• Hushir .... 271 Lamberhuwi . 1 Hastings and St. Leonard* 1 /.uieaslev 274 G. C 271 Lea Hurst . . ' ' T Hatfleld .... 271 Leamington 274 Ilay dock Park 271 Koyal Leamington (}, c. 27d Hayling Island 271 ' ^ Leamington Spa 274 Hayward's 1 leatli . . 271 Lefuowe . . , ' r Heading!ey 271 Leeds . .. 274 Heaton Moot . , . 271 1 .eioesler , 1lenlniry .... 271 Leighton . . . , 274 Hesslegreen 271 Lelanl . 274 Hexham .... 271 Lcylmid Woolton i 274 271 2 HilUnedon G. C. . LcylmidWooltonUmpsfeld Chart Lancashire ('>.('. . 275 llfraiiomliu C .nlf Club (with Li,li«' 275 plan) . , . 25S 272 Leaiowe 275 Ilkley .... 272 Llandudno 275 Inglewood 272 Llaiiclly . . 275 Ipsley .... 272 London I Isle of Man -Cwtl»tOWn . 272 Blackheath Koyal G, C . 275 Douglas 272 Blafikhe&th Lailies'i;. <'. 276 llowslrakc . • 272 London Scottish ('<. ('. . 277 Ramsay . . 272 Ivoyul Wimbledon i:. c. 277 Port St. Mary 273 Wlinbltdon Ladles'(! .('.IvoyulWimbledoni:.277 Isle of Wlghl Koyal G, C2 273 li.i1 Ladies' (!. C. . 277 Needles 273 Hei'Ui'iillaiii . 277 Freshwater . Bedenham•B]ukheath 8ohool Old Veotnor . . . 273 Boy»G. C 277 Ladies' 273 Cbixwick (i. ('. 277 Jersey (Koyal Jersey (i. ' 273 ChoiIcy Wood 277 Kenoal .... 27$ (lapimm Common 277 Kenilworth *73 Dufwlch and SydenhaU ICenley .. 273 Hill .... 277 Keswlck . . . . -73 Ea«t l''iiu:liley 277 Ketterlng Golf Club (with East Sheen Ladias' G, C. 277

Plan) . . 25c 1271 Kllliam C. C. 277 Kidderminster.. 27 ? Ladies' 278 fCingsdown . . 273 Ri ij'ill Epping l'"i iresl (1. C. 278 Kingsheatli . . . 273 Mampslead . 278 King's Norton , • Hanwell, West Middle- I 273 C Kirkhy Mtixloi ; , 273 sex G. .1 278 Kuutsfonl 273 Mid-Surrey G. C . 278 Contents xvii

GRBENS AND Ci.uns OP THIS UNITED KINGDOM continued. ENGLAND— PAGIS London— New Brighton • . 281 Mid-Surrey Ladies' . 278 Newbury . . 281 Neasden G. C. . • 278 Newcastle-on-Tyne . 281 Norlmry . • • 278 New Quay . . 281 Prince's G. C. . . 278 Newtown . . 281 Northampton . . 281 Raneiagh G. C. . . 278 281 Raynes Park G. C. . 278 Northwood . • Norwich ... 281 Richmond G. C. . . 278 281 Stanmore . . • 278 Ladies' . . Nottingham . . 281 Streatham . . • 278 281 Tooting Bee G. C. . 279 Oakharn . . . Oldhatn 281 Twyford Abbey . • 279 281 Wanstead Park G. C. . 279 Olton s8i West Middlesex G. C. . 279 Oundla .... Oxford University G. C, , a8l Willesden . . • 279 381 Wormwood Scrubs . 27'J Painswlck 281 Wood lord . . . 279 Paxton .... -l8[ Long Ashton . • 279 I'enarlh ..-81 281 Lowestoft . . 279 I'elirith ..281 Ludlow . . . 279 l'eppard Common 281 282 Lutoi ) . •. 279 Peterborough . Lyme Regis . . . 279 lVlerslield 38a Lymington . • • 270 'leasington 2S2 Lyndhurst . . • 279 'orthcawl . . . a8a Lylham and St Anne's 'orlland . . . 383 G. C. . . . . 279 'orlsmmilli 282 Machynlleth . . . 280 Ladies' 28 J .82 Maccleslield . . . 280 'reston ..'. 383 Maldon ..., 280 'wllheli . . Maltby .... 280 'yecomba, Ladies' Section Malvern .... 280 Rayleigh ..•. • Manchester— leddUch 2S2 Old Manchester G. C. . 280 Reigata . 48a Ladies' . . . 280 Rhyl .... Manchester G. C. . 28(1 Richmond North Manchester (!. C. 280 Rickiiumswortli Marlborough . . . 28.1 Rochdale 383 Marple . . . 280 Rochester 28J Melton Mowbray . . 280 I.. 111 ics' 28i Minchinlmmpton . . 280 Rock .28., Ladies' . ' . 280 Romford .... ;

M'nehead . • • 2N0 Rossall School. . . • . ; Ladies' , . . 280 Rolhluiry Morecarabe and Heysham Rowington 183 <;. C 280 Royston Ladies' .... J8O Rye ...• Morelon Ladies' G. & • 280 Ryton-on-Tyne &

Moseley . . . 281 Saffron Wald 1 en ••; Muswell Hill . . .281 Hi. Allans Nazing Common G. C. . 281 St. Fagaru 483 Newbiggin-by-the-Seu . 28 r Si. Helens and District ('.. ( 28) b xviii Contents GRKBNS AND CLUBS di'1 THI; UNITED KINGDOM—continued.

ENGLAND— I'AIIK ENOLAND' PAOB St. Noels 283 Sutton .... 287 1,adius' . 28,i Ladies' 2S7 Salisbury • 283 Sutton Coldfield 287 Saltburn-by-Sea . Z83 Swanage .... 2S7 Sapperton Park • 283 Swansea .... 2S7 Sattley . . 2K4 Tamworth 287 Sandwich , . 284 Taplow .... 287 Scarborough . 284 Ladies' 287 Scorton . . 284 Tauntun .... 287 Senford . . 284 Tavislock 287 Ladies' . 284 Tenby .... 287 Seascale , . 284 Tewkesbnry 288 Seaton Carew . . 284 Thrapaton 288 Sampringhatn Abbey . 284 Tiverlon .... 2H8 Sevenoak . 284 BhiMdell's School C. C. 2S8 Shawford . . . 284 'onbrida 288 Sheffield . 284 Ladies' 288 Siiirrel Heath . . 284 Hadlow Castle 288 Silloth (with Plan) . 284, 285 Torquay ; Ladies' . 288 Sherringham , . 286 Torre .... 288 Shielils, South . 286 Tring Park 288 Shoeburyness . . 286 Trowbridge 288 Shrewsbury . . . 286 (Jlverston 2S8 Sidcup . 286 Koxlield . _ . 2S8 Sldmouth . 28(. United Service. 288 Skegness. . . 286 Upptngham 288 Solilmll . . 286 Upwey .... 288 Southdown Ladies' ('•• C 286 UnusUm .... 2S8 Southend-on-Sea . 280 Wadebridge 28S Soutbport . 286 Wakelield 288 Palace Ladies' < '•. C . 2S!) Wallasey. 288 Southwold . 286 Wallfagford . 288 Stafford . . 2'-'6 Wallham Cross 288 Staines . 286 Walton-on-Thames . 289 Stamford . 286 Warkworlli . . . 289 Stanmore . 386 Warminster 289 Stapleford . 286 Warwickshire < !olf Club, Staunton Harold . 286 The . . . 259, 289 Stevenage . 287 Ladies' 289 Ladies' . 287 Wearside O . C. 289 Stinchcombe Hill . 287 Watford .... 289 •.ulies' . 287 Welbeck .. 289 Stourbridge . 287 Welllngborough(withPlan) Stow-on-the-Wold . . 287 243.289 Slavell Park . . 2S7 Westgate-on-Sea 289 Stroud . . 2K7 Weston -Super-Mare 289 Studley Royal . . 287 Westward Ho 1 389 Sudbury . 287 Northani (i. C, . 289 Sunderland . 287 Westward llo ! and North Surbilon . . 287 Devon Ladies' (!. C. 289 Simnhigdale . 2S7 West Walton . 290 - Contents xix

GREENS AND CLUBS OFTHEUNITEDK THE UNITED KINGDOM — continued ENGLAND— L'AOfi West Wratting I'ark 29O liullylmniorf 292 Weymouth 29O Ballycastle 292 Whitby .... 29O Bantry 202 Whitley .... 29O Hclfast . 292 Wilmslow 290 Orniean 292 Ladies' 290 Bitndoran . 292 Wilpshire 290 Carrigart 292 Wilts 290 Clontarf . . 292 Winchester 290 Cookslown Winchfield 29O Courtmaeshrrrv 2<)-> Hook G. C. . 29O Curragh . 292 Winclermere 290 Drogheda 2')2 Windsor . . ... 290 Dublin . 21) 5 Withington 290 Dunfanagby Wokinu .... 290 Dungannon • 29.5 Wolverliampton 290 Foxroclc . 29,5 Woodbridge 29O Grayatones G, 0. • 29.5 Wookey .... 291 Killarney. . 293 Woodford, 291 Lahinch . • 29 i Woodball Spa and I>is- Limerick . . 2i; ] trict .... 291 Lisburn . , 21) } Woolacombe . 291 Tjsfannou • 293 Woolwich 291 Lurgan • 293 Workington 291 Malahide • 2'.\> Worlington and Newmar- Maryborough . • »93 ket G. C. . 291 Monaghan 294 Worsley G. C. 291 Newcastle , . :'.o.| Worthing 291 i'orlrusli . Wye .... 291 I'orlsidim 20.| Yardley ... 291 Randalstovvn 2I|.| Yarmouth 291 Rathmullen . .•.,,

York 291 Koslrevor • :•"! Sligo . . . • -'"1 IRELAND— Thomasliiwn Armagh, Tyrone 292 Tramore .

Auchnacloy 292 Warranpoint • -"'I

ADDITION TO RULE 14. At the General Meeting of the Royal and Ancient, held in 1 prlng of this year, the following ad dition was made to Rule 14 : " Bui il, in the backward or downward swing, any grass, bent, whin, nr otbar growing substance, or the side of a bunker, a wall, a paling , or other immovable obstacle be touched, no penally .shall be incurred." I SLOAN & SON, COAL MERCHANTS, Furniture Removal and General Contractors, 49 BROUGHTON STREET,

67 CASTLE STREET, and DEP6T, EASTER ROAD

— EDINBURGH. T

TO GENTLEMEN. WEAR THE FAMOUS " WflVERLEY " LINEN-FITTED SHIRTS. Sent undressed as from the Factory. Marvellously Cheap, and we have sold Thousands. Bodies made of Soi'b Ootton, Fronts and Oufla of Fine Linen, Shape Perfect, Sewing- Beautiful. YOU ARE SVMJS TO JUS PXBASB!>• No. 1 Quality, 2/3 each; three for 6/6; six for 13/-. No. 2 Quality, 2/11 each; three for 8/6 ; six for 17/-. No. 3 Quality, 3/1 (to button sit back); three for 9/-. For Evening1 Full Dress, Extra Wide Front, one Stud hi centre, Sauare Cuffs, S3. 3d. each; and to button at back, 3a. lOd. Same Reduction on a number. The newest thing b White Shirts U "THE ST. ANDREWS SHIRT." An excellent Linen* Kitted White Shirt, with New Sleeve and Patent Square Cuff, only Sa. 6d, each. Send for Illustrated Price List, fast free. Yon should order some of the above to-day, stating size of Collar worn. Uy PARCEL PORT — fld. extra HENRY BLYTHTx^EDINBURCH for one, 4d. for two, 0(1, for three, Ski. for six. Price List and Testimonials post fVt«. J. H. TAYLOR, Champion for 1894.

[AYLOR'S YEAR" promises to Im long memorable in the annals of the game.. All of us may not, perhaps, be quite disposed to go so far as one wrilcr in an excellent review of" The Year's Golf" In Macmillan foi November lust—when lie says: "As the result of the year's play Uiure seems It )be a general consensus of opinion thai Taylor is the best golfer that ever handled a club." The same claim lias been often asserted for not only immortal Allan Robertson, but his doughty successor, Young Tom. Hut there can be no doubt as to his having m, superior among living players ; and it is pleasant to know that Golfs assertion that his great victory at Sandwich would "be extremely popular both in England and Scotland" has been more than cor- roborated. This popularity seems to extend throughout both amateur and professional ranks; and it Is questionable If Taylor lias a warmer admirer than one of the Scotch ex-champions, who is himself famous fur the ease and grace of his style, Willie I'urk, junior, Perhaps no better testimony to the suddenness of Taylor's rush to the front can be given than that his name does not appear al all in the. recent Badminton; but our surprise at this is lessened wUen We learn that he is not yet 24. Many others of our great players Young Tom, I'tirk, Simpson, and so on came t>> the front early, but It is questionable if against .such a superb field as was gathered together at Sandwich. Taylor was born at Nurthain, near Westward tlo I in DevonshireJ and his first introduction to the Royal and Ancient game Was as a caddie A 2 The ('.oiler's Guide on the links there, at a very early age. The brothers Allan -Johnnie,

Mat, and Jamie—were the professionals there at that time, and from them he received his first knowledge( if the game. Me used also in carry frequently fur Mr. Horace Hutchinson' , and it is to that gentleman dial Taylor considers his present position is mainly due, as it was Mr. Hutchinson who advised him to take up the game as a profession. (Taylor modestly adds that no doubt he learned many a useful hint from Mr. Hutchinson—hints which, we are all pleased to recognise have been of rich fruition.) He gave up carrying clubs when about the age of 15, and went into a gentleman's garden for four years, during which lime he kept his gallic up, and was thereafter appointed a ground man on the links, which, of course, gave him better opportunities for practice. His first appointment as professional was at liurnhain, in Somerset- shire, just four years ago this month (Jan. 1895) ; and it was while there thai he played his first professional match, his opponent being A. Kirkaldy, who happened to be then at Winchester. It was a Home and Home match,of 72 holes for £12 a-side, and Taylor beat his man by 4 up and 3 to play. About two years ago Taylor came t(i Winchester, where the links gave excellent practice for all-round play, and where he is still professional. His first contest for the Championship was at I'reslwick in 1893, when he made a record of 75 strokes in the, first round, but failed to last the remaining three, and came in seventh with a score of 333, only one stroke behind Mr. Hall, junior, and Mr. Hilton, who tied with 332. (The nearest approaches to Taylor's 75 were the 77 of Andrew Kirkaldy, the 7S of Herd and Auchterlonie, and the 79 of Mr. Ball, junior, and Hugh Kirkaldy.) It is the case that Willie Campbell holds the record of 1'reslwick Green with 71, and that Voting Tom had the phenomenal 149 for the double round over it; but it must be taken into view that in the case of the latter the course was very different from what we know now; and with regard to Willie Campbell's excellent performance, it is understood that it was not over the Championship Course. Perhaps it would be safest, however, lo put it that Taylor's splendid play secured the record over the Championship Course ; but be thai as it may, nil the three scores are worthy of being noted, quite irrespective of contrast. In the professional tournament at Stanmore in June of last year he The Golfer's Guide S came in second, being beaten by Cuthbert, the local man, by only tine hole. (The field was a strong one, and embraced the brothers Kirkaldy, T. Vardon, who came in third, Braid, Herd, White, Grant, Auchler- lonie, and so on.) Among the important matches of the season must be reckoned his great two-round match at Mitchani with the redoubtable Rolland, whom he succeeded in beating. But his main triumph was, of course, in the Open at Sandwich, when he led in a field such as has never before been gathered, beating his nearest opponent, Rolland, by no fewer than five strokes. The figures of the leading players may lie quoted once again, as showing the com- pleteness of his victory—

Taylor .' , 84 lo Si 81=326 Rolland . 86 79 84 82 = 331 A. Kirkaldy . 86 79 83 84 = 332 A. Toogood 84 85 82 «2 = 333 W. Kernic 84 84 SO 80 = 334 B. Sayers 85 Hi 84 84 = 334 1. Vardon 86 86 82 80 u.i

And il is rather singular,to read that, on both days his remarkable score might have been yet further reduced had he not missed several comparatively easy putts. His style is described by one admirer as neat and elective, although without the long St. Andrews swing, but that the prettiest p:irt of his game is his marvellous iron play, invariably laying the ball within a few feet of the hole. The anonymous writer in Maanillan, whom we have before quoted, says a remark at Sandwich was that such a combination of the "far ami sure" had never been before exhibited, and that the only hazards for him were the guide flags, so closely did he, time after time, shave them. The same writer, in dealing with the qualities of the champion's gnrnc , says: "The remarkable ease and accuracy of his driving, and the deadliness of his approach with his inashie, are the features of his game;. He plays his inashie shots with a very dead loft, and unless the putting- green be peculiarly smooth, prefers that club In the putter until lie is within a very few yards of the hole. IIe has also a very long approach shot, with a half-swing with the iron, which lie plays with great strength and accuracy." It should also be added that Taylor plays with rather The G olfer's Guide1 light dubs with stifiish skills, accept te th« cue of the maahie, which he uses for approaching, and which is, on il»; contrary, heavy, It will be remembered ilmi tin i Ipsn Meeting W&A bronghl to a close m £: -" ]

j t

•

•kit

J. II. TAVI-OH| 1'lliiliil 'LNN, with a most mteresung fixture •lntaraBung ullko Btoro IU novelty and iho calibre of the wpre»ejitativi i malcb in which eight amateurs competed with eight profetslotmls. The amataui wsre chosa liy thu comtnittee of the St. George's (*lul>, and the proietsionali by Old Tom, Charlie Hunter of Prestwlck, Tuck Morrti of Haylako, ami Ramsay The Golfer's Guide 5

Hunter of Sandwich—names that speak for themselves, The play was by holes, each game to consist of one round, and the matches to proceed as in the Amateur Championship. Only two

; j. H, TAYLOR, champion, •B94. . [ amateurs survived the first round, and only one, Mr. F. (!. Tail, was left in the semi-final. After a tremendous straggle Holland beat Mr. Tail at the twentieth hole, and in the final, after what is described as a ding-dong game, succeeded in avenging his defoftl by Taylor at Mitcham by 2 and 1 to play. As showingjthe composition The Golfer's Guide

(if Ihu full two towns we COOld dot perhaps do better than give the results of the first round : -

Mr. John Hull, jun. (Royal Liverpool), bent Willie Park, jun. (Mussel luirjrh), by i hole.

|. II. Taylor (Winchester) beat Mr. If. II. Hilton (Formby) by 4 «nd 3 i" play- A. Herd (Hudderefield) beat Mr. A. I). Blyili (St. George's) by i after halved match. A. KirUuldy (St. Andrews) beat Mr. Chattel Hutchlngs (Royal Liver- pool) by 7 and 6 to play. \V, Auchtarlonle (St. Andrews) beat Mr. Mure Ferguson (St. George's) by 2 und I to play, Douglas Holland (Llmpcfleld) beal Mr. Horace R utchlnson (Royal N. Devon) by 3 and ito play. Willie I'Vrnic (Troon) beal Mr. Alexander Stuart (IInn. Co.) by A ami .1 i" l'hiy. Mr. F.

Af this article it dealing mainly, If not wholly, with Taylor, it will probably be safflalenl if we give brief details of his performance:—

(1) Beat Mr. Hilton 4 and 3 lo play, 39 out. and 28 for the holes played in, (2) „ Mi. Ball -18tnd3 „ 40 „ 30 ,, ,, (3) » Herd 4 i"" l - ..37 » 4" .,

In lliis round it should bt noted that after Taylor had beaten Herd by 4 anil 2 to play as above, the pt&yeft Were about tu walk in, but Andrew KirUaldy suggested that Taylor shrink! play in and try to break the record. TMs hi ,it\l holing out in 77. The previous record was 79 by Mr. F. A. Palrlie, on 10th May, [892,

(4) Lost in Holland, > and 1 to play, We append the scores of both

these fine players tu show how k een the ootit 1 wa

Kulliind, mil (1 ,4, 4, 4,4, 4, 5, 4, 5 1 40 ; in 5, 4, 5, 4, 6,5,5. Taylor, oiu 6, 5, 4, 5, 3, 4, 6, 4., .1 41 ; m 5, 5, 5, 5, 5,5, 5. A spectator notes that Taylor fell off somewhat in the afternoon, and that his putting was not nearly so SUM. The composition of the respective teams may be of Interest in future years on the ground of nationality, < )f the amateurs, four hailed from each side of the Borda/j but in the rase of the professionals all, with The Golfer's Guide 7 the exception of the Champion himself, were of Scotch origin. This inequality will, if we may judge from some of the recent performances of Toogood, Vardon, and others, soon be a matter of the past. Taylor has just started business in partnership with Cann, lately with Gibson at Westward Ho I and, judging from the class of players already enlisted on their side, the young firm seems to have every prospect uf a flourishing business; and we arc certain that everyone of the golfing fraternity who visits Winchester will be more than satisfied with their reception by Messrs. Cann and Taylor. Personally, we have much pleasure in expressing the wish that Taylor may meet with the tame success in business that has already attended him on the Links. The Golfers Guide

THE DUNN FAMILY. Willie Dunn.

ill IS Ukenen of the celebrated old player has never before

''••'•» published) but WUlle appeared in some of ow groups in the lii.i bwe, and we accordingly devoted considerable space lo him, and specially to ihe famous straggle In 1849 betwesn Mm and his brother Jamie

against Allan Robertson and Old Tom. That occoi which « of

Win !!•: DUWK, Falhtr ..f T. \>.

ecial value as having baen written by an eyo-wlttiwi, is rather loo long for reproduction in the pre senl i nil I The Golfer's Guide Like many another famous golfer, he was born at Musselburgh, and served an apprenticeship as a leather and feather ball maker to the late John Gourlay, whose name crops up so frequently in golfing story. In 1851 he left "the honest tonn," and became custodian of the Blackheath Links, which was for many years thereafter the only place in England where golf was played, with the possible excepti6n of Manchester (but I understand that the game had at thai, time fallen into abeyance there). He remained at Blaokheath fourteen years, and conjoined club and ball making with his other duties; but as, for obvious reasons, he could find no opponent worthy of his steel in the south, his gaine, through want of practice, fell off considerably. Me left Blaokheath in 1864, and started business, first in Leith, and thereafter at North Berwick. lie died at the age of fifty-nine, liked and respected by all who knew him. He was celebrated fur the peculiar grace of his style anil his magnificent driving — one authority, indeed, holding him as tin- longest driver of his day. Dr. Maepherson, than whom there- is no better judge living, goes the length of saying that of the brilliancy of Willie Dunn's style no language can give any adequate description ; whilsL Mr. Peter, in his account of the 1K49 match, says of the Dunn brothers:—"Their driving, in fact, completely overpowered their opponents. They went sweeping over hazards which the St. Andrews men had to play short of," and so on. Rather oddly, a hazard al St. Andrews commemorates one of his driving feats, viz. the little crescent-shaped bunker al the end of the Klysiun fields, still known as " Dunny," into which he drove from the medal lee on the H ole o' Cross green. (It may be added that to this day, for Some reason unknown to the present gossip, in another district of Fife the Dunns of Musselburgh are invariably spoken of by the oldsters as " the Dunnies.") As one of the doughtiest of Musselburgh's champions, bis %h(s in her defence are far too numerous to chronicle here. His contests with Allan Robertson, above all, used to excite: a keen interest in

the golfing world of that day. It is understood—at ieusl it is so

asserted by an. amateur, who probably knows as much of the ga me at that time as any one still with us—that cadi was always (let us put it, usually) successful on his home green, and Allan most 12 The Golfer's Guide smiled satisfactorily, having the credit of taking the match by twn holes." Another capital yarn has coma down In us, which is not only of interest as showing the advantage of playing "with brains, Sir," but also as illustrating the repute of Willie Dunn as a driver. The match was between Old Tom and Bob Anderson against Allan Robertson and Willie Dunn at St. Andrews. This Anderson was nearly, if not quite, as powerful a driver as Dunn himself, but Tom, very prudently, fearing that he might he led to "press" if driving against Willie, arranged that he should do so against Allan, whom, of course, he could easily beat. Tom and Anderson won liy a hole, Another famous match was that of 1N52, between Sir Robert Hay and Dunn against Allan and Old Tom, of which a pretty full account is given in the Badminton; 1ml to one of the sentences therein exception has been takenwhether rightly or wrongly I, ofcourse cannot pretend for a single, moment to judge. The mulch was one of 36 holes, and played lit St. Andrews. During the first round Allan and Tom were no fewer lhan four down and five to play, but in the second they completely turned the tallies, and won by six and five to play. Upon this the Badminton remarks :—" In justice to the amateur, it should be staled that the loss of the match was in no degree attributable to him." As a direel converse, the following note has been given to me:"It was admitted thai Mr. Hay" (as he then was) "broke down in the second round, having been up till late in the morning dancing al the Fife Hunt Ball." Tl really, at this distance of lime, seems scarcely worth mention. Still, it seems only fair to show that, at the time opinions differed as to whom the defeat was mainly owing. Another match that was played whenever occasion offered, and roused considerable interest at Tilackhealli, was between Colonel Boothbyand Willie against the late Mr. Robert Chambers and Jamie Dunn—Willie's twin brother, who was also a player of high repute in his day. The Golfer's Guide 13

Tom Dunn. E reproduce an individual.!' photograph, iis 'wcll as one] showing W Tom Dunn with his two' .sons, John E>. and Gourlay <>f Mitcham, on p. 16.

T. DUNN.

\'. Excellent and exhaustive notices of lliis popular 'custodian of tlic new Bournemouth Green, which has been recently opened, and of which we reproduce a plan, appeared in the pages of the gelling id The Golfer's (lui weeklies in 1891. Of course, as the game runs, this is simply n matter of ages ago; but Tom's BlDry since then has been mainly one of. the strictest attention to business, and the successful laying out of green after green in every corner of England. After his father left Blackheath in 1864, as above mentioned, Tom accompanied him to Leith, where he remained till the spring of 1870, when lie started business at North Berwick. In the autumn of that year he returned to the south as professional to the London Scottish at Wimbledon, where he remained for eleven years. In 1881 lie re-entered upon the duties of custodian of the North Berwick Links, and held that position until the autumn of 1SS9 us to which the Rev. Mr. Kerr, in his article upon North Berwick in our first issue, notes: "Tom Dunn, now at Kurmlown, did much for the green

when he had the post/'—when lie returned U> London as professional to the Tooting Bee Golf Club, and this post he only relinquished upon the recent opening of the Bournemouth Green. As a green maker his experience and repute, il is not too much to say, rival those of GUI Tom himself. Among those actually planned by himself are Felixstowe, Great Yarmouth) Hayllng Island, Tooting Bee, Goswick, Dinard (France), Chorley Wood, Woodford, Deal, Richmond, Mileham (where his son Goitrlay Dunn is now in charge), Stanmore, Woking, Chislehuist, Raynes Park, Bournemouth, and so forth; while of links already laid out, he has extended those (if Wimbledon from a seven to an eighteen hole course, and has lengthened and improved those of North Berwick, Clapham Common, Hawick, and .Biarritz, as well as LoriI Leconfield's at Petworth. Nay, in spite of the hard winter just gone—when other folk were dreaming more of skates and (he roaring c.tuinnel-stane—Tom had the interest of lovers of the Royal and Ancient game still in mind, and reconstructed the links at liude, in Cornwall, an excellent but somewhat out of the way course! anil the very following week laid out yet another private green at Goring for Mr. Schoolbred, and one in the Deer Park at Welbeck Abbey for the Duke of Portland. Among the many other private links which he has laid out may he mentioned those of the Earl of Aberdeen ai Haddo House, the Marquis of Tweed- dale at Yester, Mr. Gassooii at WaUon-ou-Thaines, Mr, Debenham at Cheshunt Park, the Hon. Elizabeth Willmtghby :U Colby, Earl Ferrers at Slaunton Harold, Mr. Adeline at liabruluun, Viscount The Golfer's Guide 15

Cranbrook at Hemstead Park, Mr. Henderson, Buscot Park, Farlngdon, Mr. Samuel Fisher, Tooting Common. As may be easily understood, these multifarious duties have precluded him from taking part to any great extent in the principal professional competitions; but at Wimbledon, 1879, and Hoylftke, 1883, he secured first honours, whilst his roll of weighty matches has been a large one, and full of interest. So long ago as 1871 we find him losing by only one to famous Bob Kirk at Wimbledon, and two years later turning the tables to exactly the same extent. In 1872 Tom and Bob Kirk were defeated by Old and Young Tom Morris at Hoylake. In 1X77 he beat Davie Strath (Young Tom Morris1* friend and rival) at North Berwick by two holes; but in the return lost by the same number. Later in the same year he beat Old Tom at Wimbledon by three holes in a two-round match. In 1SK2, nt North Berwick, he and 15. Savers squared the redoubtable Bob Fergusson and Willie Campbell; and in 18S5 he beat Old Tom at Aberdeen in a two-round match. In 181S6 Mr Laidlay and he drew with Mr. Horace Hutchinson and Old Tom at North Berwick, and a single with Bob Fergusson also resulted in a draw. Of late years, perhaps the most notable match lie has played was that against Rolland in the spring of last year, when fatu proved unpropitious. The match took place at Furmlown, nml attracted ;i large number of interested spectators. "Much interest was attracted in metropolitan golfing circles to the contest, as both players are known to be brilliant exponents of two different styles of play : Rolland being celebrated for his long play, both from the tec and through the course, and Dunn for neatness and finish all round." Rutland's play in the first round was phenomenal—in the return home he had three twos in the last eight holes, and holed out in 34, or 74 for the complete round, which is the record for the green. Dunn's own rounds were S3 for the first round, and for the second 85 to Holland's Sa. As a teacher, Tom has had a wide and varied experience, and won a richly deserved popularity. Among the best known of his pupils is H.R.II. The Princess Fred erica; and Bournemouth youth of both sexes are to be congratulated upon having such u teacher at huiid. Rather oddly, he numbers among his pupils both MR A. J. Balfottr and Mr. Gladstone; and it is surely no expression of unnatural regret1 when we hint that it seems a pity that tin; two great Statesmen had The Golfer's Guide 16 not agreed to fight out many of their combats on the green under Tom's kindly supervision instead of in a more vitiated atmosphere, if it may be so put without offence. His style of play is notably easy and graceful, and is described as recalling by'lts finish, ™»»u of tbe sweiT'"K. «lsy movements of Old

JIIIIN, TOM, anil OODRUAV DUMH,

Willie Park. Attention may also be drawn to his literary tastes, and his "happy knack of wiling tutiefttl, humorous Scultiah verse referring to golf and golfers, and which blU off with kindly, gentle satire som« of the pronounced phases of golftng human nature us unfolded to the critical eye of the skilled player and hMclicr."

We also reproduce Uknewes of hi;> Km •, The Golfer's Guide 17

John Duncan Dunn and Gourlay Dunn, as well as one of the father and the two sons together. (The latter photograph is rather dim, but we have endeavoured to do our best with it.) John Duncan Dunn is in partnership with his father at Bournemouth, whilst Gourlay has the business In connection with the Prince's Club at Mitcham. John has laid out all the greens in Holland—the principal of which are at The Hague, Doom, Haarlem, and Arnbeini. Mr. Dunn says that the Dutch themselves do not think they can take the credit of originating the game in their country. To use the words of the prophets! "Both promise to become worthy representatives of an old and honoured golfing family. , . . Like their father, both play a good, sound game, Gourlay being the better and more dashing player of the two," or, to use his brother's words, " Gourlay promises to be the best player of the lot." Gourlay Dunn is one of the comparatively few who can claim to have beaten Rolland, This he did at Tooting before a very large crowd.

Willie Dunn, Champion of America. HE accompanying likeness is that of the famous champion of T America. He is a son of the great Musselburgh player whose likeness we give on p. 8, and has well sustained the honours nf the family. He is an old rival of Ben Sayers, with whom lie has played with varying fortunes ; and the same may be said of his matches with Willie Park, junior, of which we have all read. In 18X7, after assisting his brother Tom for several years in the management of Norlh Berwick Links, he was appointed to Westward Ho ! and it is pleasanl to note that so highly had the North Berwick brethren of the craft appreciated his worth, that over a hundred of them joined in a handsome presentation to him. For some years thereafter his health was nut nil that could be desired, and it was probably due to this that he did mil take such a prominent place in English golf as his undoubted skill as a player might have ensured him. . In 1893 he accepted an engagement as professional to thu powerful American club known as the Shinnecock Hills—what would his famous 1! 18 The Golfer's Guide father and his stakl old rival, Allan Robertson, have thought of all this?—and has been pleasantly occupied in touching the young follow they call John how to use his tools, and winning victories all over the place. Probably the most weighty of ln'.s rivals was Willie Campbell (a good likeness of whom appears on p. 66 of our firai issue), who has also

.I.IK DUNN, Champion of

thrown in his lol with our cousins BCTOM thfl ocean, u spr ofessional In the Essex County Chili. (Campbell al»O conies of Well-known golfing stock in Musscllmrgh, and his father is still hale ami hearty ; and it is rather quaint to think of these two representatives of the little " honest tqjm" by the Forth meeting under such different skies, but with the The Golfer's Guide 19 same old clubs and, no doubt, satanieally similar hazards.) Out of five matches against Campbell, Dunn won four. Davis, of Newport, who is considered the strongest of the American players, he also beat easily ovur the links of the Myopia Hunt Club. Over the Vonkers Links of the St. Andrews Club in October last, he won the championship of America against a powerful field—in the final, wiping out his old rival Campbell by two holes. (The reading of some of these American reports is very funny, and evidences an ignorance of the golfing tongue which is quite unworthy of n great nation with such a remarkably big dictionary all its own. This depressing, if Dot actually enervating, unfamiliarity with Old PhUp's language cannot frail to have put both Dunn and Willie Campbell much off their game, and, perhaps, caused them both many bitter tears which they were, however, loo proud to shed in public ; but we are more than justified in hoping that all this will soon be a matter of the past. The game seems to have crossed the water to stay ; and we may be sure that if the young fellow they call John once sets his mind to it, even Taylor and Mr. Hull may have to look to their laurels.) During the winter months'Willie Dunn has been at Biarritz, where the Links are, perhaps, the best in France, but has since returned to his old post in the Slates.

[Through the courtesy of Mr. Tom Dunn, now of Bournemouth, we reproduce likenesses of three generations of this famous golfing family. | 20 The Golfer's Guide

WILLIE PARK, SENIOR.

\V all the golfers Musselburgh has produced no one has shed a greater lustre on the " honest toun " than Willie Park senior. The contemporary of Allan Robertson, Willie Dunn, and Old Tom, he was also the rival of such powerful players as Young Tom, Davie Strath, and his fellow-townsman, Bob Fergusson. Born near Musselburgh alitileover sixty years ago, he is still by no means an old man ; but for almost ten years he has been, by reason of his infirm slate of health, practically debarred from playing. During his boyhood he acquired his knowledge of. the game while acting as u caddie on the links of Musselburgh, chiefly to members of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, The number of golfers being few in those days, caddies hud many more opportunities of practising the game than now, and many of Willie's idle days ami unoccupied summer evenings were spent in playing sometimes very exciting matches with his brother caddies, among whom were quite a host of good players. Willie's pre-eminence as a putter is well known to all golfers of Hie Old School, I low he acquired this marvellous dexterity it may lie interesting to relate. Close lo the "Top Hole" at Musselburgh, at the bottom of the " Brae," there were in those days 4 holes arranged in the form of a square, about from 25 to 30 yards apart. These were known aa the "baker's holes," from the fact of an enterprising Musselburgh baker coming nearly every day with a stock of pies to supply the needs of any hungry golfer. When the baker was not particularly busy he engaged in a putting match with any one who came forward, losing, I have no doubt, a few of his pies to several of the caddies. These putting holes soon became a favourite resort; and when quite a boy Willie might be seen night after night engaged in nothing but the putting game. Records lire the great things spoken of in these days. Willie's record for the baker's holes was, I believe, 5 strokes. Willie had to give this putting game up, however, and that simply because he became so good at it that no one would The Golfer's Guide 21

play him. The dexterity thus acquired stood him in good stead during his future career as a golfer. It is often said, and I believe with truth, that the fewer the clubs a golfer requires in playing a match, the better will be the game played. In his very early days Willie often playeil with only one weapon, and sometimes that one was not a club at all, properly speaking—in fact it was nothing but a shinty. But even with

Wji.j.iie PARK, .Senior. only a shinty, Willie during his boyhood days wns often too many for his opponents with their two, three, four, or five clubs. Ilow he managed when he got into a bunker I don't know, but I have a suspicion he was wily enough to avoid the bunkers altogether. Another marked feature of his play was his powerful driving, Tha Golfosfs (Hm

in his earlier years. It is said that on his first visit to St Andrews, about 1854, when playing Geoidie Morris, whom he easily defeated, Allan remarked, " He frichlens us a' wi' his lang drivinc" In addressing his ball when driving, Willie's position differed from most golfers, his right fool being a little in front, instead of his left Ilr had as pretty a SWing as mm COUld wish to see. It was not what you would call a long swing, but a beautiful round swing. The club did not descend away clown the back almost to the ground, as is the case with many possessing a very long swing, but described as it were a circle round the head. So clean did he strike the ball, and with such force, that on many occasions when I have stood close behind him the meeting of the club and the ball sounded more like the report of a pistol than anything else. Hs played splendid long approaches with

bis cleekj but was never what might be called great with his iron. For want of a better name, Willie was what you might call a wooden-club player. For many years be bad in his possession two clubs which ho used to tell me ought to be framed on account of the many Important matches he bad won by their help. O ne was a little old cleek, and the other his famous old wooden putter. It is just possible he way have one or Imlli of them yet. The long spoon was also a powerful weapon in bis hands. With it a bad-lying ball went away as if it had been shot from some rocket apparatus. During his many matches with Old Tom, from 40 to 43 would be about his average round, although he seldom played a four-round match without having a 35 or 36 to his credit. When at the very top of his game he was nol afraid to back himself to do 38, and he has as often won as lost. At times he engaged in some queer kind of matches. I have often seen him playing a match with one hand j and on one occasion at least he played a match with one hand, at the same time standing on bis left fool. Even in these matches Willie seldom came off second best Ilis feats of driving * ball off the face of a watch al any tee on Musselburgh, and driving over the oil mill chimney, are: well-known. The latter feat was oftei idone by several of the caddies in Musselburgh at that lime, Willie came prominently before the golfing world in 1S54, when he beat both Geotdie anil Tom Morris al Ht. Andrews. Although frequently playing against Allan Robertson in foursomes, Allan always declined playing him a Single. His matches with Old Tom are too numerous to mention, extending from 1854 10 1SS2. Perhaps no two The Golfer's Guide 23

men ever played so many matches against each other as did WV i l l ie• and Old Tom, and certainly no two professionals ever played so many /rig

matches over /different greens. The big] matches took placo in

1856, 1858, 1862, 1871, 1882. Willie won the first two, Tom the third and last, the fourth coming to an abrupt finish at 24 The Golfer's Guide

Miissellmrgh by Tom declining to continue when Willie stood 2 up and 6 to piny.* As to minor matches they are too numerous to mention, although many were of an exciting nature, grand piny being shown on both sides. On the whole, it may be said that while Willie was the more brilliant, Tom was the steadier. When the championship was instituted in i860, Willie was the first to carry off the coveted honour. He was again successful in 1SG3, 1866, and 1875. Upon Young Torn, Davie Strath, and Bob Fergusson appearing on the scene, Willie had passed the zenith of his career; still his play did not suffer materially in comparison with that of bis younger rivals. Ha beat Young Tom in the only big match (so called) that grand player ever was engaged in over the greens of Musselburgh and St, Andrews. Later on Young Tom beat him by the narrow majority of one hole over the links of North Berwick. Strath IK: beat by one hole over North Berwick, while Hob Fergusson and he squared matters by each winning a match. 'Flu: state of his health prevents Willie now playing, which is to be lamented. It is a subject of regret that so many of our professionals break down comparatively early in Ufej for, with Old Tom as an example, there is no reason why the majority of them should not be playing good—aye, very good—golf till they reach the allotted span of three-score years and ten. heaving that aside, however, Auld Willie Park will always be remembered as the finest golfer of his day, and one of whom Musselbutgh certainly has reason to be proud. [We have to thank Mr. Doleman, of the Lytham and St. Anne's Golf Club, not only for this excellenl biographical notice of the old Scotch champion, but also for this likeness in his 2iSth year. We have now had the pleasure of reproducing in the "Guide1 all the winners of the famous 1'restwick Belt.] * Tom, in declining 10 pl;iy, nctftd on the advice of thfl referee, who considered the conduct of the liirtfe crowd such as 10 preclude fail1 play, an opinion, however, quite nt variance with that of many good golferl prennt, A. II. DOLEMAN. The Golfer's Guide 25

SIRHEDWORTH WILLIAMSON, BART., AND*MUNGO PARK. E have been permitted, by the courtesy of Sir Iled Worth Williamson, Bart., of Whitburn Hall, Surulerlmul, to reproduce this Hkeness of himself and Mungo Park, yet another brother of the fatuous golfing family. Mungo, brother of Willie Park the elder, was fur

t Sir H, WILLIAMSON, Ban., Alimiouili, ami MONOO PARK, Almmnuh. many years a sailor, but on his return home was not long in making u bid for his share of the family honours; and in 1874 actually secured 2g The Golfer's Guide the Championship at Musselburgh with an excellent 159 thai has only twice been beaten-oncc by his own nephew Willie, in 1889, with 155 (which was surely an act savouring of irreverence such as we did nut expect to see in him of all men), ami again by D. Brown in 1886 with.

157-and what emphatically enhanced the value of the victory was the fact that among his competitors was Young Tom himself, then in the zenith of his glorious play. Like his more famous brother, MungO was a singularly dextrous putter, and with that instrument, which is so apparently simple in construction, did deadly work, not only in putting proper, as the phrase is currently understood, but also in approaching from a distance in the way that Musselburgh lias made all its own. He was for several subsequent years green-keeper and professional with the Alnmoutb Club, who still hold him in memory with one of their bunkers known as " Mungo Park." Of his famous matches, perhaps the most important was that in 1874, when he and his brother Willie actually beat Old and Young Tom by 3 and 2 to play—a result reversed in the following year. The Golfer's Guide

HON. A. J. BALFOUR.

T would be, perhaps, going ton fur to wiy that Mr, Bailouts repute on the links is similar to that which he has earned in a very different sphere. Liked, certainly, he seems to be in both characters, and by both friend and opponent; and there is little doubt that, proud us we Scots are of his successes in the great world of politics, he has been

KigliL [Ion. ARTHUR j. IUUTHJU, none the less endeared to his own people by his devotion to II game of their own love. Such an one—wholly irrespective of parly is entitled to all the honours that his countrymen can give him, and In doing 10 28 The Golfer's Guide

the leading clubs have not been backward. As a player he lias been described to me as steady rather than brilliant, and one that will always have to be reckoned with, especially if well partnered. His handicap allowances show that lie is, year by year, improving in his game. Perhaps as good a testimony as wo can offer to the kindly regard in which Mr. Balfour is held even by his political opponents, is the following passage, full of good natural chaff and fun, from a speech by his no less eminent brother Scot, Lord Kosebery, delivered at Dornoch in the course of last September:—"We ought, I think, to lie greatly pleased that we have been enabled to inoculate England with the love of a game which had gone on for centuries without England taking the slightest notice of it hitherto, and I cannot help imputing this new fashion to a very distinguished statesman, though one who is opposed to the Ministry of which I am a member—I mean Mr. Balfour—(applause and laughter)—who is a passionate acolyte of the game of golf, and who has spread its study and practice amongst the co mmunities of England. I am not at all sure, gentlemen, if in tho way that history is written now-a-days some future historian may not discover some considerable meaning in the spread of golf in England—(laughter). He will sny that a distinguished statesman, looking around fur all means of spreading the political principles which he held—(laughter)—had discovered, with the eagle eye of one who knows what lie is about, in the villages and on the links of Scotland, a new means of Spreading that creed—(laughter)—and that under the guise of an innocent game, which is played with a hag of instruments ami a boll of extreme hard- ness, that with these simple symbols be had managed lo form a great secret society, which extended lo every home in England, by which the principles of the party to which he belonged could lie extended indefin- itely—(laughter and cheers). And 1 am inclined to think that the chapter in some future Macatllay which will be headed 'Mr. lialfour and Golf towards the end of the Nineteenth Century,' will not be one of the least instructive, and certainly not one of the least imaginative to which he may put his pen"—(laughter).

The fun here is perfectly good-natured) imd was, we do not doubt, thoroughly appreciated by the subject of it. It seems probable, at all events, that it had not escaped the " eagle eye " of which I.ord Kosebery spoke, for a few months later we find Mr. lialfour returning the compliment, and that at Uaddinglon, in Kast Liithian, one of the chief golf The Golfer's Guide 29 centres in Scotland, where we may be sure that every golfing allusion was thoroughly appreciated :—" If I may be permitted—and perhaps I shall be permitted in this county and this country, to indulge myself in a golfing metaphor—I should say that Lord Rosebevy had driven his first, ball from the tee into a bunker—(laughter)—and that he lias ever since been occupied in trying to get it out—(laughter and cheers). And when the sand and dust incident to such successive efforts avMk; we perceive that every effort he makes leaves his ball in a more hopeless position than he found it. lie tried his hand in Edinburgh, then in Bradford, then in Glasgow, then in Devonshire ; but his ball remains unmoved— (laughter). He has now, in golfing phraseology, played ' four more '— (laughter)—and I do not see in these energetic, but unsuccessful, efforts any sure promise of final victory." Golf seems to have a special attraction for politicians. In the Parliamentary Golf Match for the present year the entries number KK against 64 for last year, and that in spite of the prevailing epidemic. Four peers are among the number—the Karl of Dartmouth, Lord Westbury, Lord Lamington, and the Earl of Kldon, father of the lady champion, Lady Margaret Scott ; and among the new players is Lord Salisbury's son—Viscount Cranborne. Many, no doubt, will watch with considerable interest the game between Mr. Herbert Gladstone (12) and Lord George Hamilton (18). Golf knows no political part)' ; let us wish good luck to both, and that one will score a record. I have to thank Mr. W. G. Stevenson, A.R.S.A., for this excellent sketch of the great statesman. It is believed to he a faithful likeness, and not unworthy of either the talented and versatile artist or his illustrious subject. 30 The Golfer's Guide

WILLIE PARK, JUNIOR. T is mainly for the sake of showing this "distinguished and graceful player ""in attitude" that we reproduce the two ac-

W. PARK at Babsrton—Quarter Iron Stroko. companying photographs by Mr. Criehloii. In our( list, Issue we also reproduced him in the altitude of driving. It Is probably unnecessary The Golfer's Guide 31

to name Willie's faithful henchman, who has followed him to many a field on "either side of the Border. As we gave a pretty full notice of him in last year's issue, we shall confine ourselves to a brief note of his doings in the leading events of the year. Here fate has not been altogether propitious to him. In the

«i J''H ••••• FMM i , \V. PARK al Baberton< Driving OIL Open, in the first two rounds, we read that he did not seem to be al all in his game; that his driving'jwns loose, and although he at time* putted well, he did not play in his usual style. In the third ha had an 82, and seemed as if he were going to pull himself together, but fell uff in the fourth, taking^. His total was 343. 32 The Golfer's Guide

In Ihe subsequent competition between right amateurs and eight pro. fcssionals he had a short but stirring life, having been, after a most exciting and keenly contested game, knocked out by Mr. Ball in the first round by a single hole, The figures were 83—85. These figures speak for themselves. Park is at present in the Slates extending bis already large business. We wish him thejbest of success. The Golfer's Guide :•„•!

MR. DRIMMIE. E have the melancholy privilege of reproducing a likeness of the W late Mr. Irvine Drimmie, who did so much for the interests and welfare of the Panmure Club at Monifieth. We received considerable courtesy from him when preparing our last issue, and it was while we

Mr J. DRIMMIE, Panmure Golf Club, Monifieth, were still at proof that we received the news of his lamented death. We understand the members have very properly commissioned a pal&tifig of him for the club. In a letter to us the pathetic words with regard to him occur: " I do not think he left one enemy." The Golfer's Guide

RAMSAY HUNTER. is scarcely necessary to say much—certainly it is difficult to say anything new—about Ramsay Hunter, the well- known green-keeper of what many golfers believe to be the queen of English links, Sandwich, It is perhaps not going too far to say that ho is an ideal green-keeper. The charming condition of the green at the Open last June would alone

RAMSAY

testify to his ungrudging care and devoted and intelligent service ; and it is probable that his genial tact anil courtesy did not a little to promote the pleasure of the meeting. His name is familiar to many a golfer The Golfer's Guide :i.r>

who has never had the privilege of visiting the famous green ; and with those who have, his popularity is unquestionable. He was born about 40 years ago in Edinburgh, and after a good preliminary education, learned the trade of carpenter and cabinetmaker in his father's workshop, near the storied old BnuUslield Links that have bred so many a doughty golfer in their day ; and it was thus as an amateur that he first acquired name and fame nn his home green and that of Musselburgli, and was reckoned among the scratch players of the club of which he was then a member. His training as a carpenter naturally assisted him greatly in his essays in the art of club-making i and even as a mere youth he succeeded in turning out tastefully-finished clubs that might have won a smile of approval from Old 1'hilp himself. It is a matter of congratulation alike for (he club and I tunter himself

that he secured the appointment of their first green-keeper,;for it would be difficult to over-rate the care and labour that must have been devoted to change the wilderness of sand and reed and tangled grass of a brief eight years ago into the deftly-planned and carefully-tended links that welcomed the Open last June. Over and above his onerous duties on the green and in the workshop, Hunter had others in connection with the commissariat in the old farmhouse ; and it is pleasant to note that in these he was most loyally aided by Mrs. Hunter, who has all along, in her quiet and cheery way, done a very great deal for the comfort of the club. Not only is Hunter popular with the golfing fraternity—he is also extremely well liked in the neighbourhood, and socially is highly valued as a member of two masonic lodges at Sandwicli and Deal. As a club-maker he has an extensive business, and the high repute of his "Hunter " ball is known to every golfer.. He has two brothers who are also green-keepers—the one at Deal, in the employment of the Cinq forts Club, and the other at Guildford, as an assistant to Pinkerlon, 36 The Golfer's Guide

GEORGE LOWE. jSEORGE LOWE, the professional to the Lytham and St. Anne's Golf Club, ia perhaps better known in the north of England than any other of his professional brethren. Since coming to St. Anne's, about five years ago, his services have been in continual demand for the laying out of new greens, more especially in Lancashire, Cheshire, and the neighbour-

GEOKGB LOWE. ing counties. In addition to being a really good golfer, he has a high reputation as a club-maker. He is a native of Carnoustie, where in early youth he acquired both his golf and the art of club-making. His The Golfer's Guide 37 knowledge of club-making was further extended by serving under Patrick of Leven and Old Tom at St. Andrews. In 1876 he removed to Hoylake, and entered the service of Jnck Morris, and for more than ten years his services there as club-maker were highly appreciated by the members of the Royal Liverpool. Having received the appointment of professional to the Lylbum and St. Anne's Club, he removed thence to St. Anne's, and has ever since continued a very steady and successful career. As a player, although perhaps not in the very front rank of the professional world, lie is a dangerous opponent, and can hold his own on his home green with the veryjhest talent. While at Hoylake, in the various professional competitions which look place there from time to time, many of the best men had to acknowledge defeat by him, including such names as Strath, Park, Morris, Ferguson, Holland, and others. In the first great professional tournament at St. Anne's, Lowe played a splendid game, coming out 4th on the list, while Fernie was first, lie is now in his 40th year.

We are indebted for the above excellent note upon George Lowe to Mr. A. H. Doleman of Lytham and St. Anne's Ci.C. 88 The Golfer's Guide

MR JOHN BALL, JUNIOR.

Amateur Champion, 1894,

any attempt, however humble, to do justice to this (M\i{ 1 >i illiiinl. >lft-*r, one is staggered !iy the difficulty of what \T*i/ M '"' ral'ler> w'ml not '" Sll>'' "" CVCTy l>aKe <>f recent "''"'I', stury liis name appears with honour; and it is pleasant also to note that—as in the case of Old Tom—he teems to be as much liked across the Tweed as by his own folk. Il would be Impossible, within anything like reasonable bounds, to ittornpl 1M11 the briefest recapitulation <>f his extraordinary successes- extraordinary alike in number and quality. By 1893—which was the dale of issue of the 4th edition of llm Hadmillton—ha had the marvellous 1 of 48 scratch medals, in scores ranging from 77 to 90, six of which are below 8o, and the whole averaging 83"i8. This summary by Mr ] Everard would probably lie revised up to dale, but consider the "' f 1 1 and their nature ilhce ! There is much In Mi1. Ball's golfing career that appeals to popular lam-)-, lie was the first amateur who ever won the Open Champion- shipthe first lo break the nefarious spell t hat had come down to us from the days of the famous old Prestwick Belt, with its memories of Old and S'oung Tom, and Willie Park ; but not only so, he was also an Englishman a fact not in Itself criminal, at least not very—which materially increased the perplexity of all to whom the memory of Old I'hilp was sacred. It is of course true that his fellow-countryman, Mr. Hilton, achieved the same honour only two years later, 1892; and lather singularly, both English victories were won on Scottish greens. But Mr. Ball was the lirst to break the spell. Even had we the wish, there is no place here to discuss the relative merits of Mr. Ball and others of our leading amateurs ; but the fact remains that out of nine Amateur Championships lie has come; iinn firsfirstt nnoo The Golfer's Guide 89 fewer than four times, and in 1887, when he came in second, he was only beaten by his formidable fellow-countryman, Mr. Hutchinson, by one hole. The calibre of his opponents may be seen at a glance from the following excerpt from the table showing the finals :— 1888—Beat Mr. Laidlay (Hon. Co.) by 5 and 4 to play—Prestwlck.

1890— „ „ >> by 4 and 3 „ — Hoyluke. 1892—Beat Mr. Hilton (Roy. L'pool) by 3 and I ,, — Sandwich. 1894—Beat Mr. Mure Ferguson (Roy. & Anc.) by 1 hole —Hoylftke. But not only has be broken records here and records there all over the land, and shattered, as we have seen, the semi-sacred traditions of years, he has even been accused of founding a new .school and imprinting on the minds of his disciples a yearning after new and unhallowed methods in the handling of their weapons. Mr. Hutchinson has some genial fun over these " base copyists" of Mr. Ball—" the right leg, relatively, well advanced, the hands gripping resolutely round the club-handle, fingers uppermost." But (as will be seen from Mi. Doleman's very interesting article on Willie Park, senior, on p. 20) Park bail the same practice of advancing the right foot ; and it seems to be admitted that in his prime Park had about the prettiest .style in Scotland. Nay, Mr. Hilton, in a recent note, expresses the opinion that the stance among leading players has been of late years gradually revolutionised, anil that the majority stand somewhat ope'n—that is, with the right foot forward ; and of these leading players he cites Mr. Ball and Mr. Tail as both standing very open, but notes that, whereas the latter takes the ball from nearer the right foot, the former has it almost opposite the left. And it may be added that in the now famous Bruges Miniature (see p. 84) the stance is open. Several writers seem to be impressed with Mr. Ball's power with the cleek—one, indeed, asserting that he can drive with a cleek nearly as far as his ordinary driver shot. Another writer, again—in a very pleasant, but unfortunately anonymous, article in Macmillan for lust November—seems to be more impressed with his " power of getting the ball away with the brassy for the second stroke in a manner which no man, not even Holland, Can quite equal. Holland will drive it as far, but with less command. On the other hand, Holland will out-drive him from the tee, and so will Mr. Talt. . . . But Mr. Tail's cleek is a fearful weapon for the second stroke, anil his putting is better thwj Mr. 40 The Golfer's Guide

Ball's." Perhaps we may be allowed to put it that, with one or other, Mr. Ball's shots through the green form a noteworthy feature in his game. Mr. Everard cites a case where this great cleek power stood

JOHN HALL, Jun., Esq., Amateur Golf Champion, 189.1. him in evil stead, and he over-ran the table into a hazard with his second that is rarely reached in three. Or take, as a more recent case, an account of his play in the Open for last year : " He started somewhat inauspicious!}', as his drive was too much to the The Golfer's Guide •11

right, and lay heavy amid long grass ; taking his cleek, his second would have been on the green had it been in line." In fact, his disasters in this round seem to jhave been numerous, yet he came in

JOHN BALL, JIM., Esq., Amateur Gulf Champion, iHy.i. with an 82, the lowest of all. (Subsequently) of course, as we have nil read or seen, if fortune so far favoured, his game was destined to full off in a way unusual with him.) 42 The Golfer's Guide

Of Mr. Ball's driving, again, Mr. Hutchinson writes with charming appreciation : "Mr. John Ball, junior, and Jamie Allan "—probably one of the brothers to whom J. Hi Taylor owed his introduction to the

e (see p. 2)—" drive a class of ball which is doubtless in both the outcome of the similarity in their styles " (both stand with ball comparatively near the right foot). '' Their balls start low-flying from the club, then rise as the initial velocity begins to diminish, and after making a great carry drop to the ground comparatively dead. It is a peculiarly fascinating style of chiving to watch, and is seen to marvellous effect in a long approach drive up to a hole on a plateau, or just beyond a hazard." It will be remembered that the Open Meeting of last year wound up with a match in which eight amateurs competed with eight professionals in a tournament by holes. (In our article on Taylor we give full lists of the contestants and a brief note of the results.) Here Mr. Ball opened the tournament against Willie Park, and after an exciting struggle won by a hole in 83. Here again it is noted thai his putting was occasionally unfortunate. In the second round he was pitted against his redoubtable fellow-countryman, Taylor, who beat him by 4 and 3 to play ; and for this his putting was again responsible— an account stating he was " particularly weak on the putting-green, throwing away stroke after stroke." Now everybody has read that this was for long Old Tom's one redeeming vice, but we draw attention to it here mainly because it seems to be occasionally a weak place in the armour of the other champion of the year, Taylor, who, in fact, in the very same contest, lost in the final to Holland through defective putting. With regard to the Amateur Championship earlier in the season at Hoylake, it will probably be sufficient here to give a brief note of Mr. Ball's own doings.- The field was a large one, and the only name of note perhaps awanting that of Mr. F. A. Fairlie. In the first round Mr. Ball beat Mr. James Goklie by 7 and 6 to play ; in the second, Mr. J. W. B. Pease by C and 4; in the third, Mr. James Fairclough by S and 4; in the fourth, Mr. T. T. Gray by 6 and 5 ; in the fifth, Mr. Laidlay by 5 and 3 ; and in the sixth and final, Mr. Mure Fergusson by 1 hole. Here again attention is in two different accounts drawn to an extraordinary shot by which he carried^ the bunker before the seventeenth hole in two—as one writer puts [it, "a gallant shot, which will The Golfer's Guide 48

live in the memory of those who saw it"—but whether with demon cleek or brassy is unfortunately not mentioned. Of the rest of the year's doings we may note that he won the Irish Championship with tolerable ease, the only opponent who gftve him serious trouble being Mr. Taylor of Edinburgh j and at the end of the week beat Hugh Kirkaldy after a close light. Again, he did two consecutive rounds of Hoylake in 76 and 74—the latter being record. As it may interest some, we subjoin a concise summary of Mr. Hull's doings in the Championships, both Amateur and Open, for the lasl three years :— 1892. Amateur.—At Sandwich—(1) Real Mr. Alexander Stuart (Honourable Company) by 1 hole; (2) Hon. A. Grosvenor (St. George's) by 4 and 3 to play; (3) Mr. Mure Fcrgusson (Royal ami Ancient) by 2 and 1 to play; (4) Mr. Horace Hutchinson (Royal North Devon) by 1 hole; (5) Mr. L. M. Balfour-Melvilie (Royal and Ancient) by 1 hole ; (G aud final) Mr. H. H. Hilton (Royal Liverpool) by 3 and 1 to play. Open.— At Muirfield—(1) Mr. Hilton, 305; (2, tied) Mr. Hull, H. Kirkaldy and Herd, 30S.

1893. Amateur.—At Prestwick—(1) Beat Mr, Wilson (l'restwick) by 1 hole;

(2) beat Mr. J. Taylor (Carlton) by 5 and 3 lu play; (3) lust to Mr. Mure Fergti.sson by 3 and 2 to play. Open.—Also at Prestwick—(1) Auohterlonte, 322; (2) Laidlay, 324; (3) Herd, 325 ; (4 and 5 a tie) A. and II. Kirkaldy, 326; (6 and 7 a tie) Kay and Bob Simpson, 327; (8) Mr. Hull, 322, tying with Mr. Hilton. 1894. Amateur.—As we have given it above,

Open.—At Sandwich—Mr. Rail's figures wen; 82, 89, 87, 84 = 344, with which he tied with D. Brown, A. Simpson, and 11. KirknMy.

[We have to thank Mr. Hull for his courteous permission to reproduce the two accompanying photographs, 1 44 The Golfer's Guide

A TOOGOOD, MINCHINHAMPTON. }]i have great pleasure in reproducing a likeness of this now famous young player who has rushed to the front with such startling rapidity. His magnificent appearance in last year's Open at Sandwich is almost too fresh in the memory of every one who takes the least interest in the game to warrant recording here ; still the tale may bear retelling with

Al.B'KKl) HKNKV TOQGOODI

brevity. Taylor of Winchester, the champion, came in with a superb 84, 80, 81, 81 = 326, an easy winner; and next came in close succession The Golfer's Guide 45

Douglas Holland with 86, 79, 84, 82 = 331, Andrew Kirkaldy with 86, 79, 83, 84 = 332, Toogood 84, 85, 82, 82 = 333—close enough, in all conscience, for one of Toogood's age. The following too brief note gives the main facts of Toogood's career :—He learned the game as a caddie upon the Royal Isle of Wight Golf Links, and played a scratch game for a long time before he came out as a professional. The first regular match he played was with C. Callaway, professional of the United Golf Club, when in a home and home match of 36 holes on each course Callaway won by N up and 10 to play. Toogood thereafter went to Eltham, and beat W- Avestnne (another excellent player and record-holder) by 5 up and 4 to play in an 18-hole contest. He next beat C. Crawford by 8 and 7 to play in a 36- hole match ; and at Higham beat Pearson by 8 up and 6 to play in 36 holes. Thereafter, in a competition at Stanmore, he took twelfth placi*, which he followed up by his magnificent performance at Sandwich last year. At Cinq Ports Links he tied for 71I1, and thereafter left Elthatn for Minchinhampton, where he is now professional. He has beaten Hugh Kirkaldy by a hole in each of two 36-hole matches, and holds the following capital records s— Beabridge, Isle of Wight,. . . 39, 33= 72 Eltham, 33,38=71 Minchinhampton, .... 38, 37 = 75 Toogood is only 22 years of age, and has been out among the professional ranks for three years. He has a clear course before him to the highest Championship honours, and it is pleasant to read that his rivals are also his friends—in fact, he seems a general favourite. The Golfer's Guide

ROBERT CHAMBERS. O those who have taken the trouble to read our note upon Mr. Ball, junior, the Amateur Champion of last season the following, with regard to the winner of the very first as I believe, of such competitions, may not be without interest. Mr. Robert Chambers appeared in several of the" groups in our last

CHAMBERS. issue,'but we had unfortunately no photograph of him individually, and such notes as we were able to give were necessarily somewhat frag- mentary. Such as they are, however, it may be well that we reproduce The Golfer's Guide 17 them for the benefit of those who have not chanced upon our first little book, kindly corrected and supplemented by his sun. Mr. Chambers was well known on many a green, Mid, Wte Mr. Robert Clark, contributed substantially to the literature of the game of his love. He has been described to us by one who hud often played with him as an excellent all-round player, and, on occasion, a most brilliant driver. The Rev. Dr. Mncpherson notes that he got n decided impetus for his fine, easy, round sweep by letting his club pass back and forward over the ball to a greater extent than most when addressing it. He was of powerful frame and had a commanding style. Along with Mr. Marjoribanks he represented Musselburgh in the famous inter-club tournament of 1857, details of which we give elsewhere ; but fate was adverse. He himself writes as follows :— " The club from Mussellmrgh sent Twa stalwart men to play, An' weel these chiels did rcprescni The honest toun that day j But tho' they fooht wi' micht and main, And a' their efforts lent, The Leven folk by two did gain The first day's tournament." Mr. Chambers has a graceful tribute to his antagonists in another verse :— " Wallace and Marshall' —just tho same When on the links o1 Leven, For golfing they have gol such farna, ' No two will play them even.'" As to the truth of the last line we cannot nowadays pretend to speak, but there is certainly still a tradition in the district that such was tho case. However, in the tournament itself the formidable Mr. Glennie, partnered by Mr. Stewart, finally carried the trophy home to famous old Black- heath ; and in the following year, as will be seen, Mr. Chambers was successful in turning the tables upon at least one of his antagonists.

THE FIRST GOLF TOURNAMKNT took place in 1858, and was, as befitted, held at Hi. Andrews. We reproduced on p. 50 of our first issue a group commemorative of the 48 The Golfer's Guide famous contest. The following note is condensed from a contemporary report, and will, it is hoped, be not without interest even to the golfer of to-day. The first day's play resulted sis follows :—

Captain Maitland Dougall beat Mr. Robert Clark.

Sir Thomas MoncrielV „ „ W. C. Thomson. Mr. Robert Hay ,, ,, Calhcart. „ George Glennle ,, ,, W, 1'layfair. „ Patrick P. Alexander ,, ,, J. Balfour. „ Wallace „ „ J. 0. Fairlie. ,, Robert Chambers halved with ,, Silibuld. ,, Hugh Alexander a bye. The next round was a very interesting one - Mr. P, 1'. Alexander beat Mr. Hugh Alexander.

Of this match—brother against brother—the reporter says i " Mr. Hugh's usually steady play did not avail him this time, close up as he held." The round fell to Mr. Patrick by three anil two to play. Mr. Wallace beat Mr. Sibbald by 3 holes. "A steady, cautious play was the forte of this couple all the way out." About the third hole in, Sibbald bunkered ami so on. Sir Thomas MoncrielT beat Mi. Robert Hay by 2. " Mr. Hay dragged the gallant baronet the whole way out. Sir Thomas turned the tables on h1 is able opponent when near home, and landed himself a winner by 2 holes. Must brilliant play was exhibited by both." Captain Maitland Dougall halved willi Mr. Glennic. Mr. Glennie went out In 45. Mr. Chambers drew a bye.

The next round was as follows :— Mr. Chambers halved with Mr. Wallace. Mr. Chambers led the whole way until the fourth hole coming in, when Mr. Wallace got a hole ahead ; but they ended square. "Good steady play was the prevailing feature in this couple's game." Mr. P. Alexander heal Mr. (ilennio by r. Mr. Alexander stood three and four to play, which the oilier reduced to dormy one. Mr. Glennie holed a long putt, but Mr. Alexander answered the call, and Ihe hole was halved with the above result. The Golfer's Guide •19

Captain Maitland Dougall beat Sir Thomas Moncriefif by 2. Tlie game was all square with 3 to play when the former drove into the Principal's Nose, and had to play back.

The first round on Friday had the following results:— Again Mr. Chambers halved with Mr Wallace. Mr. Alexander beat Captain Maitland Dougall by 4 and 2 to play. The play in the latter game does not seem to have been very brilliant as the former took 51 out to the kilter's 52j but the latter was one ahead, so far as holes were concerned. This Mr. Alexander wiped off at the Eden hole ; the next was halved, and Mr. Alexander won the next four and the match. The score into the Dyke Hole, where the game terminated, was 34 for Mr. Alexander, 44 for the other. Mr. Chambers drew a bye, and the semi-final fell to he played between Alexander and Wallace. We read that an immense number of onlookers followed this gaine. Alexander never seems to have headed Wallace, and the latter finally won by 93 to 98. The final lay between Mr. Chambers and Mr. Wallace and was also followed by a vast crowd. The game out was a series of give and take with Mr. Wallace one up at the turn. Then followed hole about with intense excitement on the part of the onlookers. At the fourth hole coming home the game was even. With two to |>lay Mr. Chambers leads by one. The account goe.s on :—" On the green at the Burn Hole Mr. Chambers fell to play the odd, and a lovely ball he played, lying dead at the hole, amid the suppressed admiration of (he onlookers. Wallace evidently did not like the nearness of his adversary's ball. He knelt to study the putt, looking at it in every way played at last—did not hole, but stimied his adversary. I t was now Mr. Chambers's turn to look aghast. Hole the ball he could not, although he very skilfully lifted the ball over his adversary's, striking the very edge of the hole. All square once more and a hole to play. In striking off from the Burn Hole, Chambers drove wild towards the lifeboat house. ' That turns the match,' said a keen hand, who had been round with 'the combatants. Chambers, however, made a beiuili- ful swipe, although he lay among long grass, and managed to get on the green in the same number of strokes as his wide-awake opponent. The I) 50 The Golfer's Guide odd was played by Chambers, and a dextrous odd it was, considerin the locality. He laid his ball dead with his iron within a few inches of the hole. Wallace's ball was a few yards from the hole." . . . played several feet short and "wandered away into a leap." I don't exactly know what this word means, but any way, Mr. Wallace failed to hole his putt, and Mr. Chambers won this most exciting match by a, single stroke. (I have not been able to ascertain the respective scores ; but in close interest this famous game would seem to rank with that between Femie and Willie Park at Alnmouth, the details of which we gave on p. 70 of our first issue.) . The jovial sequel is given in the following minute :—

"BRUNTSKIELD LINKS, yth October, 1858.

It was suggested by Captain Greenhill that it would be very desirable that the Club should have a special meeting to rejoice with our member, Mr. Robert Chambers, as the Champion Golfer .of Great Britain; and it was unanimously carried that Mr. Chambers should be invited to a dinner for that purpose, and that the Council be entrusted with the arrangements. W. COTTON, Sec."

Every Scot worth a button lisps in numbers more or less mellifluous; and we accordingly find a breezy worthy, who modestly dusks his feme with a mysterious "T. R.," chirruping thus—

" The Bnmtsftcld come next in the raw, the raw, Wi' the Burgess they've oft a. fracas, a fracas, To add to their honours most gallantly Chambers Frae St. Andrews a prize brocht awa', awa\"

Although Mr. Chambers's name does not appear on the roll of medal winners of the Royal and Ancient, yet he on more than one occasio made a strong bid for the honour. All golfers owe him a debt gratitude for his Manual ; hut it is by English lovers of the game, perhaps, that his name should he held in most affectionate memory, for it is understood that it was in great measure to him that the famous Hoylake Links owe their existence, and that it was by him that green was actually planned. The Dowie Hole and one of the Clu The Golfer's Guide

prizes still maintain the association with Hie family. (Mrs. Dowie, mother of the talented Mrs. Norman, was Mr. Robert Chambers's sister. Her home was at West Kirby, near Hoylake.) Mr Chambers won the gold medal of the famous old Bruntsfield Club in 1859, 18G1, 1865, ami 1868.

[We have to thank Mr. C. E. S. Chambers for permission to reproduce the accompanying photograph, which is understood to be a very faithful likeness of his father, the lute Mr. Robert Chambers, as well as. for some notes additional to what we were able to give in our last issue.] 52 The Golfer's Guide D. STANLEY FROY. E have the pleasure of reproducing the photograph of Mr. ! W Stanley Froy, who is not only one of the finest players in the London Scottish Golf Club, but has also compiled a very handy UtUe Directory to the various golfing greens. lie is one of the scratch players of his club, and won the gold medal in October last. He is a

D. STANL&Y FROY, London Scottish Club. very long driver and remarkably clean hitter. - He stands rather "open," as the modern phrasing runs, and clasps very lightly with his right hand. He prefers the Silvertown ball. He is conspicuously steady with his iron, lofting straight and without any " cut." He is, as a rule, very dead with his long putts, and altogether formidable on the green, on which he never uses wood. He prefers lofting to the Mussel- burgh practice of the long run up to the green. It may be added that he is also an excellent billiard player, and promises to excel as a curler. The Golfer's Guide

DAVIE STRATH.

[HE Damon and Pythias of Scotch golfing story are, of course, Young Tom and Davie Strath. Close and keen as was their rivalry in the game that each knew and loved so well, their friendship seems to have never cooled ; and it is vastly pleasant to read that on every stirring field where only the one was actually engaged the other was pretty sure to be present in aid, with the sympathy and advice that never come amiss to the golfer who is merely human. Of course, in such an association one of the twain almost necessarily is awarded a certain prominence, however unassuming ; and it seems to have been the general opinion that Young Tom had rather the pull of his loyal comrade, some say by virtue of his deadly putting, others who, perhaps, knew the play of both equally well, through the marvellous accuracy of his approaches. And it must, in this connection, be always remembered that so far as Championship contests—which differ as materially from the game by holes as does a " point" competition at Curling from a ranting, roaring bonspiel with its countless memories and associations—were concerned, Davie Strath never even approached His friend. Still, it is pleasant to note that at his last great public appearance in the year preceding liin lamented death he carried off first honours in the great Glasgow tournament open to all the world, and in which almost every player of repute took part. It was only a few weeks, in fact, after this triumph that he caught a bad cold, which aoon developed into pleurisy and confined him to bed for several months—on a partial recovery from which he set out on the voyage to Australia from which he was fated never lo return. For several years prior to his death he was custodier of the North Berwick Links, where his name is still held in high regard. He came of good golfing stock ; his brother Andruw, whose likeness we reproduce in this year's Guide, was himself a champion, and his brother George for many years professional and green-keeper lo the Glasgow Golf Club. Out of the several contemporary notices that have been courteously put at my disposal,I think it best to reproduce one from the Weekly Scotsman of 22nd March, 1879—a paper, which, like some others of our 54 The Golfer's Guide

Scotch press, be it said in gratitude, lias genuinely tried to do its duty by the national game. " THE LATE DAVID STRATH.—Letters just received from Melbourne give details regarding the much-regretted death of David Strath, the

STRATH. •well-known professional golfer. Strath, as all the golfing world knows, was far from well during last summer, a hereditary lung affection having so developed itself towards the end of spring as completely to shatter what was formerly one of the strongest of constitutions. As winter approached, the advice was given that a visit to Australia might afford the only chance of cure, and accordingly a passage was taken by him The Golfer's Guide 58

in a sailing ship last autumn. On the voyage he was, it is stated, pretty well till the beginning of December, when the ship got among icebergs, and when, in consequence, the invalid caught a cold, from which he never rallied. When Melbourne was reached he had become so weak that he had to be carried ashore, and on the 28th of January, notwithstanding the most kindly attention, he died at the house of a friend in that city. And so, within a very short space of time, death has overtaken two of the lithest and most robust young men anywhere to be seen on golfing links. Two greater favourites among golferi there never will be than were Young Tommy Morris, as he is still affec- tionately called, and Davie Strath. Keen rivals they were, but, at the same time, such attached friends that the one was -rarely, or never, to be seen without the other at his elbow. At St. Andrews, where both were trained, the most cherished memories of the present habitues of the links are associated with their names ; and one often hears recalled with regret the brilliant game they played in that series of matches which moved the golfers of the place to such excitement as had seldom been seen before. In 1873, when Strath was about 23 years of age, the performances of the two competitors were repeatedly proved to be so equal that a match for ^100 a-side was arranged between them. Against Morris's wonderfully determined play—play which was not to be shaken by the most serious mischance—-Strath brought a graceful and swinging style which, while it captivated the eye, was of excellent service in the long game ; and this first match he won at the " burn " by two holes. Following this, three other matches took place—two of them of six rounds a-piece—one of which went to Strath, while the others were won by his opponent; but a very significant fact as indicating the closeness of the play was this—that, in the two six-round matches the aggregate scores of each were exactly the same, both having taken an average of 85 to the round. In 1S76, David removed to North Berwick, where he afterwards remained in charge of the green till his departure for Australia. The last appearance he made on a golfing green was at Glasgow in March last, when lie looked full of spirits, and played a game that beat all comers, and won for him a handsome trophy."

This is but sad reading; and there is, over and above, a pathetic strangeness in the fact, that all three of these famous golfers, and seemingly much-liked young fellows—the two brothers, Andrew and Davie Strath, and the two friends, Young Tom and Davie—should have fallen victims to what was then, at all events, the dread scourge of our country, consumption. Andrew was the first to go in 1868 ; Young

Tom was taken on Christmas Day, 1875 ; and Davie followed in 1H71J. 5(5 The Golfer's Guide

Over and above the references to his play in the above, his power of putting an abnormally heavy cut on his ball has more than once been noted ; whilst of his many matches, the fame of which has come down to us, there may be mentioned that against the redoubtable Bob Ferguson, one of the heroes of " the honest toun," for £50, in which, very curiously, each won by four holes over his opponent's green, the match ending square. Again, Davie and Young Tom—formidable as they were on their home green—had to acknowledge defeat at North

Berwick at the hands of Hob Ferguson and Willie Park, senior, by no fewer than three holes. At St. Andrews, however, the twain subsequently reversed matters by winning by one hole, but it is only fair to add that Bob's partner on this occasion was Davie, not Willie Park—a good player, but scarcely, perhaps, of the same calibre as bis brother,

ANDREW STRATH.

IGHTLY" or wrongly, the fame of this line player has been ap< R parently in a measure dusked by that of his redoubtable younger brother Davie ; but it must be remembered that he attained a coveted honour that never fell to the hitler's lot, for it was he who, in 18G5, at Prestwick, won the Championship Belt with 1G2—the only one who, between i860 and 1873, appeared to break the Championship spell of the Morrises and Willie Park. Like his brother, he was a famous handler of his iron, and could put such an amount of cut on his ball that it ran back rather than forward. A better test of the repute in which he was held, however, cannot perhaps be given than the fact that'when Oltl Tom and he challenged any two in the world for ,£100, it met with no response from the golfers of that day, who were, no doubt, as prudent as their successors of ours. He was for several years prior to bis de:itli in February, 1868, the custodier of Prestwick Green, on which he was very popular. He, too, came by his death through pulmonary disease at the early age of 32. As a club and ball maker we read that he was proficient and expedi- tious, and produced a vast amount of good work in an astonishingly short time. The Golfer's Guide 57

A St. Andrews man by birth, he was as much liked on his native links as he came to be subsequently on those of his adoption at I're.stwick. One writer says that "of him alone, among all his contemporaries, can it be recorded that he wrested first-class honours thrice in succession (the competitions being open to the world), from the most accomplished

ANDREW find MKS STRATH*

and experienced of his brethren," I think there must be & mistake here, but give it for what it is worth. Upon what record the writer was relying I have no means uf knowing.

[We are indebted for the privilege of reproducing the likenesses (,f Davie and Andrew Strath to the courtesy uf their surviving brother M t A. Strath, of Walker-on-Tyne.] The Golfer's Guide

MR. F, G. 'FAIT.

I jLTHl UGH Mr. Tail hasnoi yet won cither of the blue rililxnii. in t he golfers' world, ha has attained to the very forefront .unl, Indoad, is looked gpon by many as the

in., i '•in. cirm golfer. Mr. Tait began golf when quite a

l.nlon mi Ihi •"•en of Si. Andrews, and was soon looked upon u ana of the >Wiw, players. He ftnt came prominently

Into notice In the Amateur Chfunpionihip at Prestwlck In 1893, where by brilliant play In- reached the temi'fiaal, in which he was only' 1 by Mi. Laldlay by the narrow majority of one hole. Last 1 , la w Mi 1'.'• reputation made :is one of our greatest t golfei ...mil e sp e cially on hi home green mi he pre-eminently successful, 1, competition being, ;is one paper described it, a •• perpetual triumph" ! 1" lii'.'.in uiili. he won the Royal and Ancient siirin;; medal In 1883, playing lha whole round in a perfect downpour of rain; then in the Ani.it' in t'liuinpiiui'.liip at Hoyloke, he again reached the semi-final 1 only bo be beaten by Mr. Mure Kerguswn,

Mr. 1 • > matftur In the open Championship at Saadwich, and Mill 1'iirllnr diitirigullhed liiuisclf in the Amateurs v. Professionals match, : both Archie Simpson and Willie Fernie, and only b«lng beaten by Rolland alter playing so holes. In this lust match Mr, Tail had VERY bad luck, AN Rolland laid him two stimiosin the round,

one al a o 1 1 ritiil part of tH« game, sj«.» the 17th hole, where, but (bi tlii'., \h. l.iit would lmvp I wen "dormy." In Augusti Mr. Tail won the Calcutta Cup

theyr.u be fore At the nxat time Mr, Tail won the medal for the The Golfer's Guide 59 spring and autumn meetings combined, with 83 and 78, establishing thereby another record. He also divided the first sweepstake, although playing from 3 behind scratch. To thus sweep the board at this meeting must be looker! upon as a wonderful feat, especially against a field of 155, among whom were

Mr. K. <'.. T.MI-. many of the best golfers of the day—Mr. Laidlay, Mr. Mure Kcrgussun, Mr. Leslie Balfour-Melville, Mr. Horace Hutchlnson, Mr. Clnis. Hutchings, etc. Mr. Tail also the same afternoon established ;i new record—and one never likely to be beaten — holing the lust three holes in at St. Andrews in 9 strokes ! In July, Mr. Tail, who was with his regiment (the Black Watch) at GO The Golfer's Guide

Barry, lowered the record of the Carnoustie Links, completing round in 72—33 out and 39 in. He also holds the record for St Andrews—72, which is even more remarkable than his Carnoustie record. Mr. Tait has not the long, slow, aggtavatingly perfect (Davie Strath) swing, but anyone watching him play is especially impressed by the confidence one feels that lie is going to hit the ball clean. His swinr is very easy, combining strength with grace. He chives a very l,Jng straight ball, forcing with the right forearm (the secret of all long driving). He approaches beautifully, but, indeed, it is quite un. necessary to particularise, as he plays all his clubs equally well. Mr. Tait is a great favourite everywhere, and especially in St. Andrews, where his unfailing good temper and unassuming manner have won for him the admiration and regard of all the golfing fraternity, and of none more so than of the caddies, who with delightful familiarity talk not only of, but to him as "Freddy." Mr. Tait is a good football player, a keen curler, and an enthusiastic sportsman; and we wish him good luck and every success in the future. [We are indebted, for this interesting article to a friend of Mr T-iii who is himself a very keen and successful golfer.] ' The Golfer's Guide (il

DOUGLAS McEWAN (Musselburgh).

JT is to this courteous representative of the famous old family of Edinburgh dub-makers that we are indebted for our copy of the genial and somewhat lavishly and super- fluously apparelled worthy, Caddie Willie (such were the fashions, no doubt, of contemporary gelfers) along with the note illustrative of his quaint sayings and doings, his miscel- laneous capers, becoming and the reverse, and his final mysterious disappearance and presumable /lilting to the shadowy land whilhcr all good Hielandmen wend (after being putted out). It i.s from him also thai we have the loan of the two interesting old liruntsfield groups, As a player, Mr. McEwan has a pretty and very easy style, with a full swing. He is a long driver, and uses the modern bulger, lie is also a very good iron-player, but occasionally—with so many another excellent player from Old Tom up and down—breaks down in his putting. lie putts either with wood or a driving cleek- not a sk'i-1 putter—and is a master of the approach by a long nfTl that is one of the characteristics of the Musselburgh school, lie is very popular on his home green. Mr. McEwan has not been so successful in open competition as his play would seem to warrant, but he has suffered from Indifferent health ever since the Championship Tournament at St. Andrews in 1891, when he was attacked by a severe illness that ultimately led him to spend the following winter at Biarritz and Pau. However, as he is only now 25—a bare year older than the champion—he has lots of lime before him. As good a test of his play as we can give is probably to mention that until the Musselburgh Tournament of 180.2 he held the record for the double round of 18 holes, viz., 70 (37 + 33). It is believed that it was Jack Kirkaldy who on that occasion lowered it to (jo. for two of his rounds. Mr. McEwan has twice since holed the round in 33. The firm was founded so long ago as 1770, and is now in the bands of the fifth generation. It is far and away the oldest in the trade, (ffi it is rather a quaint thought that they should have witnessed the Coin ing G2 The Golfer's Guide and Passing of dear Old Philp himself and all his worthy cronies of whom we have so often read. Many another famous maker there has no doubt, been since 1770—and before also, as in the case of the celebrated Mr. Dickson, or Perth ; but McEwan's clubs have, during the long covirse of their story, and very justly, maintained a firm hold

I 1

IIUIII.AS MCKWAN, Miuwlburgh.

on the affections of the golfing Christian. The name is, of course, mainly associated with Edinburgh, with storied little Leith, venerable BmntsfieUl, and "the honest tuiiu" itself, with all its historic heicha and howes ; but wherever a green is opened—be it by airy Fftntee, Jap on the jump, or blood and thunder Bulgar, be it under the shadow of Greenland's icy mountains, or upon Ceylon's thrice sacred shore, with the spicy breezes of which the gentle poet piped and sang, or "even The Golfer's Guide 68 within the dread marshes of Camerma, say, where such breezes :is may

. MDEWAN) Musselburgh*

be are pronouncedly far other—there will bu found »ome loyal goLfar with his sheaf of trusty McEwuns. 64 '' The Golfer's Guide

It is certainly not our wish, even had we the requisite qualification to exalt the work of any one maker. Let us be thankful we have so many skilful craftsmen who have through the labour and experience of centuries evolved the deftly wrought and highly finished club of to-day, which it is the pleasure of so many of us to handle. But we believe we are not alone in hoping that so long as golf is valued by Christendom as among its most wholesome and hearty recreations, there will always be a McKwan somewhere to the fore to contribute to our pleasure, or, in the case of some fellows, pander to their vices. We believe all golfers will welcome the following too brief note upon the famous old firm, as its story is in great measure that of the game itself:—

D. McEwan & Son.

ARKING back, then, to the first of this long reign of club-makers, H we find that the founder, James McKwnn, came from Stirling, where he had followed the trade of a cartwright, to Edinburgh, a few years before the date above mentioned. lie died about the close of last century, and the only relics in possession of the family are his burgess ticket, dated 1775, in which he is described as a golf-club maker at Bruntsfield Links, and a short spoon, which is certainly a curiosity. He was succeeded by his son, Peter (born 1781), who was noted in his day as a very hard worker, and a good club maker, lie supplied clubs at this time to all the then golfing places—Aberdeen, Montrose, Perth and Blackheath, and had also an appointed agent at St. Andrews, wh'o was no other than Davie Robertson, the father of the famous Allan ; while he was in the habit of going over to St. Andrews himself during the meeting week and doing all the repairs needed, as there seems to have been no club-maker there till I'hilp started. In 1802 he married a daughter of the well-known golf ball maker, Douglas Gourlay, who started at Bruntsfield in 1780. During his time a change took place in the wood used for shafts, and hickory took the place of ash ; while a covering of leather was put on • the handles instead of the old cloth lists, and the heads, till then coloured witli red keel laid on, were now simply varnished. The Golfer's Guide e 66

In these days the amount of work entailed in the manufacture of a golf club was something very different from what it now is. The heads were made from thorn, small cuts from hedge thorns

1' .MCICWAN at Formby. Good player, Imt never Champion. being then used. These had to be spilt with wedges through the centre, the outside edge being then hacked with an axe into some kind of rough shape, then pushed a stage further on by means of a hand-saw, tin; turn at the neck being made with a how saw, which plainly shmvs what a 66 The Golfer's Guide hard and arduous task had to be gone through before the finishing touches were given to a golf club. Club-making in those days could not have been very lucrative, when one considers that the price of a club was 3s. 6d. Iron clubs were not in use then—that is to say, not along the green. After the death of Peter McEwan.in 1836, the business was carried on by his son Douglas (born 1810), who was without doubt one of (he very best club-makers who ever lived, many of his chilis being in use at the present day; and these are allowed to be models of symmetry and shape of the style at his time in favour, which is that of a Philp head, first heard of during the time of this representative of the old firm. At this period, apple tree began to be used for heads, in place of thorn, and latterly beech took the place of that again, on account of better consistency for driving. Musselburgh in 1847 was beginning to be a more important' golfing centre than Bruntsfield, and thither McEwan proceeded and opened a branch, though still keeping up the old established place at Bnints- field. Musselburgh increased in popularity, and soon became the greatest golfing green in the district, and continued so until the exodus of the' Honourable Company to Muirfield. In 1869, the price of clubs was raised from 3s. 6d. to 4s., and irons 5s. 6d., and again a few years later it was raised to 4s. 6d., while the irons remained as before. Douglas McEwan in 1865 returned to UruntsficM, the work having increased so much at Musselburgh sis to be a severe tax at his time of life, and continued his labours there till within a very short time of his death in 1886, being then in his 77th year ; and no doubt many readers of this sketch will well remember tHIs most kindly and courteous representative of the firm. At his removal from Musselburgh in '65, he was succeeded by his son Peter (born 1834), who began work as a club-maker as early as 1846, and has thus almost completed a half-century in the business. (We have the pleasure of reproducing his likeness on another page.) He removed two years ago to Formby in Lancashire, where ho is still actively employed in the golf trade along with three of his sons, leaving his son Douglas in charge of the Musselburgh business (a sketch of whose The Golfer's Guide 67 career is given in these pages), while he hns another son at Southport, who is club-maker there. It must strike one that during such a long course of business I he names of the old patrons and supporters of the firm must number among them many well-known golfers of the different times, and we are enabled to mention a few of their old admirers and customers, viz. Sir David Bajrd, Sir Robert Hay, Mr. Goddard, Mr. John Wood, Mr. William Wood, Mr. Joseph Cundell, Mr. Chas. Cundell, Mr. R, Oliphanl, Sir Hope Grant, Mr. George Glennie, Mr. R, Chambers, etc., etc., nil good golfers in their day. Of noted men there also occurs amongst many others the Duke of Beaufort, who was a keen golfer at Musselburgh, when, as Marquis nf Worcester, he was stationed with his regiment, Hie 7th 1 lussars, at l'iershill ; and he has evidently not forgotten about the game, as (Jolf is one of the Badminton Library. Many other names might be given, but they are too numerous to mention. The Golfer's Guide

THE LADIES' GOLF UNION.

VERY good old Scotch golfer, who hud left the motherland many years before the present boom in the game whether among Indies or men, lias written as follows :— "The only game that overexcited my enthusiasm akin to golf, and seems to me suitable for people of all aces and both sexes, is curling." The past prolonged winter has—at all events in Scotland, where the roaring game has been taken up in several districts by the ladies with the keenest enthusiasm—shown that the writer was correct in his appreciation of the great Scotch winter game; every year that [lasses would seem to show a .similar feeling with regard to golf. So far as I understand, there are at. present in this country between seventy and eighty ladies' golf clubs ; and it seems more than probable that ere this century comes to an end they will be far above the hundred. In other words, they have already the power given by mere numbers. But over and above this, they have aimed—and apparently with thorough, and thoroughly deserved, success -at efficient organisation. It is difficult to speak with too warm praise of the Ladles' Golf Unionnot only on account of the excellence of its aims, which, it is presumed, every golfer will admit, but of the commendable energy that .seems to be characteristic of its every action, whether in its deliberative and legislative function or in that popularly associated with the merely executive. It would be difficult to improve upon the following terse explanation of why the Union has called itself Into being. It has been established among other reasons, we read :— (i.) To promote the interests of the game of golf. (It is easy enough to smile at this as savouring somewhat of audacity -something of a large order. But the Union has succeeded in doing so : there can be no qiiestion of Ui.it.) (2,) To obtain an uniformity of thfl rules of the game by establishing a representative legislative authority, (Men, at least some, have been cackling on this point with more or less acceptance for years ; but the The Golfer's Guide G9 overwhelming majority, whether north or south of Tweed, seem to have accepted the Royal and Ancient sis their law-giver. This is doubtless only another humiliating testimony to the pvoneness of man to net in Hie way he lias taken upon him to associate with the sheep,—not of course in the matter of going astray, for no good golfer does that except when his ball is cupped or lying in a beastly cart-nit, but merely in a sort of follow-the-leader way—a rattling good game of our boyhood, which we only regret obesity prevents our still pursuing. But we must confess to a certain feeling of relief when we read Clause V., to the effect that:— " The rules of the game shall be those published in 1892 by the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, and shall be known by (he Union as the rules of the game of the Ladies' Golf Union." This seems to establish a sort of claim on the part of the male golfer to be admitted as, in a way, partially human.) (3.) To establish an uniform system of handicapping. (This is of real importance ; and we shall see how admirably the Union has wrought in the matter.) (4.) To act as a tribunal and court of reference on points of uncertainty. (This also is important, and specially—as will also be .seen hereafter in the course of debate—with regard to dealing with local rules. There is no doubt that friction will now and again arise, at least one sees tile possibility; but there is a quite equal certainty that any such difficulties will be tackled and overcome,) (5.) To arrange the Annual Championship Competition, ami obtain the funds necessary for that purpose. (In the latter no difficulty has been experienced; and with regard to the former, one point that seems of interest to the craft generally lias been brought under discussion, to which we will briefly refer later on.) It is impossible within our narrow space to do the faintest justice to the admirable speech of Mr. Laidlaw Vnrves, who presided at the preliminary meeting held in April 1893, on the invitation of the Wimbledon Ladies' Golf Club. Some of us may not feel disposed to wholly agree with all of his remarks; but there can be no question thai, as he said, the meeting itself gave most emphatic refutation to the alleged calumny that " woman is incapable of a matured and reasoned Interest in golf." And it may be added that the reports of subsequent meetings more than corroborate the refutation. His remarks upon the Union as a tribunal are of interest to 70 The Golfer's Guide more than members. His diatribe against modern innovations,

"such as the use of croquet, mallet clubs, hammers, and pendu- him putters," is funny enough, but whether even the great George

LADY M. SCIM,

Glennic would have been Justified in characterising tlieir use as "no gowf, but only monkey tricks," is another question. Perhaps Old Tom's reputed opinion is of greater value that be did not see his way to condemn the newer clubs, as he had seen such deadly work done by The Golfer's Guide 71 them, but—a long, long but, no doubt—that he himself preferred to stick to those he knew. Any Union that ventured to deal with such matters would inevitably find itself in the hottest of hot water ore many

months had sped. But its value in dealing with local rules, say, could scarcely be over-estimated ; and, of course, in its more purely executive capacity in the arrangement of inter-club and International matches and championship meeting*, the Union should fill u place not previously occupied in the story of the game. 72 The Golfer's Guide

But it is in connection with handicapping that the Presiden of the Ladies' Union made .the most pregnant and valuable suggjj tions. He advocates the adoption of some system which shal receive the sanction of the clubs belonging to the Union, and be recognised as the seemingly best method of handicapping. Then he proceeds:—"Having agreed to one system of handicapping, the secre tary would obtain from all the chilis a list of the handicaps of the members founded on that system, and would send copies of such lists to all the clubs, so that the handicapping committee of each club could at once, on the advent or return of any member to their green, place the golfer in her proper position on their list; and at the competitions open to all clubs, such player would find herself at once in the running. Nor would the variation in the courses prevent this, as by each club having calculated the par of its own green by the same method previously agreed upon, the scratch scores of each green would give the guide for the pro- portions of handicap to be allowed in match and medal play on the different greens." It is obvious that this would greatly facilitate arrangements for matches where handicapping is an element to be considered; nay, it is perhaps not going too far to say that such an uniform prearrangement is almost essential to fair handicapping. Among their admirably framed rules not the least important, to our mind, is that which ordains that every year an Annual shall he printed, containing—(a) The office-bearers of the Union and delegates of associated clubs ; (b) rules ; (r) associated clubs, with names of office bearers, members, and handicaps; {d) proceedings of Union for preceding year; (i) reports of competitions governed by the Union; {/) accounts ; [g) any other matters of interest. This'was an admirably conceived provision, and it is a pleasure to add that it has been as admirably carried out. The first Annual, compiled by the hon. secretary—Miss Issette Pearson, the most famous of the Wimbledon players, and the present holder of the silver medal of the Union—is not only of interest to the ordinary golfer (the male golfer, poor chap, not otherwise psibaps wholly bad), but will in the future be of extreme value as a record to the Union itself. What will no doubt, and very justly, attract the ordinary reader first as a thoroughly readable, and, if the expression be not too feeble, a charming article by the hon. treasurer—one not wholly unworthy of Mr. JJtE JERSEY1 Par excellence © for LADY GOLFERS. < Lady Pl&yora <>f JFJF c historical g-ame of Gulf ^ HLINTIM wear the "NIB- LIOK" JBIKSBY, f which in tnado in nil sixesr* ' ll in thoroughly fashion- ^ able in out und made o i w unalirlnkable wooJ of blio best quality, in u l:iri;-'a variety of colours- Tna y wanulh and softnesa ol (lii> texture afford I'very , oomfort, n\vr I hi' llffuroit " grrttaeful anuoarance, and j the cluMl.iiii.v allavn of o 9 perfeot 111 and oompleto freedom of action. tion.fS^\The " Nihliok " rt tquall)/ " welt adapted forBoating,*y. I'/K'/inii, V. uiiix, of other 5

txrretue 0/ tin mumti of, thabody, \ The " Niblick" is supplied to the purchaser at the Mill ^ f^ Price of 8/61 twrriagi p&id, • -•>-"•' •««-i"j«. ,/;,;;•/from lh' il/ttiiiijiittiin 1:1, t Knitted atrip of colourtaffi bo howollaote, par post on applloatton<->i;•••-••••--'' * • FLEMING, REID & Co., The Worsted Millrt, Qroonock, N. tl. k MMiufiu'l.m-i'rs ot tho oolebratBrt Oroenocl! Knitted Woollan Wear, Slmws- N water DroflB Pabrloe, oto,, of wliii'li a complete range of KUnplos to nlsot I from will be sent post paid to any add rasa. I The Golfer's Guide 73

Hutchinson himself. Couched in the same genial spirit that seems to prompt the latter throughout when dealing with the dear, but long neglected, game of one's own wee motherland, t.here is the same hearty enthusiasm that has made Mr. Hutchinson so thoroughly appreciated by us north of the Border. The mere title, " On Lady Golfers," by one of the most noteworthy of their own body, was itself an inspiration ; and certainly the treatment is worthy of the subject. Even Mr. Ilutchinson himself could scarcely have bettered the following!-—"First and foremost are the enthusiasts and the proficients. There are the keen golfers who know every rule of the game, and who would not deviate therefrom by so much as a driver's head. They play with a seriousness and in a spirit which would cheer the heart of ' auld Tom Morris,' could he see them. These ladies play golf, talk golf, dream golf, worship golf. How else could they achieve success ? After all, the game is an exacting idol. It brooks no rival." The "fun, too, when dealing with the "frivolous and unpromising class," is thoroughly genial. "They come up to the links bedecked in feathers and ribbons, and their feeble expletives, as they ineffectually waggle a club, of whose name and nature they are totally ignorant, may he heard on every ladies' course wherever the game is established. In a very short time the feathers are out of curl, the ribbons get crushed and dusty, and the wearers grow weary, and, I regret to say, peevish." No ; dear Old PhUp could never have acquiesced in this; in fact he could not, from all we read of him, have believed it possible. That is my own feeling too. The genial remarks upon the subject of lunch, moreover, are worthy of being printed in letters of gold (if only for the increased probability of the ordinary golfer reading them). Mr. Ilutchinson has written in similar, and similarly welcome, strain. Simply and briefly, it is a delightful little article, worthy of a place on the shelf among the golfing books one loves. But the earnestness of their work, over and above the mere sunshine, is perhaps as well shown as may be in the report of a subsequent general meeting, when the important question of the supervisal of local rules by the Union fell under discussion. Il is briefly minuted thus: "Mr. VV. C, Johnson proposed that the associated clubs should submit their local rules and bye-laws to the council, and that the Union should have power to advise the removal of any such local rules as might seem unnecessary n The Golfer's Guide or. contrary to the rules of golf. Miss Blanche Martin supported this motion on the ground that it would be: a great help to the secretaries c clubs to be able to refer to fin impartial and responsible body of golf

LAIJY MARGARIST SCOTT and Miss [88BTTH PEARBON.

this very difficult question of local rides, which caused considerable heart-burnings in open competitions and inter-club matches." And this, after some discussion, was carried unanimously, and, it seems to us, very rightly. The Golfer's Guide 75

Thereafter, in due season, come reports of sundry meetings of council, the work being executive rather than deliberative, till we come tn the

FIRST CHAMPIONSHIP MEETING, June 1893.

Here every golfer will be pleased to read that the efforts of the Lytham and St. Anne's Golf Club were seconded by the weather, which is described as beautiful; and a graceful tribute is paid to the executive of the club for their unwearied exertions in connection with the green itself, and their courteous hospitality. It is not without

Miss LENA THOMSON, Wimbledon.

interest to ourselves to note that Mr. A. H. Dolermn, to whom we owe our excellent monograph upon Old Willie Pork, was pri'senl, and did his best to restrain the crowd from pressing upon the players ; and that "the Fonnby ladies were accompanied by their respected professional, M'Ewan," whose likeness we reproduce. (As to the historical note upon the famous old M'Kwan family which accompanies it, I can only express the hope that it may prove of us much interest to English golfers as to those of us in Scotland who arc al all familiar with the story of the game itself. To the latter the history of the M'Ewans is in great measure thai of a deal of the game for Ihe last century and a quarter or so.) The report is a full one—too long to chronicle here—but several of the notes upon the play are of interest. The final fell to be played 7fi The Golfer's Guide between Lady Margaret Scott and Miss ISHCUC Pearson, with the result that the former won by 1 and 5 to play. Steadiness and an easy a cool style are noted as the characteristics of her play. Of the ladies' doings in the bygone year there is an excellent revie inGo^for nth January last. "New ladies' chilis," we rend, "have been opened all over the world "—to the obvious benefit of the world one might venture to think—and several interesting competitions have been held. But before dealing with these, it might be of advantage I notice briefly an important and rather knotty point brought under discussion by the Union. The subject was broached by Mr. Talbot Fair at the annual general meeting in May. The Championship Committee had inserted a clau in their regulations that " the ballot shall be so arranged that the gokl and silver medallists of the previous year shall not be in the same half of t draw." Against this Mr. Talbot Fair spoke at considerable length,a a very interesting discussion took place. That, so far as golf goes, th clause is an innovation, and one against which men would feel dispo to kick, seems clear; but, on the other hand, as Mr. Arthur Adams pointed out, " the golf championship is one of the few exceptions, ifnot the only exception, of amateur championships, where the winner of t previous year has to stand the racket of the light. It does not occur i rackets, or tennis, or lawn tennis, or fives, or any other game you can mention." We do not propose to venture an opinion on the subject but as a matter of fact, the Championship Committee decided to withdraw the clause. (It is unquestionably a matter of some importance, and for the ben of those disposed to take an interest in it, I may add that in the suc- ceeding number (1st June, 1894) the subject was dealt with at som length.) This all goes to prove that the Union has not proved false to its promise to do its best to promote the interests of the game of golf. To hark back from controversy to the breezy links themselves, 1 find that the great event of the ladies' golfing year, the championship, took place at Littlestone in the early summer. The men's course h been altered, and in many cases shortened, for the occasion, result- ing in a most sporting and difficult ladies' links. The greens were in excellent condition in spite of previous rain, and the weather fine but breezy. The Golfer's Guide 77

The contest seems to have been a most spirited pEOj and the final, as in the previous year, fell to be played by Lady Margaret Scott and Miss Issette Pearson, the gold and silver medallists respectively. It seems worth while, if only for the benefit of those who are not yet awuUe to all that English ladies are doing on behalf of the game, to give a pretty full excerpt from a report of the match, or rather, solely on account of space, of the final. "Lady Margaret Scott had obtained an easy victory over all her opponents, and indeed had never played the last three holes in any match, whereas Miss Pearson had fought through three matches, the lust of which had almost overpowered her. Miss Pearson drove well, but her iron did not work in its usual form—in fact, at the second hole she tupped her ball and put herself in the bunker ; neither did she putt well, missing several chances of a hall' with her opponent. Lady Margaret played easily, and without putting undue pressure on her powers, though she was all even with Miss Pearson at several points, she was never down to her. After some give and take play, Lady Margaret was one up at the 13th hole ; the 14th was halved, the 15th was lost by Miss Pearson—two up and three to play. Both players took the bunker from the 16th tee in fine form, and approached almost dead on either side of the hole. Lady Margaret played the odd, holing out with a long steady putt; Miss Pearson with her stroke for the half failed to get down, and thus Lady Margaret Scott once more gained the position of champion, winning her match by three up and two to play. Her victory was greeted witli much applause, and indeed there is little doubt that she towers head and shoulders above all hsr competitors. Her perfect swing is by no means the greatest point in her favour; she excels equally by reason of the repose and ease of her play. There is no pressing, no haste, no nervous anxiety apparent ; each stroke is played deliberately and studiously—if such a word may be applied — due thought being given to the lie of the ball, the direction of the wind, and the exact distance to be carried. In the long lofting iron shots, in which she laid her ball dead on the green, she surpassed all her competitors: and though Mrs. Tennent and Miss Starkie Bruce boll) vied with her in the matter of driving, they fell far short of her excelli'iice in respect of her iron play." Even famous Allan Robertson himself could not have desired a more painstaking and appreciative reporter. An excellent group commemorative of the meeting was published in Golf for lyth Juno, and 78 The Golfer's Guide

over and above its present interest may be of permanent value in U story of the game. Probably the most important of the ladies' other undertakings fo th year was that managed by the golf correspondent of the Gentlewom on behalf of the editor and proprietors. For some time previously club secretaries had sent in the monthly scores, and on these an average wa struck for each course and a handicap given. Although the system \va experimental, the result proved satisfactory, except in a few cases wh no returns of scores had been sent in, ani I he handicaps had sequently to lie allotted on the scores in the previous competition players had their own choice of greens, which were broadly divided into ladies' and men's links, and the play was under handicap and over s rounds. The result ran, briefly :—

Of those who chose Ladies' Links. I. Mrs. Kettle, South Staffordshire, - Gross, 582 less 316 = 266 2. Miss Lena Thomson, Leven, N.B., 395 120=275 3. Mrs. Robert Sanderson, Brighton and Hove, 487 204=283 4, Miss Marjorie Wilkie, Leven, N. B., 407 120=287 Of those w/10 chose Mitt's Links, 1. Miss E. Sinclair, Lenzie, - - Gross, 700 less 276=424 2. An English and Guernsey lady halve with a net, 445

The Prints for Putting fall to— 1. Mrs. Gibson, Carnouslio, N.H., 320 2. Miss Freeland, ,, • " - - - 324 In a note the editor says : "It is pleasant to note how many Scotch players have competed. It is a Hopeful sign that the Scotch ladies'clubs will soon join the Ladies' Union, and send their best members to fight for championship honours." We have no doubt this will take place ere long. Another note occurs to one, viz. that the honours seem pretty fairly divided between married and single ladies. We ought perhaps to plead, in extenuation of our thus making public our solemn meditations, that not only does the Gentlewoman devote H bright and lively weekly column to the game, but another of equal The Golfer's Guide 79 interest is devoted to the momentous subject of " What the world is saying of Women." What the world may be saying wo do not profess to know, but what the golfer thinks he will certainly say, for love of truth has always been one of the main attributes and adornments of every leal follower of Old Philp. And we, on their behalf, individually and collectively—from the aged man, who still swears by the baffy spoon, to the youthful criminal, who hacks and hews his ghastly way with

ASIIDOWN FNKKKT LAIUKS* GOL.F Cl.UJl. the latest steel malformations to a loathsome end here and a terrible hereafter of remorse and retribution—have not only no hesitation, but, on the contrary, much pleasure in assuring our friends that we think very highly indeed both of women themselves and of this, which is after all only one of their many excellent organs that have treated our g ame kindly. Thus we find such diverse organs as the Qutm and Quf < ;•Ow n Ca tttt not above treating the subject as one not unworthy nf serious notice. It 80 The Golfer's Guide is quite within the hounds of possibility, however regrettable, that one Of two of our readers of the ruder sex may have never even heard of the latter meritorious organ of a most meritorious society, the You™ Women's Christian Association. The very name conjures up sweet memories of the countless saintly women who have blessed our race • and if one be inclined to smile at some of the queer statements, and the quaint grouping under one head of somewhat incongruous subjects, it is with nought savouring of a sneer. But we must confess that our first feeling on noticing the title, "Golf for Girls," was one of surprise, which soon merged in equally unadulterated pleasure; and we believe that our readers will join with us in thinking that this little article- coming as it does from a source held in honour wherever English womanhood holds place—is not only one of tho most interesting, but should also be one of the most cherished, tributes to our game of the many we have had in recent years. Of another ladies' paper, however, we must spealc with less enthusiasm. This otherwise admirable organ, Our Home, in a spirit of philanthropy, no doubt, was moved, in the course of last September, to present a golfing cape—or, rather, the pattern of one—to all its readers. I at once became a reader, but found the article of dress quite unsuitable—unsuitable for my pwn figure, I mean. I could quite fancy it extremely becoming on some other kind of shape. During the autumn the Ashdown Forest ladies organised an open meeting, which proved one of the most enjoyable of the year. (I have to thank Miss Andrew for her courtesy in allowing reproduction of the accompanying group.) All the best known lady golfers of the south assembled to enjoy the hospitality of this most generous club, which ranks second to none in Sussex for good management. A similar competition among the ladies of the north at Huddersfield proved equally successful. The large Open Ladies' Meeting at Ranelagh, in the month of November, which closed the season, also proved an unqualified success. The course is an excellent one for ladies, but is perhaps batter suited for summer than for winter play. We have necessarily confined our remarks mainly to the doings of the Union, but everywhere, both at home and abroad, the ladies seem to be extending their operations ; and it is with great pleasure that we notice The Golfer's Guide 81 that the Championship for the current year is fixed to take place on the excellent links at Portrush on the 22nd of May and following days. Perhaps the hest we can wish them is that the tournament will prove as happy and successful ns the last, and thai: the weather will for once do its best to second a hearty Irish welcome. I have to thank Miss Blanche Martin, honorary treasurer of the Union, for the photographs of herself, Lady Margaret Scott, the lndy champion, and Miss Issetle Pearson, the honorary secretary ; also Messrs. Elliot & Fry for (among a good many courtesies which we heartily appre- ciate) their consent to reproduction ; and Miss Lena Thomson, another well-known Wimbledon lady-player, lor her own likeness. 80 The Golfer's Guide is quite within the bounds of possibility, however regrettable tl ( or two of our readers of the ruder sex may have never even 1 of the latter meritorious organ of a most meritorious society th> V

Women's Christian Association. The very name conjures up S1S memories of the countless saintly women who have blessed o race- and if one be inclined to smile at some of the queer statements and th' quaint grouping under one head of somewhat incongruous subjects it i with nought savouring of a sneer. But we must confess that our ft feeling on noticing the title, "Golf for Girls," was one of surprise which soon merged in equally unadulterated pleasure ; and we believe that our readers will join with us in thinking that this little article- coming as it does from a source held in honour wherever Erulish womanhood holds place—is not only one of the most interesting, but should also be one of the most cherished, tributes to our game of the many we have had in recent years. Of another Indies' paper, however, we must speak with less enthusiasm. This otherwise admirable organ, Our Home, in a spirit of philanthropy, no doubt, was moved, in the course or last September to present a golfing cape—or, rather, the pattern of one—to all its readers. I at once became a reader, but found the article of dress quite unsuitable—unsuitable for my pwn figure, I mean. I coun quite limey it extremely becoming on some other kind of shape. During the autumn the Aahdown Forest ladies organised an open meeting, which proved one of the most enjoyable of the year. (I have to thank Miss Andrew for her courtesy in allowing reproduction' of the accompanying group.) All the best known lady golfers of the south assembled to enjoy the hospitality of this most generous club, which ranks second to none in Sussex for g1 management. A similar competition among the ladies of the north at Huddcrsfield proved equally SUCCewful, The large Open Ladies' Meeting at Ranelagh, in the month of November, which closed (he season, also proved an unqualified success. The course is an excellent one for ladies, but is perhaps better suited for summer than for winter play. We have necessarily confined our remarks mainly to the doings of the Union, but everywhere, both at home and abroad, the ladies seem to be extending their operations; and it is with great pleasure that we notice The Golfer's Guide 81 that the Championship for the current year is fixed to take place on the excellent links at Portrush on the 22nd of May and following days. Perhaps the best we can wish them is that the tournament will prove as happy and successful as the last, and that the weather will for once do its best to second a hearty Irish welcome. I have to thank Miss Blanche Martin, honorary treasurer of the Union, for the photographs of herself, Lady Margaret Scott, the lady champion, and Miss Isselte Pearson, the honorary secretary ; also Messrs. Elliot & Fry for (among a good many courtesies which we heartily appre- ciate) their consent to reproduction ; and Miss Lena Thomson, another well-known Wimbledon lady-player, for her own likeness. 82 The Golfer's Guide

REMBRANDT AND GOLF.

JICIIEL gives the date 1654 and the following note:-— "LE JED DU KOI.F. "une charmante estanipe avec un joueur occupe a pousser sa boule el deux aulres causant entre eiix, lanilis premier plan, un quatrieme personnage etendu sur un hanc un pen a l'ecart, semble plongd dans ses meditations." This is unquestionably interesting, but we doubt whether the game

RJC.MILKANUT. here represented be golf at all. If reference be made to the miniature from the Bruges "Book of Hours" of 1500-10, which we also produce in this year's " Guide," it will be seen that our own game was known uiiil played in the Low Countries a century and a hal l'before the date of the above. Rembrandt strikes us rather as representing a boy's game well known in the Edinburgh of, say, twenty-five years ago, which was known as " Spoon." It was, I understand, played with an iron spoon, bent, tied to the end of a stick about a yard lung, and a solid india-rubber or gutla- The Golfer's Guide 8€

percha bull was "spooned" from hole to bole in a circle of four or five holes placed apart about six yards. Winner holed round in least number of "spoons." At all events, it is sufficiently dear that neither attitude nor implements are the least suggestive of golf—not even (as Mr. Laidlaw I'urves puts il, with a smile, when dealing with modern innovations) of croquet mullet clubs, hammer, and pendulum putters, . , . the uses of which are, as George Glennie would have said, "no1 gowf, but only monkey tricks," Even in this age of apparent degeneration there seems to be mi Irudcnry to revert to such a hideous implement as that conjured tip by Rembrandt unless, of course, we are to take this as the rough draft of a preliminary design for what is now known as a Dutch hoe ; which is, obviously, not improbable. We have secured from Mr. lleinemann, Ihe publisher of Mr. Wedmore's translation of Michel's famous book, permission to reproduce the above. The Golfer's Guide

GOLF IN THE LOW COUNTRIES, 1500-1510.

jjT had been long recognised as a fact by golfers that some form of the game existed in the Low Countries from a very early date. All of us bud read of James VI having found it necessary to prohibit the importation of golf balls from Holland, and so on ; and most of us had a dim and hazy idea of what was understood to be the Flemish game of c/iole, but we consoled ourselves with the proud reflection that

(iulf in the Low Countries. MtnUtura from a " Book of Hours." this somewhat violent, and generally "potty" foreign game smacked largely of hockey—a game, be it admitted al once and gladly, not to be sneeted at in its own place—but certainly not golf. It also seemed doubtful whether these benighted outl&nders contented themselves with one ball between them—as in the ever-famous match between the Wheelwright of Coq and Mynheer van Belzebuth—or hadeach his own. It was also understood that, even where each had his own ball, they contented themselves with playing to points—he it a nine-pin, lie it a cemetery, or, more probidily and preferably, a tavern door—not as we do, to holes; which was certainly a clear sign of arrested intelligence on the part of these foggy anil bcnni.sed Flemings. But a noteworthy discovery of no longer ago than last June proves that we had been doing our neighbours gross injustice. Mr. Henry M The Golfer's Guide 85

Mayhew, in a concise but deeply interesting article in the Illustrated London News of 9th June 1894, describes this miniature, which was found in a manuscript in the British Museum. The official description ns: "A series of miniatures and illuminated leaves cut from a

Book of Hours. Vellum, 30 leaves, measuring 44 by 3J inches, executed at Bruges in the best style of Flemish art early in the sixteenth century. There are, in all, twenty-one miniatures—nine illustrate' the services, and twelve represent the occupations of the several months of the year, at the foot of which are introduced illustrations of various games, including golf." The above miniature shows a scene on a putting-green, There are three players, one of whom stands near his own ball, and while waiting his turn to play, watches another in the act of putting at the hole. "His kneeling position and manner of holding the club," Mr. Mayhew proceeds, "although, doubtless, strictly correct according to the canons of the game at that time, and the large size of the ball) impress the modern player as being peculiar." And lie also notes that one of the players wears a red coat. The following note with regard to the third player, who has teed and i.s addressing his ball, is also of interest, and written by a golfer for golfers: "His position, standing open, would be cordially approved l>y some tif our present- day players, while, although his hands seem too far apart, only the hypercritical could find fault with his grip of the driver." Please note that old Willie Park also stood thus "open." (See Mr. Doleman's article on p. 20.) Mr, Mayhew further directs attention to the fact that each player has only one club, and that all the three shown are very similar in shape to the wooden ones now in use. "There is, however, one great difference; the face of the two clubs, of which a front view is given, being coloured a steely blue, showing, apparently, that a slip of steel was affixed, very much in the fashion recently advocated by Professor Tail." This is certainly one of the most singular points in this interesting discovery. In the last Badminton (1893) (here i.s reproduced on p. 1 an engraving from a missal of 1504, in the original coloured miniature of which Mr. Lang says the heads of the clubs are painted of a steely blue; but, quoting from Du Cange, lie says that the clubs used at crosse or chole had iron heads. KQ The Golfer's Guide

Mr. Mayhew does not absolutely assert that the clubs shown in his missal are wooden clubs, but only that they are very similar in shape to the wooden ones now in use. It is also noted that " the illustration is placed at the foot of th calendar for September—that month evidently being, in the opinion of the artist, peculiary favourable for play," an opinion with which most of us, no doubt, will heartily concur. This miniature seems clearly to establish that our own game was not only played in the Low Countries, but: that it was so well known as to be included in a selection of popular sports about the year 1500 ; but, as will be seen from a note of Mr. John Dunn's on p. 17, the Dutch themselves lay no claim to originating the game. That is within half-a-century of the first reference to it in Scotland, in 1457, in the ever-famous denunciation of the game, that was even then believed to be aggressively detrimental to national interests. This discovery of Mr. Mayhew's is unquestionably the most valuable contribution of recent years to the story of the game. The Golfer's Guide

CADDIE WILLIE.

JMONG the many worthies associated in gulfing lure willi venerable Bruntsliekl this is one of the most notable- nay, one entitled to rank next the immortal Cock-o'-the- Grecn himself. Like the latter, he revelled in eccen- tricities of divers kinds—some the reverse of captivating. Thus, his method of wearing his cnlire wardrohe at one and the same time, though unquestionably original in idea and simple in execution, must have been liable to some grave objections, the nature of which need not be specified here. He wore three 01 four sleeveless coals, with the sacred red one of the craft outside all; three or lour vests, with an old fat one outermost ; three or four pairs of trousers, with Ihe worst exposed to the severest stress of wind and weather ; and three bonnets sewed one within the other. If, as is mure than probable, this constituted his night apparel also, he may be congratulated upon having reduced the time of personal adornment to a minimum at the sacrifice of his own comfort, perhaps, and that of his friends. But, (in the other hand, he had some noble Scotch qualities-thrift, frugality, and speckless honesty," The rent of his lonely garret he paid regularly, as also for his baps and milk as he got them. It was on these he lived entirely, and never, even in the depths of winter, did lie soluee himself with warm diet or modest lire. Yet he was always cheerful and happy, and on occasion even merry. He was much liked by his regular employers, and his final disappearance was felt on the green as a public loss. He was in the habit of visiting his unknown home in the High- lands every autumn for about six weeks, and maintaining himself on the way by selling tracts. Mr. M'Ewan, from whose Interesting account we have been privileged to make this little excerpt, winds up with considerable pathos: "The last lime he bade me good-bye (which was about the year 1829) he told me that he had us much money saved as could pay his funeral expenses, as he had a horror of « 88 The Golfer's Guide pauper's burial. From this journey poor Willie never returned, the inquiry the golfers made, they never could learn his fate." Let

hope the poor old boy found his last resting-place among his own kith and kin somewhere in the far Hielands 1 The Golfer's Guide 89

THE FAMOUS 1857 TOURNAMENT.

3N p. 38 of our first issue wo reproduced a group commemorative of this famous event, nnd gave us full notes as were then available. Through the courtesy of the hon. secretary of the Blackheath Golf Chili, I am now able to give the full details of competitors ami results :—

Great Golf Tournament, competed for at St. Andrews, on the 2

Club, represented by George Glennie, Esq. ] of Blackheath, and Captain J. C. Stewart, of the 72nd Highlanders.

CLUBS COMPETING AND NAMES OF THB REPRESENTATIVES,

1. Royal Blackheath Half Club— Mr. Glennie and Captain Stewart. 2. Edinburgh Burgess Golf Club— Messrs. John Martin and j. W. Williamson. 3. Royal and Ancient St. Andrews Golf Club Captain Dougal and Mr. D. C. Thomson, 4. Edinburgh Bmntsfleld Golf Club— Messrs, Robert Clark and John Dunn. 5. Mussel burgh Golf Club— Messrs. R. Chambers, jun,, and Win. Marjorlbanks, 6. Montrose Royal Albert Golf Club— Messrs. Cowie nnd D. C. Thomson, 7. Innerleven Golf Club- - Messrs. David Wallace and David Marshall. 8. Royal Perth Golf Club- Sir Thomas Moncrieffe and Mr, James Condle, cjo The Golfer's Guide

9. North Berwick Golf Club- Messrs. Robert Hay and Ord G. Campbell, 10. Prestwick Golf Club- Messrs. J. O. Fairlie and W. A. Hamilton. 11. OirleLon Caslle Golf Club— Messrs. Carse and Bertram.

Tun COMPETITION. First Round. 1. Royal Bliickheath beat Royal Perth by 8 holes. 2. Edinburgh Burgess beat Montrose Royal Albert by 121 Holes. 3. Royal and Ancient St. Andrews beat Dirleton Castle byjo holes. 4. Edinburgh Bruntsfield beat l'reslwick by 3 holes. 5. fnnerleven beat Mussel burgh by 2 holes. C, North Berwick—a bye. Second Round. 1. Royal Blackheath beat Inncrleven by 12 holes. 2. Edinburgh Burgess and Edinburgh Bruntsfield played a tie. 3. Royal and Ancient St. Andrews beat North Berwick by 4 holes.

Third Round. 1, Royal Blackheath beat Edinburgh Bnmtsiield by GJioles. 2. Royal and Ancient St. Andrews beat Edinburgh Burgess by 3 holes..

Final. The Royal Blackheath Golf Club beat the Royal and Ancient St., Andrews Golf Club by 7 holes, and won the prize. The Golfer's Guide 91

OLD GOLF BALLS. JN view of Lhe extremely interesting note upon our old club-making contained in the too brief article upon the famous old M'Ewan family, it struck us that some brief mention of the venerable feather balls might also be welcome to some of the present day. Through the courtesy of Messrs Anderson, of Princes Street, Ellin.-

ANHEKSON, Princes Street. SMART, Portobtllo. burgh j Mr. Smart, Portobello j and Mrs. Wallace, Northumberland Street—to whom we were indebted for other courtesy in conned ion with our first issue—we are enabled to photograph some of these old veterans. Three of them are the deft work of old Allan Robertson himself, and the other feather ball a veritable Gourlay. The first of the five, which is marked "Dunn," is of interest as showing the early battering and grooving that was found by experience necessary to secure anything like satisfactory flight on the part of the new invention of the "gutta." Many interesting yarns are told of the early difficulties of players in this connection. 92 The Golfer's Guide

As to the long lost art of stuffing feather balls, the best account

known to me is that given by Mr. Thomas Peter in his " Rerain. iscences "; but there is a sufficiently accurate one in (I think) one of

Mr. Carnegie's poems. It seems moot whether the covering was of pigskin or bull's hide. Mr. Peter writes as follows :—" The leather

was of untanned bull's hide. Two round pieces for the ends and a stripe for the middle, were cut to suit the weight wanted. These were

properly shaped after being sufficiently softened and firmly sewed together, a small hole being left through which tbe feathers might afterwards be inserted. But, before stuffing, it was through this little hole that the leather itself had to be turned outside in, so that the seams should be inside, an operation not without difficulty. The skin was then placed in a cup-shaped stand (the worker having the feathers in an apron in front of him), and the actual stuffing done with a crutch- handled steel rod, which the maker placed under his arm ; and very The Golfer's Guide 93

hard work, I may add, it was. Thereafter the aperture was closed and firmly sewed up ; and this outside seam was the only one visible. When I say this I, of course, refer to balls when new. Veterans showed the effects of service in open seams, with feathers outlooking ; and on a wet day the water could be seen driven off in showers from a circle of protruding feathers as from a spray-producer." I may add that I have been told that it was no uncommon tiling in an important match for a fresh ball to be used at each hole—rather expensive, when we remember that the price of each ran from 2s. 6d. to 5s. for the best. Mr. Douglas Adams' Golfing- Pictures. ?E have the kind permission of Messrs. Henry Graves & Co., 6 Pall Mall, owners of the copyright and publishers of the engravings, to reproduce " The Drive" and "The Putting Green." The links are those of the Carnarvon- shire at Conway, about two miles from Llallcludno. In the first the view is towards the Irish sea, with the Great Onnes Head

THE DKIVIC. on the right. In "The Putting Green" we have the river Conway, with the village of Deganwy directly in front, beyond which an: sn-n 94 The Golfer's Guide the rear of Great Ormes Head and part of Llandudno. It oughfl perhaps, to be noted that all the artist's proofs of each plate are sold out, and were, in fact, subscribed for before publication ; and we can only express the hope—that will, we believe, be shared by all golfers—

that the firm will decide to publish as shortly us may be the third of the series known as " The Difficult Banker." The engravings are worthy of the high reputation of the firm, and do full justice to Mr. Douglas Adams' work, rut UKL XTSFIELD Aiuwn GULFING CLUI;. DAVIU Yum, Captain, 1867.

ESCRIPTIVE AND LEGENDARY NOTES OF THE GOLF GREENS ov SCOTLAND.

Aberdeen. IT was a great disappointment to us ilial we WINV not able to reproduce a plan of the new green of this Humms old club on Bftlgownte Links ; but, in a very courteous letter of 2nd NOVIMIIIIIT, [8931 tho hon. secretary mentions that they were then in course of altering about six hole* ;iticr acquiring a large additional piece of ground, iind (lint any exislinj; plan would have been misleading, The historical references to the Kami,' in the Granite City art com* paratively few, but liy no means lacking in interest We have the usual thunderfags by the powers that were against football and otu much- banged and bespattered game ; Imt there I* Mthoi an Interesting ClOta oi the year 1642 that one John Dickson thould b« permitted to exerc LM the trade of making golf tails, It is strange how the well-known family names crop up again and again in the Btory of llie gftWO. Thus we have .Andrew Dickson, the Duke of York's fore-caddie, who Wl 98 The Golfer's Guide probably John's son or nephew—it really doesn't matter a button- followed by the famous Lelth maker of ash-clubs (1743) :— " Of finest ash Cas/alio's shaft was made, Pond'rous with lead, and fenced with horn the head (The work of Dickson, who in Lctha dwells, And in the art of making clubs excels)."

And these Dicksons lasted until the coming of Old Philp, I rofcv elsewhere to the famous lady of the name from Fisherrow, Lord Byron, with characteristic modescy, feared lesl he himself had been alluded to in the prediction !— "Brig 0' Balgownie, black's your wa', Wi' a wife's ac son and a mare's ae foal, Boon ye shall fa'! " It does really seem irreverent to travel In Balgownie by tram—as if, in short, tramway folk and golfers respected neither man nor beast. [Caledonian, North British, and North of Scotland Railways,

Aberfeldy. THERE does not seem to lie any map in existence of either of these favoured greens. Both are beautiful, and that at Welar—1200 feet above sea-level—extremely bracing in crisp weather ; and there are few more alluring sights to a Southern golfer than a foursome of rosy-nosed youths in bonnet, philabeg, and three-tailed sporran, speeling the braes with the mercury at 7-5" Faht. Our own Hums has warbled in a cliecry way of the misty showers that grace the birks of Aberfeldy ; but, per- * sonally, I have never yet seen a golfer of cither sex shame the memory of Father Matthew by appearing with either golosh or waterproof, [1 lighlaml Railway. Aberfoyle. THIS is one of the most picturesque nine-hole courses in Scotland, and it seems a pity that the executive of the club have not yol seen cause to have a plan prepared. The course is a mile from the village, and the Bailie Nicol Jilrvie Hotel caters very comfortably and at reasonable rules. The club have also erected a house, which, though small, is very comfortablci The Golfer's Guide 99 I The view is one of the finest in Scotland, extending all along tlie valley of the Forth to Stirling on the one hand, and to Loch Aid, with Ben Lomond as a background, on the Other ; with the Laka of Mentalth to the south-east, and to north-east verdant lien Venue. The grass on I he course is never long as on most inland links, and the greSDIs ire fast getting into fair order. A single with Helen M'Gregor on such a glorious green would huvc been singularly romantic. [North British,

Abernethy. A NIKE-IIOT.K course has been recently opened in the neighbourhood of Broomhill Station and promise! well. The views of the Cairngorm mountains are superb ; but the ifiSS said about the biscuits the better, It is moot whether the Doctor called them sifter himself or the village, It is in the concoction that the crime lay. [Highland,

Abington. THIS is a charming little nine-hole course with the usual inland hazard:,. It is better known, no doubt, to angler* than their brethren of the cleek; but Tinto-tap is always to Ihe fore with ils menimies ol Tibl.ir Fowler o' the Glen :— " Be a lassie ne'er sac black, An' she ha'e Ihe name o' siller, Set her upon TintoeU-lnp, The wind will blaw a man till her." It is also famous in coursing annuls. [C aledonian,

Aboyne. OUR feeling was one rather of sadneiB than surprise when we failed to hear of any map of Ibis striking green, which is one of only ninr holes and with few hazards ; Iml the latler will, Do doubt, lie judiciously increased as time runs. "Lord Aboyne" is /iuniliar lo all lovn• •! ballad literature, ami the executive could not do belter than 'all llwii first hole after Peggy Irvine. |i irestt North of Scotland. 100 The Golfer's Guide Airdrie. WE reproduce a plan of this sporting nine-hole course, situated about mile to the north of the town upon the Rochsoles estate. The committee have recently expended a considerable sum upon the green, and are endeavouring to secure a lease of one of the adjoining fields. Xhl club-house was erected in 1802, and there seems every reason to look forward to many years of prosperity—a wish in which, I need scarcely say, we heartily join. As Cnatbridge, with its many furnaces, is so near, it. is vastly exciting to do a round by their radiance of a night— very pleasing variety, indeed, it affords. [Caledonian and North British, Alloa. THE executive of this very interesting club do not seem to have yet seen cause to regret their want of a plan. The course is a short mile from town, but has only nine holes—many of them sporting in the extreme— and of the exquisite charm of the view it is probably unnecessary to speak. At Alloa Tower, Queen Mary spent much of her childhood; as also did James VI, and Prince Henry. James's cradle and the tatter's golf-clubs are still preserved. [Caledonian and North British.

Anstruther. WE have not succeeded in getting plans from either of the clubs of Ihis district. One green lies at Grangemuir, and consists of six holes; the other at Billow Ness, where Dr. Chalmers used, as a boy, to preach to the sea. But as a recent writer has promulgated that the marvellous young student "knew scarce any Latin," when the distinguished Dr. Hunter was his teacher, and was chiefly distinguished in golf, we may take it that he found other and more delectable ways of employing his spare hours than by preaching to spout :fish and podlies like a seconnd St. Anthony. Billow Ness is described as a very sporting little course, with beetli cliffs and dangerous gullies. The most famous Inhabitant of Anstruther was, of course, Maggie Lander; but it is also interesting on account of the glorious high-jinks atTennant's "Fair," and they have a very good ghost-story attaching to 101

A I R D R f E 102 The Golfer's Guide Dreel Water. It has rather an interesting traditional alliance with Spain, arising out of an episode in connection with the (hand Armada too long for narration here ; but it may be new to some to learn that the wee Fife toun is mentioned in Chaucer's Canto-bury Tales. Of the two poor scholars of the Soler Hall at Cantebregge :— "John highte that on, and Aleine hyghte that other; Of a toun were they born, that highte Strother, Fer in the North, I cannot tellen where." [North British, Arbroath. THIS eighteen-hole course is situated close to Elliot Railway Station about two miles from town, and has the usual hazards. Arbroath at one time played a prominent part in Scots history especially ecclesiastical—and is mainly associated in one's memory with Earl Beardie, Cardinal lieaton, and William the Lion—not to speak of the dolorous ballad of the great Southey, "Ralph the Rover," which generations of Scottish schoolboys have cursed in their inmost hearts, Arbroath is the "Fairport" of the AntUptary. [Caledonian and North British,

Arisaig. A PRIVATE nine-hole course has been recently opened litre of considerable interest and beauty, It. is much .safer golfing here nowadays than it was before Old Philp'a lime. Eigg, wherethe Macleods fumigated 200 of the Macdcmalds, lies immediately opposite. It was in memory of this deplorable act of retribution that so many uf the snuff-shops we remember as boys had a wee wooden Highlander us a sign. [Highland. Fort-William and Steamers,

Auchterarder. Tins is another of the new greens cropping up on every hand. The course is only about a mile from the station, and excellent accommodation may be had in the village. As to the scenery, it is probably sufficient to say that around you is the Strathearn of song and story. The Golfer's Guide 10.

Auchterarder was much in evidence in Church matters immediately prior to the Disruption ; and if the golfing reader sees a night-cap of mist forming over the scalp of Craigrossie, he had better put away his clubs for the week, send for a greybeard of Long John, tuck his toes into the fender, and read up the thrilling subject of the great Auchterarder Case. And if he can find Lime to let us know what ho thinks of it all in time for next year's issue, it will be pleasing indeed. The neighbourhood was a first-rate one for witches, too ; and out Dunning way if you turn a divot or two on Ternavie the old spirit of the mount will come out and swear at you ; whilst'—if you have, been much clown the previous day and have therefore quarrelled with your wife, and generally taken it out of the family circle, and are consequently disposed for a meditative stroll—you can investigate the Den of the Dragon, which was slain by St. Serf (who cared about as much for dragons as he did for the devil in Dysart Cave) with his pastoral staff. [Caledonian.

Aviemore. A NINE-HOLE course has been recently laid out not fur from the station, nnd with time will prove an excellent one. [Highland.

Ayton. THIS is an excellent nine-hole course and rich in water hazards. The river Eye winds and doubles fantastically through the green, and a quarry, with the wholly excellent name of Hairy Craig, suggestive of dim danger and disaster, has to be reckoned with. In case the golfer has had no time for a substantial meal before leaving town it is interesting to know that Eyemoulh itself is not fur off, whore, if he be of a nature capable of appreciating thirst, he can get any number of haddocks smoked in a special manner. [North British,

Ayr. A NEW golf links has been formed at Ayr by the local mt'ket dub, The course is ofnine holes, embraces five fields, and lies adjacent to the cricket ground at Newtonhead. The turf is old and the haiatdj an: good, 104 The Golfer's Guide

Although Bums was here so often, I cm find no reference in hig writings to golf, unless i lbe in the unfamiliar couplet;— " Auld Ayr, wham ne'er a tovtn surpasses For honesl men and borraie lassies." And this, if you come to think of it, is a singularly happy description of members (if the crufl. Il is Strange one never sees a plain girl golf! [Caledonian, North British, and Soulh-Westem,

Baberton. WE reproduce a sketch of this recently opened green, The club was constituted in May, 1893, when they acquired the privilege of playing on the High Park, Baberton, This, comprising forty acres, was eminently suited for a golf course, the ground being of an undulating character' with a number of good hazards in the form of hedges, whin, and small plantations. On this a nine-hole course was laid out by Willie Park, jun., and at once mel with great success—so much so in fact that the dub have seen their way to acquire additional ground, and on New Year's Day of this year formally opened an extended green of eighteen holes. The course is very picturesque, and lies on the northern slope of the Pentlands. It can be done within the two hours. It is ten minutes1 walk from Juniper Green Station, and eighteen minutes by rail from Edinburgh. [Caledonian,

Ballantrae. THE hon, secretary very kindly writes : " I have not yet got a plan of the links, else I would send it you," but from his description the course must be one of .singular beauty. It was planned by Willie Fernle—in itself a guarantee of excellence—ns a nine-hole course, but has since been extended to the full eighteen. The turf is the traditional Ayrshire, and the hazards consist of bunkers, burns, ravines, and dykes, while every attention is paid to the Approaches. (We wish we could say this of some greens of greater name.) Many of the holes are sporting in Hie extreme, and for the hapless wight who conies to grief at the " Saucer" or " Purgatory" there is no redemption. I The Golfer's Guide 10H 106 The Golfer's Guide

For those who are not afraid of jelly-fish and wee crabs running over their tootsies, there is excellent bathing ; also tennis courts; a bowline green for those in delicate health or who have passed the allotted span or who, for other reasons, have seen cause to prepare for another world • and a public library, where you will have an opportunity of consulting this valuable work in the interval of your rounds and meals. The club-house is within a quarter of a mile from the village, where there is an excellent hotel, from which, morning and evening, omnibuses run in connection with the trains to Pinwherry Station, some 8Js miles distant. [North British, South-Western, and Coach,

Banff.

WE reproduce a plan of this excellent nine-hole course. It is rather narrow, but is, over all, a capital sporting green. It lies within ten minutes' walk of the Harbour Station. Its length is about ij miles. There are several excellent hotels in town, and comfortable lodgings can lie easily obtained. This district was in olden time beautifully wooded. Of the Forest of Boin a great landscape poet warbles :—• "From Culbirnie to the sea You may step from tree to tree." There seems a singular appropriateness in the famous Socialist, Mncphcvson, having been turned off here. " Sae rantingly, sae wantonly, Sae dauntingly gaed lie ; He played a spring and danced it round, Below the gallows tree." [North of Scotland.

Bathgate. THIS nine-hole course, which was laid out by Willie Park, jun., and only opened in 1892, lies close to the railway station. It is fairly undulating, with short, fine turf, sandy soil, and the chief hazards are ditches and an old road, [North British.

108 The Golfer's Guide Beauly. STOWED old Beauty has at last awakened to its duties and opened a I nine-hole course on the Muir of Orel, famous for its cattle trysts. [Highland, Benbecula. THE old saying about the Westward course of conquest applies also to golf; and Benbecula, not to be behind her neighbours, has laid out a nine-hole course of •which more will be heard. [Highland. Stronie Ferry and Steamer, Berwick-on-Tweed. A NINE-HOLE course was opened on the Goswick Links, four or five railes south of the town, within a stone's throw of Windmill Station of the N. B.K., in May, 1890. It is sporting and tussocky, and crosses the " Lough." The executive have adopted some familiar names, as " Elysian Fields," " Styx," and so on. The Scotch have resumed possession of Iierwick for golfing purposes. In April, 1894, the course on the Goswick Links, which had been recently extended by Mr. Collin, the well-known Ryton professional, to the full eighteen holes, was informally opened for play. [North British, Blairgowrie. WE have great pleasure in reproducing the plan of this beautiful little inland nine-hole green, The course is a mile and a half from Blair- gowrie and ten minutes' walk from Rosemount Station ; and in connection with their pretty, rustic club-house the executive have had the foresight to include stabling. The green is known as the " Lans- downe," and lies among pine woods on the shore of the Black Loch ; and, in this connection, the following excerpt from a letter dated 22nd November, 1893, 's sa^ reading : " I regret to say that owing to the severe gale of Friday night last the course has been completely wrecked, and only one tree left standing of any size." It is needless to recapitulate here the beauties of bonny Strathmore. Birnam, Dunsinane, rapid Ericht—there is magic in the very names. Nay, the course itself is singularly happy in this respect. Take the The Golfer's Guide 109

Smugglers' and Gangers' Bunkers with their suggestions of Smuggler Bill and the Exciseman with his demon steed ; or the Fairy Dull and its Brownies, the last and greatest of whom was Redcap, (About the

latter there seems to have been a dash of jWayland Smith, for he assisted a tired Bum-the-Wind at his labour, and, when the smith thanked him, at once disappeared, not, as one writer seems to think, 110 The Golfer's Guide because he was afraid ol the human voice, but because he was averse to bftlng thanked. You should never thank a Brownie, But, so far as that goes, Ihe BlairgoWlrie folk have no right to call one of their Brownies Redcap, because'—to all of us Scots, at all events the true Redcap will always be the great Lord Soulis's familiar spirit.) "Druid's Mere," too, is good. It is pleasant to read that young Blabrgowrie lias always been fond of ball-sports, but extremely depressing to learn that they even went the length of playing shinty on Sundays between exercises of a very different nature. A masterful and somewhat pugnacious parson—of the metal of our own Dunstau, say, who took the devil by the nose with a pair of red-hot pincers—decided to take this matter in hand, and appeared among the boys on a Sunday afternoon, lie hung his coal upon his staff, which he had stuck in the ground, and said :— " Stand ye there, As meenister o' Blair ; While I, John Ross, Gut a game at the ba\" And thereafter belaboured the shins of the Sabbath-breakers, with the self-complacent approval warranted by an act of such signal piety. " Tullyveolan " is near Blairgowrie. [Caledonian and North British.

Boat of Garten. A CAPITAL nine-hole course has been laid out near the station of this name, and should make for itself a name among the Northern links. [Highland. Brechin. THIS six-hole course is of recent formation—1892. It is laid out on Trinity Muir, about a mile from the town, on a stretch of fine old turf. The town itself is of some interest, and was of ecclesiastical importance even in the time of the Culdees. It boasts of one of the mysterious round towers of which we have read so much, and which may have attracted the attention of blood-and-thunder Edward I. when he was travelling over the North-country greens, [Caledonian and North British. The Golfer's Guide 111 Bridge of Weir. THAT fine player, Willie Campbell, is responsible for this green*. It has the usual inland hazards, and although at present of only nine holes, there is room for extension to the full eighteen. It ig.withia half an hour of Glasgow by the G. & S.-W., and five minutes'walk from the station. There is good accommodation at the Ranfurly Hotel, with moderate charges, for man and golfer. [South-Western. Brora. THIS excellent nine-hole course is of recent construction. The turf is of the best, and the hazards of the usual kind—bunkers, dykes, pond, and river. The course is about a mile and a half in length, and skirts the shore. It is some frvo minutes' walk from the village, which bosstt of two very comfortable hotels, the Sutherland Arms and the Commercial. [Highland. Buckie. ALTHOUGH of only nine holes, the round is some 2\ miles, with the usual variety of hazards. The links are close to Portessie Station, about a mile from Buckie, and can be reached either by the G, N. of S. or Highland Railway. Burntisland. BUUNTISLAND—the " l'ortus Ci ratiae "of the old Fife mariner—has had strange ups and downs, heichs and howes galoreJ but, like one of our Scotch poets, Burntisland has had " Aye a heart aboon them a'." When the Forth Bridge was a beastly accomplished (act, many old wives predicted that Burntisland would put on her night-cap and go to lied. Not much ! jRurnlisland sent her golfing sons up to Dodhead—a musi- cal word that may imply anything in topography—and they, with characteristic energy, succeeded in whacking out a rattling good six- liole course. Some years before the coming of Old l'hilp the place was known u Kingom-Waster ; andil occurs again and yet again in the history of our country. The Romans were, of course, here, and Cromwell in due 112 The Golfer's Guide lime. One of his illimitable letters is dated from here, 29th July, " The enemies' affairs are in some discomposure) as we hear. Surely the Lord will blow upon them." So il seemingly turned out. But loru; before that, Chasleliird turned Up bore in the wake of Queen Mary— apparently unexpectedly. As a consequence he was shortly afterwards himself turned off at St. Andrews—unexpectedly, also, no doubt, as far as he was concerned. If there beany truth in heredity, Burntisland should be able lo uvm out some formidable lady players; for in 1615 the service by the Queen's Chamberlain of certain writs gave rise to a riot of "amultitude of women, above one hundred, of the bilngster Amazon kind, who maist uncoiuteously dung him (the Karl of Dunfermline) off his feet, and his witnesses with him, they all hurt and blooded, all his letters and precepts reft fra him ; riven ami cast away, and sac stoned and chased out of toun." What a happy phrasing—" bangster Amazon Mud!" It is unfortunate that the chronicler omits to mention whether the old baffy was still in use or the more modern cleek had yet come in. If some of our readers would be so kind as go a round over the Burntisland ladies' links, it could not fail to interest them ; and we should welcome details from the survivors (if any) for our next issue as, indeed, a favour, [North British, Callander. THIS capital nine-hob course was laid out and opened by Tom Morris, and though the grass is still somewhat long and mossy, time will soon lnakc itself felt. The view, on the other hand, is independent of lime. We have no space here to touch, however lovingly, on the bonny wooded braes of Teith, the Pass of Leny, cloudy Ben Ledi, and mist- clad Ben Voirlich. [Caledonian.

Campbeltown (Machrihanish). WE reproduce a plan of the green which, with some apparent foundation, proudly claims the title of " the finest of all links." Poet after poet has sung its charms, and golfer after golfer taken evident pleasure in telling us of its virtues. Mr. Hutchin'son in his " Famous Golf Links" toys with the subject lovingly, but probably the most exhaustively accurate description is that by Mr. Greenlees in Golf, under date 12th The Golfer's Guide 113

T A RI HAH I 5 H . $"K

No. Nun., No. NMM, ViU.

B»it«ry LONIT Hole... . (v. MacIiTihaJilili !!• Kilkivitn...... ( ., il-!,,ll , 3 w»y i/i- 3 Hut Punch iiowl' ',;:• Koi-ku't Drift,.. «alaclav>.. , jr.,; i River i IJrvach More. - i'ii: 'Craiffs :;:;; i IOB g Clocl-keil -•-• SE:::::-: Slrnlwn i-i •; Toi«1...... 5jja 114 The Golfer's Guide

June, 1891. Another writer In the .same journal, so lately as 8U1 December lust, takes up the old tnh; and gossips with pleasant geniality

Of the unapproachable turf Mr. Hutchinson says: "The turf in iis nature is an improvement on that of Westward H o ! which it somewhat resembles ; wild thyme and similar herbs luxuriate ; it is altogether of a firmer texture than that of the North Devon green, and not liable as that is to disintegration by sand-storms. Its elasticity is surprising as may be seen by holding a club and letting the head fall and rebound. . . . The recuperative power of the turf is wonderful; an Mron- skelp' heals almost of itself, without doctors' aid, in a very short time. No need either for artificial tesing-grounds, natural ones are all there ready and in abundance, for every ball is teed, wherever it is. And as for putting-greens, one might put down a hole almost anywhere at haphazard, and little else would be necessary." Surely, eulogy could no further go. And let us also note that Mr. Hutchinson does not complain so bitterly of the rabbits as many other visitors have done to the verge of monotony. The hazards are of all possible kinds—barring always the primeval forest ; and the very town motto, Ignavis prtcibus fortuna refugnat, has evidently been chosen by a golfer. , Mr, Hutchinson and others, rightly or wrongly, credit Old Tom with the remark, when he was laying out the links, that Providence assuredly designed this part of the country as a special earthly Paradise for golfers. In the town itself there are any number of good distilleries. Not that this is an essential constituent in the golfers' Paradise—merely an agreeable coincidence no doubt. [Steamers. Campbeltown (Dunaverty.) CAMPBEI.TOWN is also happy in the possession of another excellent sporting green at the south-end, about an hour's drive from town. The hazards are of the usual kind, and the course of the full eighteen holes. There is excellent accommodation at the Argyll Hotel and private houses in the neighbourhood. Carnoustie. I AM very pleased to be able to reproduce the plan (both of the eighteen and nine-hole courses) of this celebrated Scottish green. Over and above The Golfer's Guide 1T5 116 The Golfer's Guide the charm of its situation and the unquestioned interest to all golfers in the course itself, it is vastly pleasing to learn that it was laid out by no lesser wights than the great Allan himself and Old Tom, then his apprentice. This carries you back a wee, and goes far to excuse the Carnoustie man's occasional cockiness—his only fault,, if so it be. Mr Hutchinson has treated of these links in his own'genial, sunny way, and a more exhaustively detailed account by an anonymous writer appears in Golf, under date 22nd April, 1892. For the following note I am indebted to the courtesy of a gentleman who bus long taken a deep interest in the welfare of this great East-country green :— " Carnoustie Links abound more than any other I have played on in good natural hazards apart from bunkers. From the very first tee the Barry Burn has to be crossed ; and even the best of players in the presence of an audience, and having frequently to wait a long time at the tee before getting a start, fail to get over it, although it is never more than a good full iron-shot away. Carnoustie Links may be said to be the most difficult to start on of any I know, and quite as difficult to finish on, as the bum takes a bend and has to be crossed twice at the last hole. Again and again the timid and nervous player drops his iron shot into the burn and loses the match. Going to the second hole there is what is sometimes in high-tides an arm of the sea to cross. At the third the ditch has to be crossed at two-thirds of a drive from the tee going to the valley; and in front of the fourth hole teeing-green is a great sand-bunker with high face, called the Big Bunker. Then there are the Twins and the aforesaid ditch on the edge of the green. Across the fifth hole, just about where an ordinary player's brassie or second shot should light, is a venomous bunker, probably the most visited on the course. The foresaid ditch borders both the fifth and sixth holes, in the course there being nothing else but artificial bunkers. The seventh hole is a very long one, and beyond the green is a new plantation planted by Government to protect the camp from the east wind"—and vagrom golfers, too, no doubt.—"There is nothing in the eighth hole, which is short, but well guarded by artificial bunkers in front; and on the right and left of the approach to the ninth and returning to the tenth there extends an old feal dyke, with a ditch on each side, which is a dangerous hazard to a missed or badly played second shot going to the ninth hole, and into which a good drive often gets coming back to the tenth hole, but more often catches a missed or The Golfer's Guide 117

short iron. The eleventh hole abounds in bunkers, there being seven on the way and around the hole. The twelfth also abounds in bunkers in front of and around the hole, which is short. The thirteenth is of the same nature; but the fourteenth is long and well guarded, there being a range of high sand-hills, over the corner of which a good second should he played. The fifteenth hole is full of ups and downs, and is a very difficult green to approach. The sixteenth is crossed by a bend of the Barry Burn, and there are whins to the left for a pulled ball. The seventeenth is poor but for a bed of whins to the right. The home hole is twice crossed by the Harry Bum. " The links have been used for golf long before Die village sprang up. The lairds around used to go down to Barry Links and play their games. The Carnouatie and Taynioulh is Ihe oldest club, ami held its jubilee last year, when trophies were presented to it by both the lhousie Club" (to which my correspondent belongs) "and the Caledonian." I have given this note almost in axtanso, because it comes at first hand from a most loyal lover of the game and of the green, the interests of which he has done go much lo further, [Caledonian and North British. Comrie. A PRETTY nine-hole green was opened so lately as May, 1891,on the Liigguii Braes, some three minutes' walk from the village. The course is surrounded by beautifully wooded hills, those of Dunmore, among which lies the "Devil's Caldron," Dftlchonide, Aberuehill, and so on— not forgetting famous Torlum, which claims to be the highest wooded peak in Scotland. The turf is dose and short, and there arc the usual inland hazards, including two burns. There ;ire three hotels in the village, and lodgings may be obtained in private houses. [Caledonian. Corrie. THIS nine-hole green was opened in 1K9.2 at the entrance to beautiful Glen Sannox, with all ils charming memories of Fergus1 Seat, the Maiden's Breast, the Carline's Step, and so forth. By the way, there used to be a good many adders here in old times, so that the prudent golfer will not play in his kill. [Arran Steamers. 118 The Golfer's Guide Cove. THIS green was opened in 1890, and will meet the wants of the feuarsat Kilcreggan and Cove—two of the more fashionable of the Clyde watering-places. [Steamers.

Cowdenbeath. THIS short-hole course lies about three-quarters of a mile from the village. It has the usual inland hazards, whins, cart-ruts, and dykes, and on it a very enjoyable game, indeed, may be had. The course is private. There arc two hotels in the village. [North British,

Crail. VENERABLE, little, storm-beaten Crail has a long and glorious history of its own, harking back to the Royal Bruces ; and even its golfing society is no'mushroom, as it was constituted so long ago as 1786. The course is a short one and rather rough; but the glorious fresh breezes from the German Ocean atone for much, and few visitors, however keen they may be as golfers, will grudge a day sped at bonny wee Crail. It is a pity that the "' Crail Capon " is a thing of the past. It seems to have been a split and smoked haddock, something like the " speldiin" we used to see as boys. The church is also worth a visit by the pious player, but in the yard there is rather an uncanny spot where the plague lies buried. The district used to be a first-rate hunting-ground for witches in the good old days; but since the invention of the bulger sport is gradually narrowing. [North British.

Crawford. WE reproduce a plan of this excellent inland eighlcen-hole course. Nest- ling on the sunny slopes of the upper reaches of the Clyde, the little village lies some 800 feet above the level of the sea. It was formerly a burgh of barony by virtue of a charter from William the Lion, and saw some stirring times while wight Wallace was still to the fore. It finally went to sleep with the disappearance of the last mail-coach, but fortunately only for a time ; and the one vivifying touch has at last been given by the wand, or rather the club of the golfer. The green has the usual The Golfer's Guide 119

i isirsnn •i

! t i 120 The Golfer's Guide

inland hazards, and already lias a roll of 133 members. There is a comfortable country hotel close to the green, which is itself a bare two minutes' walk from Crawford Station on the Caledonian Railway, and the tariff is extremely moderate, [Caledonian, Crieff. WE reproduce a plan of the new course at Culcrieff, on the north-west side of the Knock, twenty minutes' walk from the town. At present the course is limited to nine holes, but it is probable that during the coming season it will be extended to the full eighteen. There are many fine natural hazards, and, notably, two venomous old quarries—not to speak of a stone dyke, which has to be crossed no fewer than four times. The view—Grampians, Ben Voirlich, Ben More, and so forth —is probably familiar to nine out of ten readers. Excellent accommodation may be had at the Hydropathic, the various hotels, and private lodgings. Fortunately for some golfers, the "kind gallows of Crieff," whence sometimes a score of philabegs had waved in a morning, all in a row, and which stood there so late as 1796, when Scott visited the town, have now disappeared. He notes in Waverlcy that Highlanders would, in passing, touch their bonnets to it with the appreciative salute: " God Hess her nainsel', and the de'il damn you !" This seems worthy of the golfer's preservation for use in bunkers and other perils. [Caledonian. Crieff (Dornock). THIS green was opened in 1892, within a few minutes' walk of Highland- man Station. There are the usual inland hazards with rushes and whin-brake. [Highland. Cullen. WE have much pleasure in reproducing a plan of this famous old North- country green. The links lie to the west of the town on the sea-shore, and are distant from the station about half a mile. The Seaiield Arms Hotel is close to the station. Although the present club, which had last year a membership of over

-sixty, was only constituted in 1876) it is certain that golf has been played The Golfer's Guide 121 r

UJ 1 122 The Golfer's Guide at Cullen for at least two centuries. The present course consists of nine holes, and was recently laid out by Old Tom. The turf is close and well knit, and there are many knolls of various shapes and heights. The rising ground by the shore is covered with long coarse bent. The course is bisected longitudinally by a macadamised road connecting Cullen and Portknockie, which, along with sand-pits and bunkers, constitute the chief hazards. The Three Kings, the Hound Craig, and Boar's Craig are prominent objects on the course. [North of Scotland.

Cupar (Ladybank). THE Cupar Club play on a nine-bole course at Ladybank Junction. There are several fair boles with the usual inland hazards, but there is considerable room for improvement on the course generally. The proverbial expression of the town importing compulsory visitation, seems capable of extension to the links. [North British.

Cupar (Hilltarvit). THIS little course is at the foot of Tarvit Hill, near the cemetery. I have not been able to hear of any plan. The location seems to have been carefully considered and is singularly felicitous. [North British.

Dirleton. THE course at Arcberfield is a private one and has no plan. The Rev. Mr. TCerr, of Dirleton, has kindly given us a description of this beautiful green in his article on the Lothian Links. [North British.

Dollar. THE course, which consists of nine holes, is close to the river Devon, of which Burns warbled so sweetly, and about five minutes' walk from the station. It is of interest to the ordinary tourist rather than the golfer. [North British. -

The Golfer's Guide 123 124 The Golfer's Guide

Dornoch. WII have the pleasure of reproducing the plan of this popular Northern green. As Mrs. Tweedle puts it, Dornoch has one great disadvantage Its distance froni London tend being seven miles from a railway station but when that is Said all is said that can lie urged against it. And it may be noted that Dornoch resembles Machrihanisri in nothing more than the perfervid and enthusiastic affection with which each seems capable of inspiring its respective devotees. We lire not quite sure that Montiose or St. Andrews will entirely chime in with a quotation (vide Golf, 14th November, 1890) which Mrs. Tweedle gives from Sir Robert Gordon (1C30): "About this toun, along the sea coast, are Hie fairest and largest linkes or green (ieldes of any paitt of Scotland. Fitt for archery, golfing, ryding, and all other exercises, they doe surpasse the fickles of Montrose or St. Andrews." And she adds that it is authenticated that Lord Strathnaver golfed there three hundred years ago. This, considered merely as a fact, is of course somewhat awe-inspiring, and must be accepted without protest as such; but when we are told in black and white that nowadays nearly every village in the neighbourhood boasts of a link of its own, it is surely time for the worm to turn. There is no such word as link in golfing language. Links it is, always has been, and always will be. It sprang, Minevva-like, from the skull of some, one of the great men of old ; and you can swear in the connection with equal accuracy cither in the singular or plural. It is pleasing to note that Dornoch is one of the driest spots known in the North—a fact which to every golfer, at all events, will give double meaning to the courtesy of the executive in calling their thirteenth hole after deservedly famous Morangie. There is probably no better turf to be found on any links in Scotland, and well may Old Tom be proud of. his handiwork in planning them. His reported remark runs: " There canna be better found for gowf" ; and this seems to be the universal opinion of those who have tried them. There are two hotels in the little town, the Sutherland Arms and the Eagle, and from the former the first tee is only a couple of minutes' walk. The golfing rates are exceedingly moderate; and for ladies and children the miles of sandy shore form an earthly Paradise. [Highland, " The Mound," and Coach. The Golfer's Guide 126

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Jo>/« /^ . , . , 'f , , ,.'fl^—^Jf*...—,-Tf , , V" , . *,", , •"(' ^'-^S 12G The Golfer's Guide Douglas (Lanarkshire). THERB does not seem to be any plan of this course. Douglas Railway Station is only four miles distant, and 'buses run to the village, in which is the Douglas Anns Hotel. [Caledonian Dumbarton. THERE is apparently no plan of this green, The club dates from 1888 and already embraces over 250 members. The station is only a few hundred yards from the green. The town motto, Fortitudo ct Pidelitas appeals to the golfer, but the anus, Elephant and Castle, seem, perhaps, more suitable for football. [North British, Dumfries. " THE Queen of the South" lias only taken to the Royal game within very recent years, and has not as yet been very fortunate in its green. The present one is a tract of holmland about a mile from the town, on the banks of the Nilh. The grass is very coarse, and there are few natural hazards ; but this will, we hope, be remedied with the advance of time. There is no town in Scotland richer in historic associations. Every stone and street bring memorial suggestions of our great poet and the heroic king ho sang in such immortal strain. But for that matter, what a golfer, what an approaches what a fellow for laying his long putts dead, would King Robert's leal fellow-churchman, Kirkpatrick— the true hero of the little, religious episode' in the church of the Minorites—have made ! What a motto for a putter—" I'll male' siccar!" The sooner Dumfries attends to its putting-greens—if only in gratitude to worthy old Kirkpatrick—the better for its own fame 1 [Caledonian, North British, and South-Western. Dunbar. WU have great pleasure in reproducing a plan of this course through the courtesy of Mr. Charles Nelson. Some alterations have been suggested by Tom Morris—in terms of a note issued by the lion, secretary of date nth December, 1893—but not, we trust, of such a material nature as to depreciate the value of the presently existing plan. The Rev. Mr Kerr, Dirleton, includes this in his most interesting sketch of the Lothian Links. [North British. rsr*

The Golfer's Guide 127

;

D Mi sanstcs

J 6 : "S'^y

. 128 The Golfer's Guide Dunblane. Tins singularly beautiful nine-hole course is laid ovit oh the Laigh Hi immediately to the north of the town, and does infinite credit to Old Tom, who planned and opened it. The scheme was mainly due to the energy of the proprietor of tlie Hydropathic, Mr. Philp; and we trust we are not expecting too much, when we humbly hint that, a fitting architectural adornment to the admirable site would be a monument in marble—Parian, preferably—of his yet more famous namesake, the dear Old Philp of all time. The towering majesty of Bens L'omond and Ledi would go far to reconcile a man with a wooden leg to liis enforced leisure ; but the most noticeable feature of the green, far and away, is the bonny Allan Water that bounds the course on three sides. [Caledonian Dunfermline. THIS is a private green situated northward of the Forth Bridge. In a. perfectly courteous note the hon. secretary says'that as they are already troubled with people playing on it without liberty, the club prefers not to have the particulars reported. We need scarcely say we regret this; but we are, of course, bound to respect their wishes in the matter. [North British. Durness. A CAPITAL nine-hole course was recently opened here, and has attained deserved popularity. This is in the famous Reay country, but it is too near Cape Wrath for those who are afraid of their bach hair in windy weather. [Highland, Lairg and Coach. Earlsferry and Elie. THIS is the most famous of the smaller Fife courses. There are fourteen holes in all—many of them of great interest, although the more easterly might, perhaps, be improved with a HtLle trouble and judicious expenditure. The situation of the town itsulf is beautiful, and, year by year, its attractions are becoming more widely known. Many a famous golfer, such as Douglas Holland and the Simpson brothers, bail from the little Fife town; and Forrester, the club-maker, has a repute that extends far beyond the borders of the county. The Golfer's Guide 129

The links are in early summer lush with cowslips—rather too much so, in fact, as they bring suggestions of the poor wee lassie that came to hate the smell of roses, of whom Hood slngB. Cowslip wine is a very inspiriting beverage, but I do not at this moment remember to have ever seen any of the Klie golfers devoting their attention to il. [North British.

Edinburgh. THIS is a wide word, indeed, and to do it even faint justice would demand infinitely more space than we can spare here ; nay- selling aside St. Andrews and a few of the older country greens—the story of Edinburgh golf would praclically mean the story of the game itself. Fortunately or unfortunately, we are merely concerned here wilh the greens themselves. Of these, some are dead—such as BrunUfield and Craigentinnyj some somnolent and sail' hadden doun by the powers that he (shall we say?) —such as Lelttaj some, such as famous old Mnsselliurgh, struggling with new and strange circumstance.

Edinburgh (Muirfield).

THE premier dub- the H onourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers—ha s altogether removed from the metropolitan county ; and Its new green ;il Muirfield is described—and, I need scarcely say, most admirably—by the Rev. Mr. Kerr in his article upon the Lothian Links. Through the courtesy of lhe club, I am glad lo have lieen able to reproduce a copy of the plan of the new green. [North British.

Edinburgh (Mussel burgh). IT does seem strange that this famous old green has never a map to boast of. At least I learn from the Town Clerk that there is none in his possession; and so far as I can gather from inquiries pushed in oilier quarters, none has ever been in existence. It seems a pity; for surely an old map would have been welcomed by many as a veritable Ireasure- trove. However, it is quite possible that some other inquire* may be more fortunate than I have myself been. I had also been very kindly 1 DtKancs No. of tcvdu MUIRFfELD HaJc Hole. lOnt. 60 J feet. !J •• 4 ..' -3 .. 1 :: 3:: 1 '5 .. 7^7 •• B; B S33 n j| " :: 690 » 3 •• 1 3 4 it 3 , The Golfer's Guide 18]

promised a copy of the regulations for the control of the links, bul I am afraid we must consider this postponed for this year, as I .see from the newspapers that affairs will still have to regulate themselves judicially. " The golf—SO long a favourite and peculiar exercise of the Scotch— continues to excite to the full as much Interest in Inveresk as in any other of the few localities where, it still continues in favour. Children arc trained to il from their early years, incited by the attractive fitness of the links and by the encouragement of their parents. . . . lint beautiful and harmless as golfing is in itself, and charmingly used by multitudes of exemplary persons, it has unhappily become considerably associated with some vices, which have much withered ils attractions." And to think that this malevolent, back-biting old tea-pot sputtered the above only a brief half-century ago, and that a work professing to be published inEdinburgh should be responsible for its infamous conserva- tion ! Let us be thankful the creature incubaled under the shelter of anonymity, and thai it is, therefore, impossible lor the outraged generations of to-day to cast a divot of obloquy on his dishonoured tomb I ft has been for many years the fashion for frequenters of lengthier links—as if mere length of legs were a bit more desirable than length of ear or nose or tongue—to treat this immemorial green with scorn, verging on the ribald ; utterly oblivious of Ihr fad thai no other links in the world can Show such a roll of honour as can these of "the honest toun," with their Parks, Dunns, M'K.wans, Fergusons, Dows, Campbells, Browns,Hums, l'axlons, and so on. And what about old Tom Alexander, who used to support the honour of " the honest toun " when Allan had still to be reckoned with ; or his famous brother ball-maker, Old Gourlay, whose likeness we reproduce? I am sorry to say that I have not. been able to establish any connection between " half-hangil Maggie Dickson " and golf. She certainly lived at Inveresk, or Kisherrow, and her supposed corpse certainly resumed an active interest in affairs al Peffermill, while her cart was on (be way home, and her companions in a howlf having a peg ; bul il is nol certain that any of her folk were golfers. 11. may be—in fact, it is very probable that the Dicksons of Leith and Aberdeen golfing fame in old days were of her kin. Anyway, many a club-milker since bus deserved a like fate —the resuscitation, of course, being dispensed with. 1152 The Golfer's Guide

In view, then, of the malign mirth of these long-legged golfers the superfluity of whose physical equipment enables them to totally disregard a few extra miles—it is refreshing to find one of Mr. Hutchinson's calibre saying a kind word in defence and honour of the sturdy old green. " If its fair face is scarred by the multitudinous cleek beyond all other greens, and if its putting-greens arc neither so large nor so smooth as the heart of man could desire, still there is no green in the world which is better adapted for a crucial test of all-round merit; no green where power and accuracy are more fairly handicapped (at North Berwick long driving counts for too little, at Prestwick and Sandwich for rather too much) ; and no ^jreen which, while it presents a goodly number of legitimate and excellent hazards, is more free from those annoying little trap-hunkers, which may or may not catch a misdirected shot, just as luck serves." Surely judicious praise could no further go. Some ancient poet-prophet perpetrated the following well-known quatrain:— " Musselburgh was a burgh When Edinburgh was nane ; And Musselburgh '11 \K a burgh When Edinburgh's gane." We sincerely trust that the famous old links will share the like lasting prosperity; and that there will never be a dearth of wee Parks, Dunns, M'Ewans, and Fergusons to sustain the honour of "the honest toun" in the times to come. Edinburgh (Inverleith Park). The Plans and Works Committee of the Town Council, at a meeting on i zth April, 1894, resolved to recommend that the short game of golf be allowed on a nine-hole course on the north-west section of Inverleith Park daily till 10 a.m. Edinburgh (Bruntsfield). THIS, like old Dubbicside, is a green dead, indeed, now, yet with many fragrant memories of the past. Its history is rich in interest, but cannot be even touched upon in these pages. The Braids course has taken the place of the old green, and is, as the other was, held for behoof of the townsfolk. The Golfer's Guide 138

It may not be without interest to quote n few lines from a poem by Mr. Robert Chambers, written about 1867, when troubles were already thickening, and first published in Golfof ICth March, 189. ;

" Oh ! leeze me on the bygone days, Our infant steps first socht thy braes, Theme of a poet's best-strung lays— Fair Warrender and Bruntsfield.

" Oh, who are they that dare invade Wi' inenae'd looks our joyful trade, Who seek e'en now a Council's aid To make our golfing trumps yield ?

" Wi' pity we'll regard them a1, But .still we'll tee and drive the ba', And bless prescriptive right and law On the smiling links o' lkuntsfield."

But the fates were against "prescriptive right and law," and the famous old Bruntsfield Club had to set up its standard at Musselburgh, and the golfing citizen to toddle further afield to the bonny Braid Hills. The following sad yarn may have escaped the eye of some golfers. The Hangman's Craig is a knoll on Arthur's Seat not far from the Girnal, and OVCrlookl Duddlngston Loch. About the reign of Charles II. the office of public executioner was taken by a reduced gentleman, the last member of a family long established near Melroae, after his patrimony had gone in various forms of profligacy, After his official duties had been attended to—and these, no doubt, were more exacting in those bloody old days than now—the unfortunate fellow occasionally resumed the garb of a gentleman, and mingled witli the citizens in their evening rounds at golf over Bruntsfield Links, But one evening hu was recognised and hounded away. lie retired to the King's 1'ark; and his body was found next morning nl the fool of the precipice, over which, stung with shame, he had thrown himself. There is still a wee, wee course to the south-west for those who prefer to play after dinner. No note upon storied old Bruntsfield would be complete •without the elegy on immortal Maggie Johnston, who died anno domini 17 n :— 134 The Golfer's Guide

" Auld Reekie, nioum in sable hue, Let tbuth o' tears dreep like. May clew, To braw dppenny bid adieu, Which we wi' greeil Bended as fast as she could brew, But now she's dead.

" When in our pouch we fand some clinks, An' took a turn o'er Bruntsfield Links, Aften in Maggy's, at High-jinks, We guzzled scuds ,Till we could scarce wi' hale-out drinks Cast off our duds.

" When we were wearied at the gow/T, Then Maggie Johnston's was our howff ; Noo a' our gamesters may sit douff, Wi' hearts like lead, Death wi' his rung reached her a youff, An' sae she's dead." Jolly old. boys these Bruntsfield worthies were, with a due appreciation of all the good things of this life. Thus, when a Mrs. Gilchrist finds her rent too high, the club are of opinion that in their interests she should remain—and particularly Mary—"so that the comfort and pleasure of the members might, as hitherto, be secured" ; and, satisfactory arrangements having been conic to ftir all parties, the meeting spontaneously joined in a song, " Mary the Maid of the Inn for me." AlasI two years later Mary decides to go to Australia, and the club present her with a handsome present. It is pleasant to read that Mary replied in a neat and appropriate speech, and that Dr. Mackay sang with his usual taste, "Thou art gane awa frae me, Mary." Go it, Old Mackay!

Edinburgh (The Braid Hills). THROUGH the courtesy of the Town Cleric we are able to reproduce the plans of this glorious addition to the town property. The second plan is only to be considered as a rough sketch indicating the locality and general lie. There may lie finer views from other links, but if so. 185

MJ W

I have not myself been so fortunate us sec them ; certainly, tliere can lie mine in which the historic; Interest is more intense—at all events to a Scot. Of course, it is idle to deny that an immense deal still requires to be done to the putting-greens, but it certainly seems to a golfev who only sees the course at pretty lengthy intervals, that every year shows an Improvement, I prefer not to draw attention to the astounding statistics of players. Not, for one moment, that 1 assert any direct connection with the vast contemporary increase in lunacy. It is, perhaps, a mere coincidence- let its hope so. The Corporation have framed an excellent set of bye-laws, which I » regret we have no space to reprint in this place, as they would be of unquestionable value to other public bodies assuming similar responsibilities. The course is one of eighteen holes, and it has already been found necessary to consider the creation of a relief one of nine. Access from town is by both car and the circular railway ; and many golfers, who like n cup of peptonlsed cocoa or beef-tea, or even potash and milk, say, after their day's exertion, will be glad to hear that a good hotel is in course of erection. [North British and Trams. Edinburgh (Craiglockhart Hydropathic). THIS excellent short course is one of the attractions of Ibis deservedly popular resort. The hazards are of the usual inland nature and the view is superb. [North British and Trains. Edinburgh (Mortonhall). THIS beautiful private green adjoins the public one on the Braids. The club was only instituted in i8gi, and already numbers are awaiting admission. The turf is excellent, and the greens could scarcely be bettered, while the hazards arc numerous and varied. [North British and Trams. Edinburgh (Leith). I OUGHT, perhaps, to apologise for in a measure sinking the individuality of doughty little Leith, if even for a moment, but the truth is that, so far as our game goes, the two towns are identical. Nay, more, all the The Golfer's Guide 137

__ : THE BRAID HILLS HOTEL.—This charmingly-situated hotel is BOW ien, and receiving the patronage of the golfer, whose home on the Braids it has, in a large measure, become. It is, without doubt, a very attractive place of sojourn for golfers—being the centre of no loss than seventeen golf courses within a radius of 14 milesJ while for visitors it is alike convenient to places of interest and economical,

MM The Golfer's Guide 138 The Golfer's Guide really interesting of the older yarns dear to golfers are localised on wee Leith Links. Such are the yarns of Charles I, and the news of the Irish Rebellion ; the Duke of York, Cobbler Patersone and Fore-caddie Andrew Dickson (of possible kinship to half-hangit Maggie of the same name); hot-headed, blood-and-thunder Elphinstone, who not only potted ill-fated Captain Porteotts at gowf, but pinked an imprudent lieutenant of the name of Swift in a duel on these very links; nay, the great Duncan Forbes himself used to play here, or, in time of snow on the sands. Leith Links are, of course, the scene of Mathison's somewhat dreioh poem, " The Goff." But what are we to aay of the following?—" A favourite amusement manly and beautiful in its character, but liable to be adventitiously associated with some repulsive abuses, is the ancient game of golf played upon the links" (Leith). " A house for the special use of the golfers stands near the end of the eastern road overlooking the play-ground." The play-ground!—let us hope this escaped the eye of Old Philp or Allan, for it would have pained them deeply. "Previous to the erection of this building a tavern on the west side of the Kirkgate was the favourite resoit of many players after a bout of their amusement, and the scene of many an unbecoming revel! A number of lively, addle-headed, aged gentlemen, about the middle of the eighteenth century, made golfing almost their sole enjoyment, and, although all upwards of seventy years of age, are declared by Smollett never to have gone to bed without swilling the larger part of a gallon of claret. Charles I., James VII., and many persons of distinction have golfed on Leith Links ; but the golfers have so far associated their pastime with follies, which are intrinsically quite foreign to it, as to have made its resources for healthy exercise not quite compatible with nicety of moral or at least religious reputation," Hoity-toity ! Here's a pretty to do ! Let us hope that every pious golfer will, when next disposed to wet his whistle—whether in Gargantuan draughts, such as Burns sang in his poem of that name, or in the humbler nipperkin, such as Father Matthew himself might have tossed off before breakfast without winking —not forget to breathe a kindly toast lo the memory of these jolly old Leith boys! But as to the graceless batraohian who perpetrated the above loathsome libel, we shall merely say that if he have, as a deplorable fact, left descendants to perpetuate his sanguinary infamy, w

• The Golfer's Guide 189 sincerely trust that he or they may break their hesl-beloved bulgwi ami come in ten down and eight to play each and every day till they be brought to repent in sackcloth and ashes the evil deeds of their malignant ancestor. It is with Leith, above all, that the earlier history of the 1 tonoumbls Company is intertwined; and surely Luekie Clephan's, with all its genial memories of long-dead mirth and song, is entitled to a place alongside of the famous old JSnmtslield howff, Maggie Johnston's. The excerpts from the old minutes in Mr. Clark's book are of considerable interest even of to-day. One is worthy of being printed in letters of gold, if only'for the increased probability of folk reading, marking, and digesting it :— "May 4, 1793. "It is the unanimous opinion of this Company that no members shall play on the links with irons all without the consent of Ihe C aptain and Council, and it is recommended by the mealing that they will not grant the desire of such application." And to think it was Allan Robertson himself who gave the first blow to Hie harmless old baffy !

Edinburgh (Craigentinny). TINS long-dead links was a popular resort in the .seventeenth Century. It was a piece of waste ground on the beach opposite Seafield bai, ami has been entirely washed away by the sea. The masterful Logans of Reslalrig used to play here, ami tradition runs thai llalbeil Logan was one day golfing, when a messenger summoned him to attend the Privy Council. Characteristically, he used some despiteful language to the officer, who instantly went to Court and reported. A warrant was issued on a charge of high treason ; but Hdlbari took time to throw down his club, mount a fleet horse, and escape to Kiijjland. The doings of these Logans (rapacious, Iron-fitted, turbulent fellows, who used to keep little Leith in perpetual hoi water) arc always capilal reading ; hut the llower of the distinguished race WM probably ihe

Robert who joined the Gowrie Conspiracy, and Buffered posth umous pain , and penalties therefor. II would be interesting to know what Klsghost feelings were when his bones were brought into courl ami it was solemnly 140 The Golfer's Guide ordained "that the memory and rtignitie of the said utnquhile Robert Logan lie extinct and abolisheit," his arms riven and deleted from all books of firms, and all his goods escheated. (His remains were then taken back to St. Mary's Church, Leith, and re-interred.) From all that 'wo can gather of this somewhat cleil-may-care, hell-in-harness family, it seems probable that his ghost's remarks would have been couched in similar strain to those of his distinguished relative when addressing the Messenger-at-Arms. Edinburgh (Portobello). THIS little green has been so recently opened that it would he unfair to criticise it severely. Of course, time and a little money will be required to enable it to compete with some of its neighbours ; but, even as it is, a very pleasant round may be had, and it certainly ]ies most conveniently for travellers. [North British and Trams. Edzell. THE course is situated close to the village, some six miles from Brechin ; but has not yet attained the popularity of some of the other Forfarshire greens. [Caledonian, Eriboll. A NINK-IIOUC course has been recently opened, and does great credit to whoever planned it, [Highland : Lairg and Coach.

Falkirk. THIS short-hole course is year by year bettering. The ground is well known to all interested in eating—except vegetarians—from the more or less poetical bucolic to the butcher and that other practical chap, the consumer; because it is here that the Falkirk Tryst meets. It was a kindly Scot who remarked that he had eaten so many legs of mutton in his time that he was ashamed to look a sheep in the face. This remorseful fellow would have had troublous times at Falkirk Tryst. Falkirk has had a. turbulent, blood-and-lhunder history, and always been a Tubal Cain among Scotch towns. As to its two great fights, the

first is but grim reading for us ScotSj and the second little better for our The Golfer's Guide Ml brethren across the Border. The motto, Touch aitc, touch a\ suggests a combative spirit; and the town arms—apparently a Gael furnished with claymore, targe, a philabtfg, (me sporran with three (ails, and a long pair of stockings—breathes war. Even of the children the proverb runs: "Like the bairns o' Falkirk, they'll end ere they mend." [Caledonian and North British. Fettercairn. THIS nine-hole course is picturesquely situated at Balnakelth, about two miles from the village, where there is an excellent hotel. Laurencekirk Station, on the Caledonian system, is seven miles from the links. Wt would fain have lingered hero over sonic of the yarns of the famous witch-lady Finella and her fateful doings. [Caledonian. Fochabers. THIS nine-hole course is laid out on the grassy Bat in front of Gordon Castle, about four miles from the village, and has .several really sporting features. There is room for an extension tu eighteen holes if it be found desirable. Fochabers itself is a clean little town. The links form part of an expanse, which was formerly a morass surrounding the old fortress of the Huntlys, or Gordons, that still slands as a nucleus of the present magnificent mansion. "The House of the Hog" played a stirring part in old days, and in the '15 anil '45; and the hero of "The Blue Bells of Scotland" was a gallant Gordon, who dwelt on one side of this very course by the great bank of holly trees. [Highland. Forfar. THIS excellent eighteen-hole course is year by year increasing in popularity, It has the usual inland hazards, and is about two and a half miles in circuit. Forfar itself was in the good old days an excellent hunting-ground for witches and other night-folk. They used to keep in the church- steeple the " Witches'Bridle "—an excellently ingenious iron circle of four parts, with a hinged collar for the neck, and a gag that pointed inwards with the praiseworthy design of keeping the tongue still. The U2 The Golfers' Guide

" Witches' Howe," or place where justice was consummated, lay to the north of tho town ; but 16S2 seems to have been the last date when evil-doers suffered here. There is an excellent yarn about Fotfar loch too, that will no doubt interest curlers. The gentlemen who assassi- nated the licentious Malcolm II., because " He had rewyist a fayre May Of the land there by and by," in their endeavour to escape stepped on the ice, which was covered with snow, and were drowned, and their bodies hung in chains (whenever the thaw came, of course). The town motto, Ut qucctmque paralns, seems, as in many oilier cases of our historic towns, to have been chosen by a golfer. [Caledonian and North British.

For res. 1 AM ylad to be alile to reproduce the plan of this excellent green, and have also to thank Mr. Lensk, lion, secretary, for the following admirable notes:— "The history of Forces is lost in the obscurity of the Piots and the Danes. Generally believed to be the Van's of the Romans, its importance in the sixth century was such that it had merchants and property worth confiscating by the Chancellor of King Conrannus. According to Bellenden, Forres Castle was situated 011 an eminence at the west-end of the town, and it is believed that. King Duncan was murdered therein 965 ; and in the fourteenth century, Forres itself was burned by the Wolf of Badenoch. The whole surrounding district is replete with historical and archaeological relics, including Damaway, Brodie, Cawdor, and Kilravoch Castles, Phiscarden Priory and Kinloss Abbey, and Elgin Cathedral. The drifting sands of Culbin, covering one of the most fertile and once populous districts of Morayshirc, and extending for nearly ten miles along the shores of the Moray Firth, are well worth a visit; and then there is the splendid scenery on the River Findhorn, probably unrivalled in the British Isles. Sir Thomas Dick Lander speaks of this river in bis account of the Moray floods, and Dr. Carrulhers in his Highland Nolc-book ; whilst it has also formed the subject of a sonnet by Professor Ulaclde. In respect of climate, K I N L O S S 144 The Golfer's Guide

Fortes has an enviable reputation, the 'Laich of Moray,' in which it is situated, having, according to an old boast of the natives, forty more Tine days in every year than the surrounding country. There is excellent salmon, grilse, and trout fishing in five miles of the River Findhorn which may be had for a moderate charge. " Such attractions would, however, be regarded by golfers as wantin in one serious respect, if there were no golf course at Forres. Th was one at Burgle—some four miles distant—in the seventeenth centur but for a long period .since then the game seems to have fallen into disuse in Morayshire. This defect was remedied about five years ago, when a golf club was established under the presidency of Mr. R. IS. Finlay, Q.C., who has done so much to popularise golf in the North. It 1MS now become so strong as to include over no members, besides many visitors in the summer and autumn months. The course, an eighteen- hole one, lies about two and a half miles distant, and begins near the church of Kinloss. It can be reached by train to Kinloss station, or by 'buses leaving Forres at convenient hours, such as n and 3. The most suitable way is to take the 'bus, which stops at the club-house. The drive itself is an interesting one; and after leaving the town, on the left-hand side of the road, is seen the 'Forres Pillar' or 'Sweno's Stone,' one of the most curious and stalely monuments of that kind in Britain. The object of it can be only conjectured now, but from its elaborate sculpture and enormous size, it must have been erected to commemorate some event of great, if not national, importance. Magnificent views of the district are got all the way down to the course. " The course is about three miles long, and extends along the shore of Findhorn Bay in the direction of the little fishing village of Findhorn. It is for the most part level ground, and the hazards are chiefly bent, whins, and the sands of the bay. The greens are almost entirely natural sea-turf, and are admittedly far above the average of the greens on most golf courses. When the tide is back, players can shorten the distance between several holes by playing across instead of round the bay. The most sporting of all the holes is the tenth or bridge hole, which is also the shortest. It lies on a small plateau, and has to be negotiated from the low ground across the now disused railway to Findhorn—gorse and grass. On a fine summer day, the scene is one of exquisite beauty. To the north, there is the Moray Firth, with the Ross-shire and Sutherlandshire range of mountains in The Golfer's Guide I15

the background, the village of Fmdhorn with iis harbour-bar, and (If Culbin sands above mentioned! on the west mid south again are tin: Cawdor hills and the town of Forces, wilh the Knock

His successor, Mr. II. Mackintosh, lias likewise composed a tong, in honour of the Royal and Ancient (iamr, which hits also been enshrined in the archives of the cluli. "In the Diary of Alexander Brodie of Brodia Under dale Huh August, 1672, published by the Spakling Club, the following interesting entry occurs; ' I was this night at Burgi. Mr. Colin Falconer [the Episcopal minister of Forres] drank with me, ami We recreated the bodi by liyputlm at golf. Lord, let Ihis bi: no snar to me,' History Hjpeats tUelt, even in golf, lor the spirit of enthusiasm for the game which the I lovenantlrjg laird of Brodie feared would ba a snare and temptation [o hitn, hai been handed down In no small measure (o (he Kones Club. Many of its members require little or no persuasion to try another round Ol Ilu- course, and visitors therefore have no difficulty in finding opponsW • In this, as in other matters, however, I shall lie very pleased In !" •n\ any assistance to visitors." (II Ighlancl, Fortrose and Roscniarkie. THE course is charmingly situated on tlie Moray l'irth, oppotlta Fort- George. The turf is good and hazards ab ou nd , It is a very interesting district historically ; and two <>f the boles celebrate (om«whftl esrt

incidents—one the burning of the haples sBrahftn seer, and thfl other that of the last Scotch witch. [Highland. Fort-William. THIS nine-hole course of some mile and a half in circuit is rapidly improving, and promises (0 be worthy of its beautiful situation and interesting environs. [Highland. K 14G The Golfer's Guide Fort-Augustus. HBRB also a pleasant nine-hole course has been laid out, and cannot but prove a highly-prized boon to the wandering . [Steamer.

Fraserburgh. Tins new course of eighteen holes bids fair to be among the best of those in the North. The turf is good, the greens excellent, and there is no lack of hazards. [North of Scotland.

Galashiels. THE course is one of nine holes, and is laid out over Ladhope fields about ten minutes' walk from Galashiels Station. It is unplayable during summer owing to the long grass. There is no plan. But let us hope the "lads of Gala water," of whom the poet sang with quaint enthusiasm, may see their way to remedy the grazing difficulty. Nebuchadnezzar, say, wouldn't have thought twice about it. [North British. John O'Groat's. " Hear, Land o' Cakes and brither Scots, Frae Maidenkirk to Johnny Groat's ; If there's a hole in a' your coats, I rede you tent il; A chiefs atnang you takin' notes, And, faith, he'll prentitt" BUT neither Burns nor Captain Grose can have foreseen the establishment of the Royal game at John O'Groat's, yet such has been brought about by the onward march of civilisation. The links, of which we are pleased to be able to reproduce a plan, border the roaring Penlland Firth, and are within half a mile of the fainous house itself. The view is, of course, superb, and embraces the Orkney Isles with the island of Stroma in the foreground, and Duncansby Head, with its two beautiful conical stacks, which rise boldly out of the sea to a great height, entirely detached from the land, The Golfer's Guide I-IT

The course is at present limited to nine holes, but there is roam for extension to the normal eighteen. The turf is fine and the snil sandy, and there is no dearth of bunkers. John O'Groat's Hotel is some 17 miles from Wick and 22 from Thurso, and excellent accommodation may be had. Mr. M'Kcnzic, the landlord, on whose ground the conise hu been laid out, is always pleased to do everything to facilitate pky. I am favoured with a note by a locul gentleman upon the tradition of the house which may be new to some readers: •

•\> ^=

" In the reign of James IV. three brothers, Malcolm, Gftvln, ami John de Groat, natives of Holland, obtained by Royal charter certain l&ndftQ Caithness, and with lime there families Increased till there came to be eight different proprietors of the name of (in ml who possessed 'he laml* amongst tliem. These eight families, huviuj; lived peaceably find comfortably in their small possessions for a number nf years, established annual meetings to commemorate the anniversary of the arrival ut iluii ancestors in Caithness. On one of these occasions a dispute nrouc respecting the right of taking the cioor and sitting at the head of the table, which would have probably proved fatal to some of them hud not John, who^was proprietor of the ferry to Orkney, Interposed. II 148 The Golfer's Guide expatiated on the comfort and happiness which they had hitherto enjoyed, and conjured them to return home in peace, and pledged himself that he would satisfy them on all points of precedence at their next meeting. In due time he built a house by itself, of octagonal form with eight doors and windows, mid with an oak table of the same shape set in the middle. When Hie next meeting took place he desired each to enter by his own door and sit at the head of the table, mid by tliis happy contrivance any dispute in regard to rank was prevented ami the former harmony restored." It is probably unnecessary to add that John O'Groat's is the most northern course on the mainland of Scotland. [Highland ; Thurso and Coach.

Girvan.

Tins nine-hole course is, like the other Ayrshire ones, unsurpassed for the beauty of its view. The hazards are of the usual seaward kind and unstinted in number. The station is only some 500 yards off, and excellent accommodation may be had in the town. The following note is probably of most interest to Prestwick golfers, on account of the famous match for u nose with which their links are associated. A murdered retainer of Kennedy of Culzean had been buried in the churchyard of St. Cuthberl's (1611), when his master was moved in a dream to have him disinterred, that all who lived near might come and touch the corpse. AH did so but John Mure of Auchendrane and his son, whom none suspected, till young Mary Mure, his daughter, perceiving the crowd, went in among them. When she came near the dead body, the blood started from it; whereon her father was appre- hended and put to the torture—with perfectly satisfactory results to one of the parties at all events. These Kennedies of Culzean and Cassillis—"Kings of Carrick"— bulk largely in Scotch story, and deservedly so. Gilbert, the fourth Earl, was an extremely practical man, and his method of dealing with the recalcitrant Comniendator of Crossraguel is remarkable alike for its ingenuity and simplicity. He conveyed the unaccommodating Mr. Stewart to Dunure Castle, and "roasted him in sop," over a slow fire, till lie became more complaisant1. The Golfer's Guide I in „ lad of "Johnnie Faaaacl the Earl of Cassillis' Ladyc," too, shows them as not to be trifled with ; and thai gipsy glamour and a lady's unseasonable appreciation of minstrelsy may, on occasion, result in fifteen "black but very bonnie men" being banged on the Dool Tree, which still stands, we arc glad to believe, [North Ihilish and South-Western.

Glasgow.

THE commercial metropolis, as miglii have b een foretold, lias taken to die modern development of the gume with characteristic energy, and new greens are springing up in every direction. The hoina green of the Glasgow Club itself is situated to Ibe cast nf the city in Alexandra Park, and has overcome many dili'icidtii's before completing its present circuit of eighteen holes, Tha Alexandra Park Station is only five minutes' walk from the course. A relief course has been opened on the Ayrshire coast at Irvine. There arc eighteen holes of varying interest.

Glasgow (Bearsden),

THIS thriving suburb of Glasgow! only live miles from town and set among most charming environments, lias recently opened a nine-hole course about ten minutes' walk from the Btation. It is old pasture land, but some of the hazards—notably u pond are good. Piles of hliK'S would have appealed to Allan Robertson as an added charm no doubt. [North British.

Glasgow (Cambii.slfing-). Tins is a nine-hole course in a pretty old park at Westburn Green, A couple of streams and a curling-pond are among the hazards. The railway accommodation by the Caledonian (Central Station) is excellent. [Caledonian,

Glasgow (Cathkin Braes). A NiNK-noi.K course about, half a mile from Carmuunock. It may be reached by train to Busby or Rutherglen and thence by 'bus. Whins and water are the main hazards. 150 The Golfer's Guide Glasgow (ist Lanark R.V.) Tins is a private course of six holes confined to the regiment, and is situated at Yorkhill.

Glasgow (Pollok). WK have much pleasure in reproducing a plan of this deservedly popular green. Although the club was formed so recently as ist December, 1892, the membership has already been increased to 350. I am indebted to the courtesy of the hon. secretary for the following concise description : "The course is situated within the spacious and beautiful policies of Pollok, generously placed at the disposal of the club by Sir John Stirling Maxwell, Bart. It lias eighteen holes, is three miles in length, and extends over about one hundred and seventy acres, Through- out the green the turf is excellent; in some places it has not been dis- turbed for generations, and is soft and velvety, giving fine lies. Hazards are numerous, and include burns, ditches, hedges, trees, rabbit-scrapes, and the river Cart. Eight of the holes arc over 300 yards in length, and give excellent opportunity for brassy play, while other eight holes are over 200. A very comfortable club-house has been erected, which is with seven minutes' walk of Pollokshaws Station, connected by an excellent service of trains with both St. Enoch and Central Stations, Glasgow."

Golspie. THERB is an excellent course of nine holes, and with a little time and care and money will no doubt be made still more worthy of its charming situation. [Highland.

Gran town. ALTHOUGH this club was instituted so recently as iSgo, it already numbers no fewer than 140 members. The course is one of only nine holes, but it is close to the town and full of interest. The town itself is of recent foundation, and was founded by Sir James Grant in 1776. The clan cry, "Stand fast, Craigellachie !" seoms appropriate to the golfer who is two up and three to play. [Highland. The Golfer's Guide 15L

MijjftjLjjJii .^•Ijgpinrt

J ; »v o ¥ &' iV:^ \J)'2 The Golfer's Guide Greenock.

Tins course is a private one. It is a capital green and commands beautiful views. It is situated at Craigs, quite dose In the town. [Caledonian, North British, and South-Western.

Gullanc. IT does seem strange that this charming and deservedly famous Lothian green should never have been deemed worthy of a plan, yet so it seems to lie. For the description we have to thank Mr. Kerr, and lie does full justice to a worthy subject. [North British.

Haddington. T AM pleased to lie able to reproduce a plan of Lliis course, and fur a, description am indebted to Mr. Kerr. [North British.

GARLETON-«» HADDINGTON The Golfer's Guide 153 Hamilton.

THIS course is situated in Barmichuel Fieldj within the ground* of Hamilton Palace. In case the golfer comes across any of the famed will! cattle he is recommended to put his bead between his legs ami stare :it i them. This is too much for the animals' gravity, and they; t once go

away Caledonian and North British. Ha wick. THIS beautiful green is at present in course of extension to eighteen holes, the hon. secretary writes, and the plans are not yet Completed. It is situated on the Vertish Hill in the immediate neighbourhood of the town. The Ladies' Club have a separate grven ; anil it is not of any member of their club that the poet appreciatively twittered :— "Weelshelo'ed a Hawick gill, And leuch lo sec a tappit hen. We really did not require any official assurance of this fact. The following spirited song is recommended to all village communities:— " Up \vi' Ilawick's rights and common, Up wi' a' the Border bowmen, Teribusand Tcri Odin, We are up to ride our common." [North British. Helmsdale. A DAINTY little course of five holes has been opened here, not far from the station, and has, we hope, a prosperous future before it. It would be unpardonable to omit the following grim and gruesome yarn about (he ruined castle. The Earl and Countess or Sutherland (1567) were both poisoned by his aunt, Isobel, who would, as a matter of fact, have also poisoned their son. Hut her own son, who was next heir to the earldom, drank the cup by mistake, and died (wo days afterwards. The mother committed suicide at Edinburgh on the day fixed for her execution. This seems to recommend itself as a pleasant anecdote before commencing play on a ladies' links. [Highland. 154 The Golfer's Guide Huntly. THIS recently opened nine-hole course is of much interest, and Tom Morris has done every justice to its romantic site on the Bogie Water. The " Cocks of the North " or " Gudemcn of the Bog," as the Earls were variously called in olden times, were heads of the famous clan known as the "gay Gordons" ; but the gaiety was usually too entirely one-sided to recommend itself to the modern golfer. But from fatal Flodden, up and down, they were ever U> the front on a Scottish field, It was one of their butlers who composed "Tullochgorum"—such are the enlivening effects of heel-laps, no doubt ! [North of Scotland,

Innellan. FEW move interesting courses of seven holes probably exist in Scotland, and Willie Campbell deserves great credit for doing thorough justice to the beautiful site on the romantic shore of the estuary of the Clyde. [Steamer.

Innerleithen. . "ST. RONAN'S WELL" is instinct with poetry; and even the golfer frequently whistles "The Bush aboon Traquair." But, as a rale, his taste for melody is more conspicuous before doing this round, or perhaps some time during the following week. The course is a brief twenty minutes' walk from the station, and the accommodation in the village is excellent and varied. The course is confined to nine holes, but the hazards are quite worthy of eighteen. The record for the double round is 34+37 = 71, by Mr. G. A. D. C. Fergusson—an excellent one. It seems odd that the Ladies' Club should not yet have erected a monument to Mistress Margaret Dods. That illustrious lady would have made a fine golfer, although, in a foursome, she might have acted as a diluent of gay glee. [North British.

Invei'allochy. I HAVE not received any plan of this course, but its site suggests capital sport in windy weather. [North of Scotland. [ The Golfer's Guide Ir>5 Inverness. ESS, as beseems the capital of the Hielands, )ms no stint of courses; and time will no doubt render them all alike worthy of their historic selling. It is perhaps a piiy llml drcurrmtancra have not yet permitted of a green of the normal length, but this is probably a mere matter of time. Stirring times the old town has seen since the fairies left their own Tomnftburich. Columba performed miracles here ; Highlanders, from the feUcitoualy. named Gillespick M'Scourane to Donald of Hie Isles on his way to H arlaw, scoured anil fired It, antl Cromwell banged and battered it. It is really worthy of an eighteen- hole course.

[Caledonian, North British) Highland, and North of Scotland. Invergordon. A PLEASANTLY situated nine-hole course has been laid out hurt; not long ago and bids fair to attain popularity. [Highland. Irvine. THIS is an eighteen-hole course some ten minutes' walk from the town. There are stations both on the Glasgow and South-Western and Caledonian lines convenient for players. [Soulh-Westeni, Caledonian, and North British.

Islay (Machrie). WE have the pleasure, of reproducing a plan of this beautiful green. It is a course of which it is difficult to write without enthusiasm. {It may, to be sure, be a matter of regret to some that it is not far from Lagavulin ; but I have never heard this urged by any golfer who has done the round under 84). It skirts bonnie Laggan Bay, with all its associations of the great Western sea. The course is one of eighteen holes, and most of the names are descriptive, and in this connection suggestive of a kindly interest and care. Such, I take it, are Crcinnoe (pulpit), Lag (hollow), Punch Bowl, I leather-hole, Druim (ridge), Imer (rig and furrow), An Avon (on side of river), Gara Tola (turf dyke), and the Grave. Well may the redoubtable Willie Campbell be proud of the 156 The Golfer's Guide beautiful links on which he has evidently spared no trouble! T]ie course lias been frequently described, perhaps best in the narration of the capital struggle between Campbell and Fertile in 1891. As to communication with Port Ellen, the " Glencoe" connects with the " Columba" or substitute and the coaches at East Tarbert, and the " Islay" and " Tnnismore" sail to and from Greenock direct. [Steamer.

Jedburgh.

I VERY much regret that I have not received a map of this course, so that I really do not know the exact number of holes. Hut the truth is that though the town itself is of hoar antiquity there is not a single trace of golf in old clays—unless, to be sure, in the municipal proverb of "Jethart justice," which is seemingly appropriate to malfeasance and retribution in connection with the Royal game. Nay, the suggestion runs that a "Jethart staff" was in reality an elementary form of the modern clubj but the Border gentleman who took the trouble to travel to St. Andrews for the purpose of mentioning this fact to Old Tom and the Brothers Kirkaldy does not seem to have ever returned, • [North British.

Kelso. TINS famous little Tweedside town has scarcely been fortunate in her golfing experiences ; but, no doubt, as time runs, she may see her way to extend her course to the normal eighteen holes. Over and above all her thrilling ecclesiastical and military memories it is noted with touching emotion by one of Kelso's historians that Burns breakfasted here on 9th May, 1787. [North British.

Kilmalcolm. THIS excellent inland course, although opened so recently as 1891, has prospered so that the club already numbers 150 members, and the holes are no fewer than eighteen. The greens and turf and the communication with Glasgow are all that can be desired. [South-Western. The Golfer's Guide l-r>7

J 1C8 The Golfer's Guide Kilmarnock. KILMARNOCK was long and deservedly known as the seat of the manufac- .Jtmfi-Dfnjeht-caos foyreneral Christendom : and it.wap^rjfiitbarA'ufli to this that it for a few centuries neglected any pronounced interest in the Royal game. It has, however, taken a sort of preliminary yawn and tossing of the arms—as the wicked sluggard of boyhood's poetry used to.1 do—and sometimes during the winter months toddles out to Holmes Farm ; but enthusiasts draw their cowls over their brows and head for the coast. In fact, so far as Scotland is concerned, Kilmarnock is mainly dear for its connection with the Roaring Game and its own semi- demonic Twist. It is a sad truth that we golfers have no Tarn Pate the Warlock to look back upon with love and awe. [Caledonian, North British, and South-Western, Kinghorn. THIS nine-hole course is full of interest to the tourist ; and one of the holes is an eye-opener even to the farthest-travelled golfer. The Corporation deserve great credit for the spirit they have shown in connection with this course ; and there are few pleasanter walks in bonny Scotland for a middle-nged couple and their family than a stroll round these delightful links in the cool of a summer evening when the sun is westering. Kinghorn has interesting yarns of its own, such as the lamentable accident that robbed us of noble Alexander III, and wrought such untold woe on Scotland. There used to be many, many witches here in the good old days, but their very hill has been pierced by a filthy tunnel, [North British. King'ussie. THERE has been no regular golf course in Badcnoch since the time of that deeply-wronged family, the Comyns. Of course, there may have been reasons for this ; and if you or I, say, had been asked to bring up our clubs and do a round even so late as the '45, we should, in all probability, have declined with thanks. After the Comyns and their successors left, the game lay in abeyance until July, 1891, when, although the course is no less than 1000 feet above the sea, the green was reopened with tartans waving and a general enthusiasm that would have warmed Old Gourlay's heart, [Highland. The Golfer's Guide 159 Kinross. THERE are few inland towns that have taken up the Royal game witli heartier enthusiasm than storied Kinross. Even a golfer can scarcely view the Loch of Lochs without emotion ; and it is a graceful if lardy amende on the part of old Father Time that on the very shore of the sad water where Queen Mary sped so many a dolorous hour the rampant rolfer now prances by on his free and easy course. It is touching to learn of the Wliite Queen's devotion to our game, and vastly pleasing to read that after the flaccid Darnley's departure—unexpected on his part, at all events—she had many a pleasant round. On drear Loch Leven, unfortunately—that is, on the grounds with which her name is mainly associated—there can scarcely have been room for a decent long putt ; and a bulger would have been, indeed, a superfluity. [North British. Kirkcudbright. THIS short-hole course was opened last September. It is only a few minutes' walk from the station, and has fine views of the Dee valley. The hazards are burns, woods, roads, and hedges. There are a lot of good yarns to be had here, notably that of Bombie and the Rtpsy. [South-Western, Kirn. THIS popular Clyde watering-place has at length risen to a sense of its responsibilities ; and although the club was founded only so recently as 1891, its numbers already reach 130. The course is one of nine holes, and reflects great credit on Willie Campbell, who planned it. [Steamers. Kirriemuir. YEAR by year pilgrims to Thrums are increasing in number ; but whether this is due to a respect for Mr. Iiarrie or a love of the game itself is moot. The course is convenient to the town, where excellent accommodation may be bad for golfers and ordinary people. [Caledonian and North Bridsh. Lamlash. THE course is only some five minutes from Lamlash pier, and the turf is quite worthy of the lovely environment. The beautiful bay itself needs no description. To the invalid seeking quiet and repose few spots 160 The Golfer's Guide are more inviting, especially during Glasgow Fait week. It was from King's Cross the Bruce sailed for Turnberry on a certain momentous voyage. [Steamer. Lairg. Tins capital nine-hole green has not been very long opened, but has already established its popularity. [Highland Lanark. THIS is one of the best inland greens in Scotland. There are only fourteen holes, but the course is a very sporting one, with any number of hazards of the usual inland kind. The course is high above sea- level, and the air bracing in the extreme. Lanark is itself a county town, and the accommodation for visitors excellent. Historically, it yields to few of the lesser towns in Scotland, as it was much associated with Wallace wight; and whenever he and a few Englishmen had the opportunity of getting together they proceeded to make history—very much as when Tain o' Shanler and Souter Johnnie foregathered, they made a night of it, as Father Matthew used to say. [Caledonian. Langholm. Tun course is pleasantly situated along the side of White Hill, a few minutes' walk to the north-east of the town, where the accommodation is excellent. The hazards are hedges, ditches, and fences. To the jaded golfer, wearied of St. Andrews or Machrihanish, few links could prove more solacing. There is a distillery here—which may seem odd —and they also turn out a superior kind of trousering of great beauty. It was from Langholm Peel that hapless Johnnie Armstrong, of Gilnockie, and his gallant company of 36 men went to their doom at Caerlanrig in 1529, when the highly moral James V. was at the helm. [North British. Largs. A NINE-HOI.is green at Routerburn, some two miles from the station. Larga has long been popular with Glasgow people, and these recently opened links supply a felt want. The chief historic interest centres in our victory over the Norse in 1263, that broke King Haco's brave

heart. [North British and South-Western^ The Golfer's Guide

Lenzie. REPRODUCE a map of tin's new and interesting inland green. The ourse is only some five minutes' walk from the station, which is itself only seven miles from Glasgow. The holes are nine in number, and the hazards excellent. [North British,

L E N Z I E 102 The Goifur'ss Guide Lcven.

I REPRODUCE a plan <»f these, popular Fife links and append a pretty

full description) as the course has been recently altered. DESCRIPTION OF THE HOLES. . I. The famous first hole is a spotting one in good truth. The first hazard-under your very nose—is infamous Scoonie Burn itself, which, though sometimes yellow us Pactolus, and at other times black as Styx, is always prolific in <]uecr smells. Scoonie frequently forms the subject of conversation among golfers; but I am not aware that, with the exception of the present writer, any one lias ever cared or dared to make it the theme of song. Rabelais informs us, with perfect calmness, that sparrows will not drink unless you bob them on the tail: you might bob until you were black in tlie face before a Leven sprug would touch a mouthful of S. B. Father Matthew had not a greater abhorrence of li. and S. ; and it would have gone hard indeed with Hero had Leander lived on the other side of Scoonie Burn. It lias the colour of ketchup, the density of pea-soup, and the smell of gaol-fever. It is a curse to its neighbours, an insult to teetotallers and other water-fowl, and a polluted death to jelly-fish and podlies in Largo Bay. Slawkcnbcrgius (the man who could smell round a corner) is the only one of whom we wot that could do even faint justice to this unhallowed stream.

SCOONH0 BURN. Ah, Scoonie Burn ! Ah, Scoonie Burn ! The sky is fleckless blue ! No dreary shroud of smoky cloud Spreads noisome wing o'er you ! By ilower and fern you roll your burn, By links and daisied dell, Fair fields of tilth—then why your filth, And whence your fateful smell ? The birds are dumb : that foetid scum Would make a sprug turn blue : The buirdliest drake, 1 trow, would ijuakc At his first smell of you ! The Golfer's Guide 168

The poaching lout, in search of trout, Who steals ('mid silence clausiral) To play his pranks along your banks, Wears cotton up his nostril ! •The wagtail shrinks before he drinks (With palpitation caudal): The solan goo.se fears germs arc loose, And home (for liass) doth dawdle.

Who'd think un eel so much Could fsal? Why, yours can barely wriggle ! Your water-fleas, belike, may sneeze Egad ! not theirs to giggle • Oh, Seoonie Burn ! Oh ! Scoonie Bum ! Flow far from Christian ken, To tempt the mouth and slake the drouth Of liurns's Nicky Hen ! For (he rest, the course runs over ridges am] billowy ground to a very fine, velvety putting-green, fronted by a demonic bunker, thai has also in its time formed a frequent subject for conversation among gol/ers. The green is a plateau with sloping land on each side. On the wuy, one passes a couple of very judiciously planted wee bunkers excavated, tradition rightly or wrongly runs, on a, suggestion of Tom Morris. 2. This starts over a circus-like valley where, in fact, the village games were until recently held -backed by a couple of wholly excellent bunkers, that wink at you with brazen, goggle-eyed effrontery, There- after, when you have crossed a smooth tract of upland, and successfully escaped the snare of a hidden bunker, you land on a first-rate green, surrounded by high ground on each hand. But at the back of this innocent green is a most fell and deadly bunker that lias also frequently formed a subject of conversation among golfers. 3. Over this horrid bunker, and away across a level, easy tract, thai was at one time marshy, but is now drained. The green is a pretty little one, with a skilfully planted concealed bunker in front (that might, in my humble opinion, be considerably widened) known u the "Canteen," and the venomous little "Tar-pat" to the south-east. To the south of this section of the course is the famous Viper's Knowc, formerly known s M The Golfer's Guide

"Oiorlin' Brae," befora such practices lapsed, either on account of monotony «r ft fisherman's bothy, of sternly simple grace and elegance thai has been recently erected hard by, ()f Nelly Peatlie, whoso valley winds below, I can gel trace of no yum at all. 4. The " Malakoff" bunker lies a litllc to the north of the proper line and a small, concealed, and 11s yet unnamed one to the south, la front of the green, which is a very beautiful one, and 01m of the largest, is a knoll with a heavy bunker, which has, however, been somewhat spoiled by recent tinkering. 5. Another very sporting hole. You must negotiate the uncom- promising Mile Dyke ; a brook that runs about a thousand miles an hour, and filled with black pit water drained from an entire section; a once heart-breaking sandy ridge, that has now been turfed, cabined, cribbed, and confined to a potty little bunker to entrap a topped ball; an upland with heichs and pock-pitted howesj across a valley on lo a prepared green of some size. 6. We skirt the railway, and must beware the tussocky, bunny- lunnellod ground abutting on it. Over a knoll, with fust-rate concealed bunker behind, and we reach a good enough green, 7. Over a knoll with traps in front, and a wee water-course known as the "Trows." This is a poetical phrasing of trough, for such it is ; but it, loo, lias in ils time been the subject of conversation entirely out of proportion to ils size. 8. Another excellent sporting hole. Again you have to negotiate a brook—" i'iggy's Burn " it is called, in remembrance of a highly prized domestic animal that used to eat acid drops with seaming avidity on Sunday afternoons in old times—and on, "with choice of hillowy upland or heavily grassed valley. Always, too, you have the malignant railway lo the north. Skirting 1'iggy's Burn—Jacques Strop and Robert Macaire—the villainous Station Road winds in naked and unabashed effrontery. Queen Mary, I understand, used to come down this way for a round when staying at Lundin Castle. (It might be interesting to ask the Town Clerk of Lnrgo about this. I live rather too near him myself; but some South-country golfer might do so—by letter, of course.) The '' Major " is a famous bunker on the face of the upland, and so called after a golfer well known on many greens, Major, now Colonel Boothby. As to the putting-green itself, the less said the better. The Golfer's Guide ion 166 The Golfer's Guide

9. This is an easy hole, but a rather balking bunker has been recently let in at the foot of the spur that trends from the railway southward The green has been newly made, and is bounded on the north by the fateful railway.

10. We retrace our steps westward) but strike south of the outgoing course. The course is simple enough, but a dangerous bunker has lately been deftly let in immediately in front of the green, that may cause trouble in summer, when the ground is baked. Over-driving here is absolutely fatal, for you either go over cliff down to the sea-shore, or, to west or north, into almost equally dangerous valleys. From the green itself, beautiful views may be had of the Firth and queenly Edinburgh; and if you are playing the stroke game and your adversary have landed down on the shore some 70 or 80 feet beneath, you can enjoy the view and a pipe or two with much placid pleasure. But we must admit that more than one friendship of years has been severed at this hole. 11. We drive from a considerable height- say, 70 or 80 feet—over a heavy grassed valley, and our old friend 1'iggy's Burn with its attendant friend. The hole is a sporting one, and requires carefulness in the approach, as the Trows brooklet meanders alongside the putting-green on its way to Piggy's bosom. This once marshy and flowery tract, with all its dainty suggestions of silver Avon and sweet Avoca, has since been christened Mesopotamia—by a precentor, no doubt. 12. This is an easy hole, hut a skew bunker has been dug that deserves more praise than it has yet received. 13. We now drive along a benty upland above the sea-shore to a pretty newly laid green, in front of which a bunker has been cannilyletin. 14. This is one of the most sporting holes we have. You require to negotiate burn and Mile Dyke, as there is no dodging them. The putting- green is an excellent one. 15. Easy, but a good concealed bunker. Some roughish heichs and howes, but excellent putting-green. 16. Some dangerous bunkers, but beautiful tittle putting-green on upland. 17. Good green, but with the dread railway behind. 18. Perhaps the most sporting in Scotland, with bunkers galore, and fateful Scoonie that must be negotiated at the far end. The putting- green is a beautiful one; and to the west stands the handsome new club-house of the Innerleven. The Golfer's Guide 187 108 The Golfer's Guide

The Innerleven club-house, of which we reproduce a perspective by Hie afchitect, Mr. Gillespie of St. Andrews, stands on a charming site at the very west end of the links, and overlooks the beautiful Largo Bay . The club played over the now (lead Innerleven or Dubbieside Links, of which Dr. Graham has so often sung, until 1867, when they crossed the river to the present well-known green. The names of most of the leading families in the district: appear upon the roll at one time or another—the Wemysscs of Wemyss Castle, who were the lairds of the old links, Anstruthers of Bale-aside, Oswalds of Dunnikier, Balfours of Balbirnie, Bethunes of Blebo, Bethxines of Balfour, Rintouls of Lahill, Christies of Durie, Giliuoiir of Montrave (the last two arc owners of the present green), and so on ; and it seems probable that the coming years will bring an even advanced prosperity. I may say, for the benefit of those interested in the district, that in Golf for 30th June and 23rd July of last year, there appeared a. pretty full note from the old club records for the first half century of its career. There is also an excellent ladies' links to the north of the railway of the full eighteen holes. It is believed to be the best ladies' green in the country, and is certainly far and away the most sporting, It is rich in hazards of every kind, and ample scope is given for iron-play. A pretty rustic club-house has also been erected. On the other side of the Mile Dyke also Mr. Gilmour has laid out a twelve-hole course for ladies on his own estate. This also lies to the north of the railway, and is in the nature of the hazards and quality of the green very similar to that of the Lcven ladies. [North British, Linlithgmv. THIS nine-hole course, which was laid out by Willie Park, jun., on the Garngath range of hills, is very sporting and hus most of the usual inland hazards, The Golfer's Guide 169

No town in Scotland excels "the faithful toutt" in historic interest. Sir David Lindesay warbles :— "Adieu, Litbgow, whose palyce of pleasance Micht be ane pattern in Portingall or France,'' Hither, too, came the ever-famous apparition to warn James IV. of fatal Flodden. And what of immortal liimiy, the hero of the hay-cart? Surely his motto, Virlutc, Dologite, would have appealed to Allan Robertson. Queen Mary was, as everybody knows, born here, and must many a time in her childhood have heard the fairy music on Kinny Craig. The following ryhme is very popular, especially in Peebles ;— "Glasgow for bells, Lithgow for wells, Falkirk for beans and pea!, Peebles for clashes and lees I" [North British.

Linton (West).

A NINE-HOLE course on the farm of North Slipperfield upon a spur of the Pentlands. It is about three-quarters of a mile north-west of the village, and not much further from Broomlee Station. It lies 1000 feet above sea-level, and the air is very invigorating indeed. [North British.

Lochearnhead.

THIS excellent little eight-hole course was opened so recently as last summer, and has become very popular. [Caledonian.

Locho-ilphead.

THIS course scarcely calls for special note. Some of the holes are sporting, and a very pleasant round, indeed, may he had. It may alleviate the not unnatural anxiety of the friends of English golfers who are travelling in (he North, to learn that the Argyle and Bute District Asylum for the Insane is situated here. [Steamer. 170 The Golfer's Guide

Lockerbie.

TIIIK nine-hole course, belonging to the AnnamUde Club, lies on the slope of Lockerbie Hill—of old the largest sheep and lamb farm in Scotland. The view is charming—Criffel, the beautiful Allandale valley, and Lochmaben and its lochs. The hazards are roads, whins quarries, marshes, and plantation. The "Lockerbie Lick" dates hade to the battle of Dvyfe Sands, 1593, anil has not (as yet) any recorded connection with Rolf. [Caledonian.

Lochmaddy. AN excellent nine-hole course lias been recently opened at Lochmaddy, and has rapidly risen in favour with the residents and tourists. Access is by Strome Ferry and steamers, [Highland and Steamer.

Lossiemouth. Tins excellent eighteen-hole course is fast taking a leading place among the Northern greens. It is only five minutes' walk from the station, where there is a good hotel, and the village itself is only five miles from Elgin by rail. The course is two miles in length and coasts the sea. It has the usual seaward hazards. [Highland.

Lothian burn. THE Scotsman of 2nd April, 1894, reports the Spring Meeting of this club at Swanston on the previous Saturday, and that the green, in spite of its newness, was in capital order, the general opinion being that, with a little more play, it will be one of the best inland courses in the country. The fourth hole, on a slope, was found to be very difficult, some of the competitors taking as many as eleven to it. The green takes its name from the romantic burn which flows from the north spur of the Pentlands towards Edinburgh. It is a course of the full number of eighteen holes, some two miles from Morningsidc Station, and should have a splendid future before it. The Golfer's Guide 171

Mel rose.

MELROSE is a household word to every tourist, and the Scol who ha hot seen the Abbey by moonlight, or, still better, gased su it iu attitude which Sir Walter's InimUe friend, the CIMtodl«t of theV pile, was, according to Washington Irvine, accustomed to reOOttHMmd to visitors as furnishing a surprising and pleasing variety bo it. appaai ance, ought to be kicked. The course is one of nine holes upon I UngletOO (!<>mmon, al»iut lull a mile from the .station, and (s Improving yea* by yen ; UM n few additional hazards might be judiciously Introduced, with n-ruinly ana n bunker in honour of famous Michael Scott a d his demon

A veritable enchanted land ! Here you have True T lmm - "l sojourn till he was summoned hack to his true home. Think .if it the Huntly Bum, the Rhymer's Glen, the KiMim Bills. It is il "Kennoquhair" of the Abbot, an& tin- tMtlng-place of Bmce'a In .ti tand all the dead Douglases—small wonder the very monks wire tin D warriors and every friar "stout, derlV and hri'dy." In connection with the famous E window of which Sir Walter sang, there is a v.uimil of the Roslin'prentice legend, [North British*

Methil. THIS thriving Fife port hus also fallen w victim to the prevailing epidemic. Its little green is not, perhaps, all thai BOald In- wished, but it will with time afford a capiuil aflernoon'i jw.limr. 'J ' itself is already the chief one in Fife fur COfl] Sxport, and th« huboiO in in course of large extension i<> meet danianl demand. THAT ilir Ktlkge itself is of extreme antiquity Is unquestioned, but until rsconthi i mi, somniferous, decadent, and deadly dull. .\'nw U is throbbing wild llu- active life-blood of its new prosperity. Its must famines inh.iliii.iiil, so far us [he golfer is concerned, was Thrumniy.r.ip, a ghost known and widely respected throughout the kingdom i>f Kili\ Doing In. sojourn in this world he was a wood Contractor, and, li.iving been financially disappointed by his laird, he put an cud to liim ,,-|| in tin- quaint red house that used Id stand at the LIR.ID •< (the Umny old harbour. Here he used suh.sei)uunlly to hold high in,-) ..! ,t d«k nd L72 The Golfer's Guide windy night with the Huckhaven ghost, Auld Maillie, an old lady Qf whom I am sorry to say I can loarn nothing definite, except that during lifetime she had an excellent taste anil varied experience in gin. The old Innerleven Links used to extend from this wee toun of Mcthil westward to Leven Water. [North British. Millport. THE course is one of nine holes, and has during last winter been extended towards Fintry Bay in order to avoid the awkward crossing which previously existed. The hazards are numerous and placed with great judgment. Although instituted only a litlle over five years ago, the club already numbers 104 members. The links are within ten minutes' walk of Lhe Old Her, There is an admirable service of steamers, owned by the Caledonian Railway Company, with about a dozen arrivals daily via Wemyss Bay. The links are being every season more largely taken advantage of by the natives of Cumlnue and the adjacent island of Great Britain. Moffat. THIS nine-hole course is laid out on the slope of a slight hill just outside of the town. The hazards are of the usual inland kind with burns and marshes. The views of Moffat and its charming environments could not well lie surpassed. " Aye ready " was the town motto, and stirring limes it saw in the olden time with bale-fires on every hill. Convivial golfers will be pleased to hear that one of the finest convivial songs in the world, " Willie Brewed a Peak o' Maut," was composed here. [Caledonian. Montrose. THERE is an exhaustive and thoroughly appreciative description of this fine North-country green in Mr. Hutchinson's "Famous Golf Links." One of his statements has, at all events, the merit of boldness : "Though the Montrose course is admitted by all but the most devoted patriots to be behind St. Andrews in excellence, it is undoubtedly one of the three best in Scotland." There is a delicious opening here for veritable "wigs on the green." We do not propose to discuss the merits of the premier green and Montrose in these pages for obvious reasons; but surely we cannot leave the matter in better hands than those of Old Tom and his rival Bob Dow (whose likeness I reproduce on p. 20). The G olfer's Guide 173

They seem to be fighting the battles of their respective links with varying success, and I have little doubt thai, it is the general wish that they both be spared for many another bout, with a fair field and no favour. But, in this connection ("wigs on the green"), it is vastly pleasing In find Mrs. Tweedic—vide Golf, 14th November, 1890-giving us a quotation from Sir Robert Gordon (1630) to lliis effect; "About this town" (Dornoch) "along the sea-coast are the fairest and largest linkes or green fieldes of any pain of Scotland. Fltt for archery, gulling,

ryding, and all other exercises, they dac surpassc the fieldes of Monlrose or St. Andrews." We really ht>2>e this momentous subject will nut be allowed to die untimely. The notes of the connection of the famous Marquis of Monlruse with the links are of interest; but even here Dornoch has the better of it, fur Mrs. Tweedic claims authentication that Lard Strathnaver golfed at Dornoch three hundred years ago—say half a century earlier. Let us note in passing thai the price of the ball was live shillings in Montrose's time. The course is one of eighteen holes, with the usual seaward hazards, and ample accommodation may be had in the town for visitors. We must find space for the following yarn of an apparition, because it directly affects the links, and may be compared with the well-known anecdote of Bishop Gavin Hamilton. David Lyell, the last Episcopalian clergyman, had been at one time a Presbyterian. Walking on the links about twilight he saw a woman in white standing. When he approached she disappeared, but on the place where she had stood he saw written, as with a staff on the sand, "Sentenced and condemned." (This occurred near a hole on the outward round, well known lo Hie Town Clerk.) He went home, sickened, and died in a few days. Fortunately there seems at present but little likelihood of the fulfil- ment of the old ryhnie :—

" Bonnie Munross will be a moss, Dundee will be dung doon, Forfar will be Forfar still, And Brechin a braw burgh toun."

[Caledonian and North British. 174 The Golfer's Guide Monifieth. THROUGH the courtesy of the late lamented Mr, Drimmie, who acted as hon. secretary and treasurer for theI 'anmure Club for over twenty years, wu are able to reproduce a sketch of this fine ciglileen-hole course. The links are only six miles, or 20 minutes by rail, from Dundee, and in the village there is ample accommodation for visitors, The Royal Hotel close to the links is a good one. The turf is excellent, and the course has recently been lengthened, with an increase of hazards. Rather singularly the father of both Panmnre and Inner- leven Clubs i.s the same—Mr. David Peter, He was one of the original members of the Panmurc, and joined the Innerleven In 1S42. [Caledonian and North British. Nairn. THIS fine eightecn-hole course, of some three miles in length, is laid out on the const. The hazards are whins and bunkers, and the green ranks deservedly high among those (if the North. The accommodation in the town is excellent. The story of Nairn and its neighbours—Cawdor, Darnaway, Find- horn, and SO forth—is a long and thrilling one. The interest of many golfers, no doubt, centres in Brackla, n short four miles away ; but, to me personally, Isobel Gowdie and the other ladies of Auldearne, who achieved such immortal fame in 1662, have always seemed the most interesting people of the district. It is with unfeigned regret that we coinpulaorily omit a few details of this illustrious lady's deeds; but we should never forgive ourselves if we passed over in silence and without a nod of approval two of her imps—Robert the Jakis, and Saundets the Red Reaver. What a capital name the former would be for some of those caddies who seem to consider it part of their duty to enforce on ordinary man the memory of the primal curse ! [Highland. Newburgh. This nine-hole course is near the river Ythan and the sea. Tt is twelve miles and a half from Aberdeen, and the route is by 'bus to Kllon, and thence by private conveyances. The course is a sporting one. It was in Ellon that Skinner wrote " Ttillochgonnn," according to Burns, " the best Scotch song." [North of Scotland. The Golfer's Guide 171

:j n .( j r— I F~ -T* 11 Tofa/ Length of Coufisi. M u n I r i t t n. 4695 y

imnm

* — 178 The Golfer's Guide Peebles. Tins nirfe-hole course reflects the greatest credit on Willie Park, ju who planned It. It lies on the Morning Hill, a mile south of the and has charming views of the Tweed valley and Eddlestone Wat The turf isold, and the hazardsare whins, quarries, dykes, woods, and water. " Gi'e me Peebles for pleasure " is now a golfer's motto. The town has been noted for its gay festivity from the time of James I. and his Pcblis to the Play. Even the clergy, if we may credit the Tales of the Three Pfiestis, were merry old so uls. And why not? The pleasantest partner I know is of the cloth j and, if so be that anathema come in, lie designedly, but very properly, always leaves it to me—knowing full well—just so ! [Caledonian and North British. Perth. TUB game has been played in the Fair City from time immemorial upon the North Inch, familiar to all readers of Sir Walter as the scene of the bloody clan-light, in which sturdy Hal o1 the Wynd did such blood-and-thunder work. Part of the course i-s very sporting, with whins, burns, and what not; ami when the Tay is in Hood it rushes down with an enthusiasm worthy of the inspired genius who composed the town slogan, In fact, St. John's toun has always had occasion to he proud of its waters and their eccentric and somewhat Satanic capers in the matter of inundations. An old Gaelic prophecy runs : " Great Tay of the waves will sweep Perth bare." Or take the Lowland rhyme :— "Says the Shoclue to the Ordie, ' Where shall we meet ?' •At the bonny cross of St. Johnsloun, When a' men are fast asleep.' " The last line has a devilish suggestion about it, worthy of the chap who invented the stymie, or even Allan Robertson when he introduced cleeks for approaching instead of the harmless baffy ; or, let us say, of the Friarton Hole itself, in which the diver found the long-sunk bell with the devil and his dam making porridge in it. There are, in fact, so many other yarns about Perth that those in connection with the game havq scant chance of a fair hearing; and it is quite a common thing, and in nowise held either discourteous or unwarranted, when a fellow insists on recapitulating the details of an extraordinary round he had clone last Tuesday afternoon, say, to bid him seek the lrriarton Hole, i 0 B A N Pol a 180 The Golfer's Guide

So far as age goes, few Scotch towns viva! Perth. Ncckham, of Cirencester (1217), concocted a distich, which was thus translated:— " Great Tay, through Perth, through toun, through country (lies, Perth the whole country with her wealth supplies." As to Hie yams, most of them—the warning of James I. ami his subsequent murder, despite heroic Catherine Douglas, the Cowrie Conspiracy, John Knox and his improvements in ecclesiastical architecture, Edward III. dirking his brother John before the high allar of St. John's for his round over the West-country greens, and so forthare SO familiar that I dare not recapitulate them here. In feet, all the leading men of their clay—William Uie Lion, Bruce, Edward I. Stewarts and their followers, male anil female, and Oltl Noll himself- have been over these famous links. I have always suspected it was the latter who invented the "St. Johnstoun tippet" for club and hull makers ; hut it may have been merely a re-enactment of previous wise legislation. The following, however, is of special interest to golfers. At the junction of the Watergate and High Street a marble tablet on the front of a house notes that: '' Here stood the Castle of the Green, an ancient house in which golfers used to heap their dubs and halls. The house now occupying the site was built in 1788, and on clearing the site for its erection, two underground chambers were found, . . . the remains of an ancient British temple, said by Holinshed to have been founded at Perth by a grandson of King Lear, and traditionally reported to have preceded the Castle of the Green on its site." [Caledonian, North British, and North of Scotland,

Peterhead. I HAVE the pleasure of reproducing a sketch of the course. Although this thriving community have only recently accepted the game as an occasional interlude to their more serious work in the deep waters, they have done so with the characteristic energy that made them the dread of every bottle-nose that swam the ocean in old limes. And every Southern golfer, who has the least tendency to accept such a feature as savouring of personal ornament, had better pass on further north. [North of Scotland. The Golfer's Guide 181

PETERHEAD.

,s c o r s 7* o JV

Ml Hole ttf] yinii. Mh Hr.U .a. ynriu""] " Bih „ oq .. • 3'tl n ,3»S „ 1. I

Prestonpans. MR, KIIRR refers to this in his article. [North British.

Prestwick. THROUGH the courtesy of the hon. secretary we are enabled to reproduce a recent tracing of lliis famous Western green. Although of so comparatively recent institution as 1851, the Prestwick Club was not long in coming to the front, and, as Mr. Hutchinson in his thoroughly appreciative article upon these links puts it, assuming in the West of Scotland much the same position as St. Andrews holds in the East. The Prestwick Club has done a great deal fur the encouragement of the game, and as early in their history as 1857 we fiml them, acting in concert with other older clubs, formally broaching the proposal for an inter-club tournament, which, as a fact, took shape and was played at St. Andrews. 182 The Golfer's Guide

Again, we find them In i860 Instituting a competition for the famous Champion Belt that was played far annually over their links till 1870 when iL became Young Tom's property. And since then it lias always held its place of honour among the greens over which the Champion Cup is played for. The green itself has been again and again described in terms of enthusiastic eulogy, and its burn and dread "Himalayas" and "Cardinal" are familiar words to many golfers who have never had the privilege of a round over tie famous Ayrshire course. In the records of the game it is associated -with many a match of thrilling interest ; and of the portraits which we reproduce, two of the most interest to many will probably be those of ()ld and Young Tom, each duly girt with the ever-famous I'restwiek bell of honour. It seems admitted us a fact that the game used to be played somewhere in the district in very old times; and a capital note has been' reproduced again and again of a match "for his nose between a monk of Crossraguel and a Lord of Culzean." It would be vastly entertaining if some of our modern champions—whether amateur or professional— would reintroduce a slake of this kind. " One for his nob" would be a gracious tribute from the golfer to an excellent fireside game that has undeservedly lapsed Into comparative desuetude—let us hope for a linie only— ever-memorable cribbage, and rife with meaning never guessed by the harum-scarum old girls and their elderly associates in tepid plunging. It would be, I think, to impart a new interest to the ancient and more or less Royal game were one to hear, on the conclusion of a well-fought single, the brawny putter-out pass the word to his depressed comrade : " And now, Mr. Macpherson, I'll trouble you for your nose !" (I cannot find trace of the great Slawkenbergius having ever risked his famous trunk over a putt.) Briefly, to the description of the typical Prestwick golfer—" a bull-neckit, hog-bacldt, bandy-leggit chiel, and shapes fine for a gowfer"—the appreciative historian would add comparative disregard of nasal welfare. [Caledonian, North British, and South-Western. Prestwick St. Nicholas. WHY this excellent green has elected St. Nicholas as its patron saint is not clear to the outsider, as 'although there are several legends of sweet savour appertaining to him, such as those in connection with the

184 The Golfer's Guide mvtidered schoolboys whom he restored to life, or the three hapless maidens whom he saved from a yet (liver fate, it must be borne in mind that he is also, along with St. Disinas, the patron saint of thieves• and of course, as to his still move famous namesake, the prudent golfer will prefer to say as little as may be. The course, which is of eighteen holes, stretches along the shore to the south of its sister green, which, in the nature of its beautiful turf and many formidable hazards, it much resembles. Queensferry (South). Tins new nine-hole course was laid out last year by Willie Park, and has some capital hazards. It is only ten minutes' walk from Dalmeny Station, and should prove a boon to the Edinburgh golfer. It is just as it should be that the little town, which is associated in the minds of many of us with the great Monkbams, should at length have a golf course, for was it not he who said : " I thank God that my man of business still wears an equilateral cocked hat, has a house in the Old Town, is as much afraid of liorses as I am myself, plays at golf of a Saturday, goes to the Kirk of a Sunday, and in respect he has no partner hath only his own folly to apologise for " ? [North British. Roberton. THIS new nine-hole course is only some two and a. half miles from Lamington Station, and the nearest hotel is at Abington. [Caledonian. Rosslynlee. THIS nine-hole course is yearly improving, thanks to its excellent old hill turf, and ought to be belter known to the thousands of tourists who yearly flock to haunted Roslin and caverned Hawthornden. There are stations at Rosslynlee and Roslin Castle, and the drive by road is full of interest. Every schoolboy knows the story of the princely St. Clairs, and has cursed in his hours of privacy the lugubrious lay of Rosabellc ; but the battle yarn of famous Roslin fight, when the Scots, under buirdly John Comyn and Simon Fraser, walloped our ancient foe thrice in one day, is pleasant reading, say, after some of Mr. Ball's or Mr. Hilton's capers. As to the threadbare myth of the 'Prentice Pillar, the only point that seems worthy of note is the ornamentation of the capitol with Abraham offering up Isaac to the music of a bagpipe—in sympathy with which of the two the verger professes not to know. [North British. The Golfer's Guide 185

Rothcsay.

THIS popular Clyde watering-place h:is also been smitten with golf fever, and has laid out a green on Westland Farm, within fifteen minutes' walk of the town. The communication with Glasgow by train and steamer could scarcely be improved. [Steamers—various.

Ruthwcll.

THIS new eighteen-hole course, laid out by Willie Fernie on the Solway shore, only requires to be better known to ensure its lusting popularity. The environments arc full of interest historically, and (he view is charming. The old cross is familiar to all arcbteologistSj ami those interested in finance will be pleased to hear Lhut the first savings bank in Scotland was established here. [South-Westera.

St. Andrews. THROUGH the courtesy of the lion, secretary of the Royal and Ancient, we reproduce a map of this, the most famous of nil greens. It is understood that a new relief course is being formed, but it is uncertain when it will be completed. I have also the pleasure of reproducing in line a very interesting daguerreotype of the links in old days while the modest Union Parlour was yet to the fore and the modern glories undreamt of; and in others of the groups will be seen the earlier club-house Another may also interest many. We head it Crossing /lie Siuikan, and such of the names as I have been able to ascertain are given. The late Mr. Clark on p. 182 has a pretty sketch of the old bridge by Mr. Hodge, but ours is from a different point of view. The links themselves have been so often described that it would be a mere waste of time to dally with the subject here. It is, probably, doing no injustice to others to say that this is the model green of the world, after which all endeavour, more or less, to mould themselves, and even the names and characters of many of its hazards are familiar to hundreds of golfers who have never visited the old grey city by the sea. 186 The Golfer's Guide

The record was in 1889 reduced by Hugh Kirkakly to 73; and whether or not we are to understand that this again is to be held as broken by Professor Tail's son's recent score of 72, I am not aware, Mr, Fleming says that the earliest document relating to the " Linkis of Sanctandrois" is dated 25th January, 1552, and in Uiis Archbishop Hamilton acknowledges "licience and tollerance" of the Council and community to stock the links with rabbits, while the Council are careful to reserve the rights of the community to pasture, cut divots, play golf, football and other games. Here, too, as elsewhere, the Kirk Session (1598) had to deal with golfing Sabbath-breakers, the very elders neglecting their duties in the Session to practise the game. (I am sure the reader will have great difficulty in believing this possihle of any elder.) Let us also note that in the beginning of the century the keeper was either a Robertson or Morris—names always held in high honour by their townsmen. We learn that about 175° Mil were threepence or fourpence and in 1805 tenpenee. And while on the subject of cost, a note in Golf of 22nd December last gives an excerpt from the rules of the Old Burgess Society for 1773, enacting that no member shall pay the caddies more than one penny per round ; and further that " no golfer shall, under any pretence whatever, give any old balls to the cuddies ; and if they do, they shall for every ball given away forfeit sixpence to the treasurer." The last provision, I confess, I don't quite follow. We have dealt elsewhere with some of the famous old players. There is also a ladies' course, but it is scarcely worthy of the capital of Golf. [North British.

Selkirk. I HAVE the pleasure of reproducing a plan of this nine-hole green. It is three-CfttftiteiS of a mile from town, anil is considered by those who know it to be one of the very best of our inland links. The turf is fine, the putt ing-greens excellent, and play can be carried on throughout the year—which is not always possible on inland courses. The record for the eighteen holes is 76, by Mr. John Connochie. The view is wide, and the scenery remarkably beautiful, We wish all success The Golfer's Guide 187

ST ANDREWS. 188 The Golfer's Guide on the golfing green, as elsewhere, to the descendants of the warlike and patriotic burghers who fought so bravely at fatal Floddcn. " Up \vi' the Sonlevs o' Selkirk,

Ami up \vi' a' the braw lads That sew the single-soled shoon." [North British.

Shetland. Tins sporting course has one singular fact in connection with it, viz, that you reach it l>y boat. It is laid out on the island of Bressay, about a'mile from Lerwick. Rather a sporting shot would be over to the famous Noss—especially if you had Norna of the Fitful Head as partner. The Noss is a wee but high island with a flat summit and perpendicular cliffs on all sides, with which communication is, or, at any rate, used to be, held from Bressay by rope and cradle. This would be the best putting-green in Scotland, if Norna allowed you to cross in safety. [Steamers.

Skelmorlie. Tins popular West-country watering-place can now boast of a green. It is of nine holes and laid out on the farm of Beilhglass about a mile from Wemyss Bay Station. Tho Wemyss Bay Hydropathic is within a quarter of a mile of the green, and there is a good hotel at Wemyss Bay. [Steamers.

South Uist. Tins beautiful ei'ghteen-hole course was laid out by Tom Morris so lately as 1891 in the immediate neighbourhood of the Lochboisdale Hotel. The links lie along a most beautiful silver strand on which the Atlantic itself beats. The course is rich in hazards, and must ultimately establish a place among the leading Western links. Flora Macdonald was born within hail of the links, and just across the island is Prince Charlie's Cave, of which we have all read. [Oban and Steamer. The Golfer's Guide 1S9

Miff*' V i J 190 The Golfer's Guide Stevenston. THE Ardeer Golf Club lias fairly established itself among Ayrshire clubs. The links are on the coast, some two miles from Ardrossan, and the club-house is close to the stations of both Glasgow and South- Western and Caledonian Railways. There are nine holes, and the turf is good and the hazards arc many, [Caledonian and South-Western. Stirling', THIS nine-hole green is situated In the King's Park, and although the hazards are comparatively rare the turf is excellent. This famous King's Park is mentioned in Lindesay's Papingo; " Adew fair Knnwduun, with thy touris hie, Thy Chapill Royall, Park, and Tabill Rounile, May, June and July wald I dwell in thee War I ane man, to heir the birdes sound, Quhilk doth agane thy Royall Rocke resound." Another name of Royal Stirling seems specially appropriate for many a golfer's knowe, Mom Dolorum. And no less valuable should be the motto, Tarn arte qua inmarie, of the descendants of ever-famous "Pin" Wright, who, on hearing Wallace's horn, duly " loussed the pin" of old Stirling brig. But the truth is that every inch is of interest —deathbeds of Icings and murders by them, not to speak of amours countless. And its sieges ! Just think of heroic Oliphanl and his scanty 140 against the battled might of England ! The Mote or Heading Hill, too, must, in its day have been ripe with crowding memories—to the survivor—and which of us of to-day would not gladly give up a week's golffor one small " hlirlie-hackit" doun the brae with Lindesay of the Mount? [Caledonian and North British. Stonehaven. THIS is a good nine-hole course with the usual seaward hazards. It lies about two miles north of Stonehaven, and all trains between Perth and Aberdeen stop at the station. Famous Duanottar is worth a Hying visit. It is impossible to approve entirely of Wallace's exhaustive treatment ol the 4000 Englishmen, but be had considerable cause for irritation at Ayr. As for the Covenanters, it is rare, indeed, that compulsory entertain- ment meets with much gratitude. [Caledonian and North British, The Golfer's Guide I'M Stornoway. TINS nine-hole cmnsc is situated on the Melbost Links, some three miles hom town. The best way to reach Stornoway Is by Strome Ferry and steamers. It seems odd (h;t( Mr. Block ha« omitted lo mention whether Sheila was a golfer. [Highland. Strathpeffer. THIS course was opened In June, i8Kyles of Bute, not to be behind-hand with its neighbours, has at last been provided with a golf course, although one of only nine holes. It lies within easy walking distance from Tighnabruaich—Auchenlochen and Kames Tier—and commands a superb view of the Kyles, Ascog Loch, Loch Fyne, etc. Conveyances from Tighnabruaich 1'ier pass the course daily. [Steamers. Troon. IT is with much pleasure that we reproduce the plan of this important Ayrshire course through the courtesy of the hon. secretary. Compared with its next-door neighbour, famous l'restwick, Troon is a mere infant, but, in energy and the enthusiasm that commands success, a veritable giant. Although instituted so recently as 1878, the club already numbers 550 members, and has done an immensity of good in the interests of the Royal game. Mr. Hiitchinson, in one of his kindly and appreciative articles, gives special credit to the Troon putting- greens ; and goes the length of saying that the eighteenth is absolute perfection. But the truth is that, all round, the course is an excellent one. The record is held by the famous club professional, Willie Fernie, of whom we reproduce an excellent likeness in the Lytham group. The nearest railway station is Troon, on the Glasgow and South- western system, within an hour's journey from Glasgow, for which special rates are granted. From the station, 'buses run to the links in a few minutes' time. The club-house is one of the best in Scotland, and commands a glorious view—this, in fact, being a characteristic of

194 The Golfer's Guide most of the Ayrshire greens. The secretary has also very kindly furnished vis with a copy of the club rules, but there is comparatively little of special legislation. [North British and South-Western.

Uddingston. UnuiNGSTON may be said to be practically another suburb of Glasgow and its green cannot fail to find hearty support as it becomes more widely known. [Caledonian and North British.

Wemyss.

TUB course is a narrow strip of Uirf between the Castle and the village of East Wemyss, about three-quarters of a mile long. To the north it is hounded by precipitous banks of considerable height, and to the south by a rocky shore. It is a. difficult course, with quaint golfing round comers, and over hills, trees, caves, and so on. These caves are well worthy of note, from the outside specially; and the castle itself is of great antiquity and built on a most commanding site. Its ghost is a Green Lady, the favourite colour of our country- women in this development; and there was formerly a prophetic tree (as elsewhere) that foretold the death of an heir by shedding a branch. The family of Wemyss is not only one of the oldest in Scotland, but its story is one of the most interesting. Their descent from the famous Thane of Fife seems unquestioned. They have in the castle a silver basin, given in 1290 by the King of Norway to Sir Michael de Wemyss, the fellow-ambassador of Sir Michael Scott of Balwearie, sent to bring Princess Margaret home; the Wemyss of the time foredreamed of the battle of Largs—all down the stirring page of Scots story you will find them to the fore. Briefly, they appear in our history even before the time of Old I'liilp ; but it is pleasant to read that many of them were excellent golfers in their day, as beseemed the lairds of old Innerleven Links. Besides their own Green Lady (all golfers worth twopence take an interest in ghosts), the Wemysses have in two of their villages ghostly retainers—" Thrummy-Cap " of Methil, better known since he left this The Golfer's Guide 195

forM for parts unknown, and " Auld MallUfl," of BuckhBVen, of whom regret to say that all I can learn definitely is that when in life she had delicate taste in gin, [North British.

West Kilbride. THIS nine-hole course was recently laid out by Tom Morris, about a mile and a quarter from the railway station, and does him infinite credit. As with all the Ayrshire greens, the views are superb. The turf is line, and there are many sporting hazards. [South-Western.

Wick. TIIROUQH the courtesy of the secretary we are able to reproduce a sketch of this very interesting nine-hole course ; and I have also to thank him for the following description :— "The links skirt the beautiful liay of Ackergill about three miles from the town of Wick ; and from the course a magnificent view is to be bad of the imposing castles of Sinclair and Gimigoe, the former seat of the Ends of Caithness. This is perhaps the most fascinating and picturesque ruin in Scotland. Close to the course stands the well-known residence of the Dunbar family, Ackergill Tower, one of the grandest and most commanding seats in the North. " It is a nine-hole course at present, measuring about one and a half miles, but the ground is unlimited. The turf is fine and short, and the soil sandy. The bunkers are well placed and natural, and while some of the holes are comparatively easy, others are regular sporting holes; and it would be difficult to find a more unique course in the 'Land of Golf.' "A small club-house has recently been erected, and the club has several trophies which are competed for with great enthusiasm. The club is in a most prosperous condition." I have also to thank the secretary, among other courtesies, for infor- mation of a club existing at Thurso; but as the secretary of the latter society has not answered our inquiries, I am unable to give any particulars about the green. From other sources I learn there is a nine- hole course at Rcay (Sandside), the access to which is by Thurso. [Highland. 19G The Golfer's Guide

S S The Golfer's Guide 197

GOLF IN EAST LOTHIAN.

(By the KEV. JOHN KK.RR, Minister of Dirltton.)

iIIAT part of the Hast coast between Dunbar ami Alier- lady, which with a lmlger-face drives the water of the Firth of Forth over against the shores of Fife, is to the golfer the Garden of Scotland, just as the inland county by its richness is the-garden of agricul- ture, In the parish which is the centre of the bulger-face— Pirleton—an annual match is held in whieh four gentlemen, well- known golfers, play over five greens In one day. Each green has a full 18-hole course, and only a few of these go holes—the first three and the last two at North Berwick—He outside thu boundary of this parish. Can such a grand day be had anywhere else ? Then, besides these, ac the far east you have the fine, breezy links of Dunbar, and at the extreme west the old Preslonpans Thomlree course ; and if the ozone be too strong you can have a game as you breathe the hill-air, under the auspices of the Haddington Club, on the slopes of the GarletonB. Golf is no new thing here, but an old, old story. Close by is Archer- field, recalling the Act of the Scots Parliament of 1457 anent Golfe and Archers, that the former be " utterly eryil doune " and that " sdiutting " be used " at the buttcs." Then in the old records of the Kirk Session of Tyningliame we find evidence of the second wave of popularity which seems to have marked the history of golf, when the " maisonis quhy wet- bigging the lady's hous" were summoned before the Session for " playing at ye golf in tyme of preiching." They got off by pleading that "the preiching was either done or neir endit before they went to the lynkis." But at Humble in 1651 the Kirk Session were more severe ; for on April 27, when no fewer than five culprits were eharged with " prophaning of the Lord's Day by playing at the golf," they were 198 The Golfer's Guide all ordained to make public repentance, and Johne Howdan being "ane deacon " was deposed from office. Long before these cases, which attest the hold that golf had on the common people, we have evidence that the nobility and gentry went in for it, and of the Royal favour which in the earliest times it enjoyed. King James V. seems to have sometimes visited Gosford, and although his contemporaries suggest that in his frequent excursions thereto he had other purposes in view than golf and archery, even granting there were ladies in the question, it is evident that golf on Gosford Links was so much of a fact as to make it a plausible excuse. With many of the tragic events in the career of the unfortunate Mary Queen of Scots, East Lothian is identified. As readers of Sir Walter Scott's Abbot know, one of her faithful adherents was George, fifth Earl of Seton. To his castle, near Cockenxle, Mary seems to have gone after Davnley's murder, and her enemies gave il as a proof of her indiflerenee to his fate that she " was seen playing golf and pall-mall in the fields beside Seton." Further on in our research we come upon a laird of Gosford, who seems to have been a successful player. Under March 2, 1672, there is entered in the note-book of Sir John Foulis of Ravelston the following : "Lost at golf at Mussleboorgh with Gosford, Lyon, etc., ^3,5s. oil." This was Sir Peter Wedderburn, who became a Lord of Session in 1668. It is interesting, then, to see that the present family, whose head, the Earl of "Wemyss, is a keen golfer, have the inheritance not only from their own house, but from others who were before them owners of Gosford. One of the most renowned golfers of that generation was Sir David Baird of Newbyth, who figured successfully in many a great contest. He also inherited the game ; for in the same note-hook on April 13, 1672, there is an entry : " To the hoy who carried my clubs when my Lord Register of Newbyth was at the links, ,£0, 4s. oil." " Newbylh " was another East Lothinn gentleman, Sir John Baird, who also became a Lord of Session. Both gentle and simple have thus handed down to them in East Lothian the golf as an Ancient and Royal game worthy of their devotion. If the clergy have the memory of old Session doings to warn them of what may happen when too much devotion is given to golf, they also when they themselves become addicted to the game—as some in East Lothian are—may find in the Autobiography of Dr, Carlyle of Inveresk that they have a good example, not only in the case of "Jupiter" The Golfer's Guide 199 himself, who, as "a mighty swiper," was well known in East Lothian, tat of John Home, the author of Douglas, who was minister of Athelstaneford, and, according to Carlylc, a golfer. In East Lothian, then, just as truly as at Leith, Brunlsfiekl, Si. Andrews, and Blackheath, the game comes down to us with a fine aroma of antiquity. No doubt, here, as elsewhere, the two great agencies in making the game so popular us it has become in our generation were the railways and gutta-percha. But gulf is not here, as in many places, the mere outcome of the modern " boom." It is ancient, Royal, venerable.

Dunbar. THE Southron coming North for a round of the Lothian Links would save time by leaving the train nt this station and making this his first green. The best of Dunbar is its bracing air. The German Ocean has got the Firth into perfect sanitary condition by the time the Forth gels there; and of all East coast places commend me to Dunbar for invigorating salt water and sea breeze. A golfer with a large family (as often happens) would benefit the health of the olive branches as well as his own by a season there. At Dunbar golf is kept in its own place ; and that place, the links, is ten minutes' walk from the town, and out of sight. Dunbar was not made for golf, but golf for Dunbar ; and it is only an appendage to the place, not its chief feature. Once we are at the links we get a good club-house and club maker's shop adjoining ; but all is quiet. No arrangement needed for the starting of couples, no pressing here ! That boy you have got has not the usual knowing look of the caddie, but then you are just to pay sixpence a round for him, so that you need not complain of the want of sparkle in his eye. The course is rough, but the putting-greens are admirable; and you have to play a dropping-shot well if you are to get on with good scoring. The "Narrows" at No. 3 going out and No. 15 coming home is a caution. It is between the devil and the deep sea you must play—if that be not too strong a word for the policies of Broxmouth Park. The burn, too, comes in to increase the danger, so that the player may reckon this the most trying part of the course. There is an ugly wall to cross at the 5th out and 14th coming home, but otherwise the ground offers plain sailing. From nearly every part of the links the player has 300 The Golfer's Guide the sea in view, and breathes as much ozone as his lungs and heart can desire, It is rich in historical association—with Black Agnes, Old Noll and others. To Dunbar's evodit, it may be added that living is cheaper than is usual at summer resorts ; mid as the fishermen have not given up their fishing for golf, the visitor can get fresh fish at a fair rote. It is on the whole, a likeable place to any one whose golf is not his first consideration,

North Berwick.

THIS well-known " Brighton of Scotland," as it Hkes to be called, is just a nice drive of eleven miles from Dunbar past the beautiful grounds and woods of Tyninghame, or half an hour's journey by rail; but in the matter of golf Dunbar and North Berwick are wide as the poles asunder, When you emerge from the train at the fine station recently built and look down on North Berwick you see a town wholly given over to golf. In the Provost's chair you find the Cock o' its Green, the veteran golfer, J. R. WhitecrosK, who for many a year carried off the scratch medal of the local club ; the ax-Provost, P. Brodie, the author of the Burgh Police Act, has for fifly years been a familiar figure on the links ; whisky is sold us '' Golfev's Favourite Dew," and the local lemon- ade maker has for trade-mark two golf-clubs crossed with "purity and excellence" for "Far and Sure"! Here, as at St. Andrews (in the words of Mr. Murray) :— "All the natives and the residents are patrons Of this Royal, ancient, irritating sport; All the old men, all the young men, maids and matrons— The universal populace, in short." There is accordingly no respect of parsons in this fashionable golfing resort save what arises out of golf. If the lord of the manor is popular it is because he is fond of golf, agreeable to golfers, and the inventor of the hammer-headed patent cleek—not because he is lord of the manor. No man (or woman either) has any regard for you here unless you can give odds on the green. Then—and not till then—you may expect to make friends at North Berwick. The caddies touch their caps only to good golfers—to duffers they pay no attention, beyond attention to their pay ; and Sayevs is among them a man of greater importance than any The Golfer's Guide 201

prince or peer who may visit the links. Tims prostrate at the feet of Golf, North Berwick, to the credit of the town, be it said, is worshipping her milker. Carnegie tells us so when he begins "The G olfed " in this Virgilian strain :— "Balls, chilis, and men I shit;, who first, niethinks, Made sport and bustle on North Berwick Links, Brought coin and fashion, belting and renown, Champagne and claret to a country town ; And lords and ladies, knights and squires to ground Whore washerwomen erst and snobs were found." Golf having brought so many blessings to North Berwick, it might be expected that golfers would be charitably treated there ; but visitors will find that, unlike Dunbar, it is a dear place. Houses are dear, groceries are dear, the very dust, like that of Mount Zlon, is dear. Still it must not be forgotten that North Berwick lives by golf, and their tradespeople are probably no worse than you will find their class, go where you like, at the height of the season. You must also remember that at North Berwick as a golfing resort you are quite in the front of the fashion. Do not therefore grudge the luxury of a month here. It is a convenient centre from which you may visit all the East Lothian links. Long before the railway and gutta-percha there were great days among the golfers at North Berwick. Carnegie, in 1832, gives an account of an imaginary foursome, which affords us an interesting glimpse of the golf in those days when there were only six holes. There were giants in those days, Sir David Baird among the number; for he was a familiar figure here at the lime the little poet sang his praises as one who " could play with .any golfer of the present day." It was over the old short course that the famous golf match between Old Tom and Allan Robertson and the Dunns (of which we have an account elsewhere in this volume) was played, Since that time over the enlarged course many famous matches have been played. More than once Old Tom and Willie Park (the father) for .£100 a side was the match ; and this never failed to excite attention and bring out golf worth looking at. I remember the last big match they played. Tom several times laid Old Willie a stymie. He won, and when the company were being photographed at the close of the match, and Park was being put into position by the umpire, Provost Brodie, he quietly remarked "mak'a stymie." 202 The Golfer's Guide

It will be remembered that it was at North Berwick that Old and Young Tom were playing, when the latter was hurried off home by telegram only to find that he had lost his young wife. The fine stylo of Davie Strath, who was for a time professional here is still spoken of with admiration. Tom Dunn, now at Furzedown did much for the green when he had the post; and now we have Sayers, whose name is one to conjure with among the very best players of to-day. A grand match with a result uclooked for by many was that which 1 algo had the pleasure of seeing finish on this green, when Sayers and his brother-in-law Davie Grant handsomely defeated Hugh and Andrew Kirkaldy. Bob Ferguson, Young Willie Park, Willie Campbell, Willie Femie, the Simpsons, and most of the well-known professionals of to-day have engaged in matches here of greater or less importance' Of amateurs Messrs. Ball, Hilton, and Laidlay, of whom East Lothian is justly proud, have all scored successes here, Another county man of whom East Lothian is more than proud is the distinguished leader of the Opposition, Mr. A. J. Balfour. He, too, is fond of North Berwick Links, and every year puts up for a few weeks at Bradbury's Hotel, and does his daily round. lie is a capital foursome player, and although the regiment from Scotland Yard are not now in attendance at a safe distance as they used to be when he was Chief Secretary for Ireland, he generally has a small gallery of admirers when he goes out for a game. The course is undergoing a complete change by an enlargement of boundary, which is much needed. The present course, while very short, is very bunkery, and lu make a good score requires straight and sure play. Mr. llutehinson says that at North Berwick one is " always approaching," even from the tee ; but one must approach in a proper manner if one's approaches are to be received with favour. The caddies are a first-class lot, and players will find them good guides tvs to distance and direction—also as to the amount by which gentlemen ought to show their appreciation of their service, which is certainly not small. The Ladies' Links has a good view of the men's, and the two classes often meet together in the jews' corner in friendly rivalry, At the cast end of the town, also, a new course of nine holes has just been laid out on the Rhodes farm, which will relieve the pressure on the present course. The Golfer's Guide 203

We have treated North Berwick as being the St. Andrews of East Lothian golf, and having kept the game to the front consistently with the position it occupies there. But no golfer has our benediction who does not turn aside betimes to admire the ever-changing sea-view or to visit the places of historical interest in the neighbourhood, such as Tan- tallon and the Bass. We must also take an afternoon to climb the Law and see St. Baklred's country and the wide sweep of rich landscape ; and not forget Balgonie, dear to curlers, the ruins of the once-famous abbey, and the spot where the old kirk stood in which the devil preached his sermon to the witches.

Archerfield.

THE visitor to North Berwick generally makes his way to Dirleton, " the prettiest village in Scotland," which lies about two miles along the road leading westward. On Thursdays the picturesque old castle and beautiful flower gardens are open free to visitors. From the castle you see the golf green between Archerfield House and the sea. The green is private, being simply, so to speak, a part of the Archerfield policies. The landlord or tenant for the time being, and a local club of 40 members, who must all have some connection with the estate, are the only persons entitled to play over the green. By a judicious application to the club secretary, Mr. Thomson, whose villa is a conspicuous building just below the castle, any respectable golfer may, however, be put in the way of having a round, and a very enjoyable round it is. There are many nasty rabbit scrapes, but the turf is very velvety, and for quietness there is no place in the neighbourhood so delightful for a day's play. " Charming " was Mr. Hutchinson's verdict.

Muirfield.

A MILS west of Dirleton you come in sight of the red-roofed club- house of the Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, which overlooks their new green at Muirfield. The green is, of course, private, but the usual permission is given to members to introduce friends. The gallant Filzjohn, the well-known and highly-esteemed club master, soon makes any visitor at home. Under his charge you should lake a look, before you think of playing, at the fine hall, where the interesting 204 The Golfer's Guide portraits and other relics of the old Company are now displayed. It is difficult to meet the Honourable Company on their East Lothian ground without a certain feeling of regret ; driven from Leith, driven from Mussellmrgh, and now with its Edinburgh surname forced to seek refuge among the East Lothian greens. But it is with a warm welcome, indeed, that the county has received them and given them a first place in the district in respect of antiquity and interesting traditions. The competition for the Open Championship took place here in 1892, and it has now taken its place among the Championship Greens. The Howes or Hundred Acre Park leased by the Company is not without a history of its own. Home still alive can remember when famous racehorses were trained over the ground in the days of Dawson and I'Anson. The East Lothian Kaces, which were at one time important, were held litre ; and in 1832 the Musselburgh Meeting was held in the Howes owing to the epidemic of cholera at home.

Little need lie said of the ground. It is rather hampered by thewall, which is needed to make it private ; and if the Company could drive over it away to the Himalayan heights which lie seaward it would take away the zigzag nature of the course, which tends to make it rather monotonous.

Gullanc. THERE is no quainter or more romantic spot than Gullanc, which you come upon suddenly about half a mile beyond the entrance to Muirfield course. Nor are there finer links anywhere. Try them for yourself, and what with hill and valley, fresh air and fine scenery, say if you can bring me anything to match my beloved Gullane. The great Horace has a general objection to the turf of our East Lothian greens. It wants healing power, he says, and cannot stand ill-usage as some links can. According to this great golf classic, neither Luffness nor Gullane will ever become very famous for this reason. There is some truth in this remark as applied to LulTness, but as applied to Gullane it is distinctly wrong. Considering the amount of play, the condition of the turf is remarkably good ; and I venture to say the putting-greens are unequalled in Scotland. The curious feature of Gullane turf is the spring there is in it. In this it resembles Archerfiuld, but is unlike North Berwick, where there is a deadness about the ground that tires The Golfer's Guide 205

one. Gullane turf never tires the feet ; and the uphill and downhill motion alternating gives one set of muscles rest while another is in play. Our late lamented friend John Thomson, who knew the course well, did not forget these features when he sang its praises in the lines beginning : " It's up the hill, it's doun the Mil, And roun' the hill an' a', man." It is said that from Gullane Hill you can see fourteeen counties. Be that as it may, the view is charming. Eastwards you have the islets of Eyebroughty, Fklra with its lighthouse, the Lamb, Craigleith, the Bass, and the May. To the west, beyond the broad sweep of Abcrlady Bay, where once was the port of Ilnddington, you can discern Arthur's Seat, and the clear outline: of the Forth Bridge; and to the south, " the garden of Scotland," lying in its richness and glory between you and the long Lammermuir range. At Jova's Neuk there was once a ferry to Fife, and it was there that Borlutn landed in the '15, when he invaded the Lothians for the Pretender. In the Napoleonic scare of 1804 a large camp of regulars, militia, and volunteers was established here, Gullane is a glorious place for a golfer; and if he be blessed with a family it is the place of places, as it is a children's paradise. A week or so and the pale anannic faces are bronzed and the smallest has a club in hand. He will " reive his Outlier's bannet" by the end of the season. Try Gullane if you would enjoy golf yourself, and leave a golfing posterity to do honour to your name.

Luff ness. THE ground is flat, but there are plenty of hazards, and only one particularly short hole on the course, so that the green is generally held to be a good test of play. 1'ot homines quot sentential applies to golf links and the judgment of golfers thereanent. One is therefore not surprised to find Mr. Hutchinson placing Luffness before Gullane, or even to hear Father Dominic of the "Monks of St. Giles" go much further and say :— " Blythe ha'e I been on Elfe Links, Blythe ha'e I been near Berwick Law, The braes o' Gullane please me weel, But Luffness Links are best o' a' !" 200 The Golfer's Guide

The changes now Impending may, I fear, result in the obliteration of most of the present course, and, perhaps, in the removal of the club to oilier ground; but as the complications that have arisen are many and varied, it appears wiser to say nothing on the subject, LuiTness has had one great claim to distinction among East Lothian greens. It has been the field of all the county clubs for a Challenge Cup presented by Lord Wcvnyss for annual competition. Each club sends two couples ; and the gathering is one of the most important in the district, and excites great interest. I am afraid space will not permit me giving details from the date of the institution of the Cup in 1868; but, over all, the Buss Rock has much the best of it with no fewer than eleven wins, while Ditnbar and Haddington have as yet failed to score. Saltcoats. Tins is a new course laid out by Mr. Hope on the Saltcoats part of his property, and adjoins the present green. There is no doubt that in time to come this may prove one of the best of our East Lothian greens. The turf is good, the sport is good, and Old Tom with his usual care has taken advantage of every point to increase the attractions and dangers of the course. We shall likely hear more of this green anon.

Thorn tree (Prestonpans). THIS old club had at one time many celebrated players, but for ninny years remained comatose. It has recently, however, revived, and we may hear of it once again in the County Cup lists. The course is one of six holes, close to Prestonpans.

Haddington. THIS course is laid out on the slopes of the Garleton Hills. It is only half-sized, and in summer so rough that members betake themselves to Lufmess to settle their competitions ; but the view is one of the best in the county. A visit to the old town and a turn round the Garleton course makes a pleasant variation from the ordinary routine of other greens; and if you get hold of the llev. Mr. Froudfoot, who The Golfer's Guide 207 208 The Golfer's Guide holds the record with 35, or the golfing editor of the Courier, Croal you will be fortunate in making a visit to the Garletun course and the sights of Haddington in congenial company. Of East Lothian and its golf much more might be written, but I fear my friend, who has the " Guide " to look after, may not have space even for what has thus "been hurriedly set down ; so I end my story with a list of our various clubs and the dates of their formation, as such a list may be both useful and interesting.

EAST LOTHIAN GOLF CLUBS.

NAME. GREEN. DATE OF INSTITUTION.

The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers, Muirfiuld, 1744 North Berwick, - North 'Berwick, 1832 Tantallon, North Berwick, 1853 Dirleton Castle, Gullane, 1854 Dunbar, - Dunbar, 1856 Thorntrcc, - - i'restonpaus,- 1856 East Lothian, Gullane, 1859 Haddington, Garleton, 1865 Luffness, - Luffness, 1S67 Archerfield, Archerfield, - 1869 Bass Rock, North Berwick, 1873 New Club, North Berwick, 1880 Gullane, .... Gullane, 1882 Dunbar Castle, - Dunbar, : 1882 North Berwick Ladies, North Berwick, 1888 Bowmont, - - - - Dunbar, 1892 Rhodes, . North Berwick, 1893 The Golfer's Guide 209

SCOTLAND.

T has been decided in this issue not to alter the descriptive parts in that of lust year, but instead to add notes upon any greens that have been since opened, along with any corrections that may have; been brought to our notice. ABE&FBLDY.—-Mr. Patrick, the wall-known clubmaker of Leven and "Wimbledon, has just laid out a new 9-hole course along the banks of the 'fay. It starts from Genera] Wade's bridge and follows the river for 6 lioles, crossing the Moness Burn—familiar to all readers of Burns in its association with the famous " Birks of Aberfeldy "—both coming and going. The ground is undulating, and all the putting greens arc, with one exception, natural. The hazards are varied, but there are no trees, as is often the case with inland links. Mr. Patrick expresses himself in terms of the warmest admiration for the new course. (Highland.) ANNAN.—A magnificent course is to be laid out over the Distillery Holms, and will be very convenient for the golfing citizen of this thriving little town. (Gil., Glas. & S. W.) ARDWELL.—Although these Links have only been opened two years they have been already brought into excellent order. They are situated some ten miles from Strniiraer, nonr the resilience of Sir Mar); Stewart,1 Bait., M.P. T)ie hon. secretary is Rev. R. T. Marshall, Ardwdl, Wigtownshire. (G. & S. W.) AI.YTH.—This newly opened green promises to more than answer even the high expectations originally formed of it. The green has met with Old Tom's approval. Mr. D. S. ICidd is the hon. secretary. (Caledonian.) AucHENBLAB.—This green promises well, and the folks of Kincar- dineshire are to be congratulated on this addition to their county's charms. The course, which was laid out by Bob Dow, was opened in April 1894. It is one of 9 holes. A«7!s (ST.).—A golfing green has now been added to this favourite spot for tourists. The 9-hole course has been laid out by the proprietor of Northficld, Mr. Usher, who is himself a very keen golfer. It maybe noted that an ancient British camp does duty as one of the putting .greens. It is probably unnecessary to bring to remembrance that Fast Castle in the immediate neighbourhood is the Wolfs Crag of "The Bride of Lammermoor." It at one time belonged to the blood and thunder Logans of Restalrig, and came to the front in the Gowrie Conspiracy. Famous Coklingham is only two miles away, (Reston Station, N.B.) BALINTORH.—This new Ross-shire course of 9 holes still requires a •deal of attention before it can hope to rival some of the older greens. O 210 The Golfer's Guide

LIAI.I.ATHR.—The course runs along the banUsiof the Dee, and is almost under the shadow of Byron's Lochnagsut. (Great North of Scotland Railway.) BARRHEAD,—Meetings have been more than once held with reference to establishment of a golf club ; but I cannot learn that a course has been opened. (Glas. & K-ilnmrnock Joint.) BIRNAM.—This 9-hole green is situated at the base of famous Blrnam Hill, in the heart of some of the loveliest mountain scenery in Perthshire. BRIDGE G? EARN.—The district is one of the most beatuiful in Perthshire, close to the famous Wicks of Baiglie and Wells of Pitkeathley, Only a 9-hole course has yet. been laid out, but there is room for iS. The members already number over too, and the North British Railway Company give reduced fares from Perth. There are both burns and bunkers in plenty. Robert Brough, Esq., Secretary, (North British.) BROIIC,HTV-1''I;RRY (LADIES).—The Recreation Committee of the Police Commissioners have taken the matter in hand. The ground they expect to obtain is Burnhill Links, and the course would begin, at the terminus of the esplanade and extend eastward to the burgh boundary. The ground is level with good turf and there is room fora full iii-hole course. (North British.) CAIU.UKK.—This g-hole course; has bean laid out with great skill, by Mr. Forgan of Glasgow. Its hazards comprise a shale heap and a quarry. (Caledonian.) PARLOPS.—This 9-hole course laid out by Willie Park, jun., is charmingly situated on West. Mains farm, at the foot of the Pen Hands. It is about a mile and a half in length, with many bunkers and much whin and heather. The first teeing ground is near the Allan Ramsay Motel, and the landlord is the hon. secretary. It lies 14 miles south- west from Edinburgh, and may be reached by rail to Peniouik or Bi'oomlee—respectively five and three miles from the village. A con- veyance runs twice daily in the season from Penicuik. (North British.) CASTLE CRAIO.—This is another of the new greens north of the Grampians, from which much sport may be expected. COI.MNGHAM.—I have not been able to learn anything about the green. The whole district is veritably haunted ground—from the ghastly legend attached to the priory ruins of the walled-in religious, to the old jingle— " I stood upon Eyemoutb fort, And guess ye what I saw ? Fairnieside and Klemington, Newhouse and Cocklaw. The Fairy Folk of Fosterl&nd, The witches of Kdincraw, The rye rigs o1 Rcston, And Duns dings a'."

CROMARTY.—This is described as a fine sporting links, huiAlelnils have not been forthcoming, CRDDEN.—Old Tom has been prospecting for ground heie, but whether or not he has brought things to a satisfactory conclusion, I The Golfer's Guide 211

am not yet aware. Cruden itself is a email village between Aberdeen and Peterhead. CUMNOCK.-—A g-holo course has been opened on the farm of Bank End, close to the town. (Cal. & G. & S. W.) DALBBATTIK.—This course of nine holes is laid out on the farms of Meikle and Hillhead, and lies convenient to tho town. The hnn. secretary is the Rev. W. Paton. (G. & S. W.) DUNS,—A new 9-hcile course has been laid out east of the town from the football field, at Hawthorn to beyond Castle Knowe. EDINBURGH—DI'UMNOSTON.—This beautiful private green has been opened by the Insurance and Bankers' Club. It is very easily accessible from town, and it is believed that there will lie ample room for two 18-hole courses. Thegreenis particularly ricli in hazards of all kinds, among which the Braid Hum is perhaps the most notable, and one to be carefully avoided when in flood. The present proprietor of the house is the Duke of Abercorn ; and the bouse i-S often mentioned in Scottish history. The loch has been endeared to countless generations of Edinburgh schoolboys, and the village itself is full of sleepy charm. . EDINBURGH—NKWINIJTON.—Ground for a o-hole course has been found off the old Dalkeith road, and it is intended to restrict the membership to dwellers in the Newinglon suburb, with an entrance fee oi 10s. EDINBURGH—1'RIESTKIKU>.—A new course is proposed to be laid out to the west of Prestonfield Mouse, south of Edinburgh. The turf is very old, and the ground comparatively free from wood. At present, only a 9-hole course is aimed at, but there is ample room for 18. The situation is charming—close to the Queen's Park. Prestonfield or Prisstfield House is known to the ribald as the Ace of Spades, from the outline of the policies. The proposed green is to the south-west, and would be approached from Marchhall Road. The manor house is the seat of the well-known Scotch family of Dick-Cunningham, and more than once comes to the front in history. It had the questionable honour of being burned by the students of the University after the Property Riot troubles, and in more peaceable times sheltered Johnson and Boz/.y for a week. An influential meeting took place towards the end of January, and a club was formed, with Mr. George A. Munro, S.S.C., 37 Castle Street, Edinburgh, as hon. secretary. EDINBURGH—BARNTON.—The storied old Burgess Club have at last opened their charming new course at Barnton, near Cramond. The locality has always been dear to the Edinburgh citizen, and the beautifully wooded estate must have come under the gaze of countless thousands of eyes since the Forth Bridge began to draw its throng of tourists. The course is of full size, rich in hazards, and with beautiful old turf. .The facility by train to Cramond Bridge Station cannot fail to appeal to the city golfer, and we fervently wish a sustained and ever-increasing prosperity to the famous old club thnt has weathered so many a long year of varying fortune. A handsome new hotel is being erected, by an enterprising company, on the (jueensferry Road, hard by the station, and hopes are entertained that the club may see its way to become tenants of a club-house annexe, which the Company are prepared to erect. The situation of the building is a charming one, and the pleasure ggroundsr , tennis and bowling greens, and curling ponds, to be laid out 212 The Golfer's Guide on the greater part of the feu, which extends to two acres, should attract many a visitor. The prominent feature of the building is the central tower with balcony, from which may be had one of the most glorious views in Scotland. EDINBURGH (Craigmillar Park G. C.)—A 9-hole course has been laid out on ground acquired from Captain W. Gordon-Gilmour of Liberton and Craigmillar, which extends from Crawford Road to Lady Road. It is within three minutes' walk of Craigmillar Park car terminus, and of Newington Suburban Station. The course is about a mile in length, and was laid out by Day of Musselburgh. About 50 ladies and 100 gentlemen have already joined. The joint secretaries are Mr. C. W. 0. Morrison and Mr. Archibald Campbell, jun., 52 Hanover Street. EDINBURGH LADIBS' CI.UH.—Within a few short months of the broaching of this scheme it was taken up by no fewer than 150 ladies and 100 gentlemen as honorary and as playing members. When we say that the Committee, which laid out the ground, included such proficient golfers as Mr. Bloxsom and Mr. St. Clair Cunningham, it is probably unnecessary to add that the most has been made of the natural advantages of the ground, which are many. It affords more scope than do the majority of ladies' greens for other than short play. Few of the iioles are so short that the green can be reached with a "wrist-iron;" the greater number require a full iron, and there are more than one that give scope for a full drive. Much care has been taken of the greens. As the ground is under old pasture no turfing has been necessary— mowing and rolling have brought them into capital order. Mr. Bloxsom and Mr. Frederick Menxies are, or were, associated in the honorary secretaryship of the club. EDRINCTON CASTLB ("Berwickshire).—Messrs. Gray, who have recently purchased this beautiful estate, are building a new mansion, and laid out a 9-hole course. Ei.DKRSi.iic.—-The Royal Renfrewshire have laid out a course here in the Elderslie Policies, but no further particulars are forthcoming.

Tom, and lias proved an entire success. The members already number 150.' The lion. sec. is Mr. Robert Brodle, 77 St. Vincent Street. (Cars.) GiASOOW—RUCIIII.I..—There is a proposal to form a green here, and the ground has been favourably reported on by a professional. (Cars.) GLASGOW—BLACKH1IX.—The formal opening of the new course of the Glasgow Club at Blackhill, on the north-east side of the Alexandra. Park, will probably have taken place by the time these sheets see the light. It is very conveniently situated for golfers, mid the Railway Company are throwing a bridge over the canal to further facilitate access to the course. The turf is good, and room could be found for 36 holes. The Corporation originally purchased the ground for a. cemetery, but the scheme has been abandoned in the interest of another form of putting, no doubt, GLASGOW TORYOI.EN G. C. (CROSSIIII-I.).—The course is a private one of 9 holes, ten minutes' walk from Crosshill Station, alongside the Caledonian Railway. The club was instituted November, 1893, ami lias run up to over 200 members in a very short time. The course is a very sporting one—a burn running through the centre of the ground, in addition to crossing which, four times, there are plenty of fences, hedges, and trees to keep clear of on the way round. The formation of the ground is undulating and well suited for golfing ; the turf is also good, and lots of play is rapidly improving it. The lengths of holes vary from 185 to 405 yards, and the double round comes very close on 3 miles. The record (amateur) is held by Mr. A. D, Thomson with 81, We are obliged to the lion, sec, Mr. T. M'Clelland, jun., 16 Battlefield Avenue, Langside, for the above note.

GLASGOW—MERRYLEA.—This is a 9-hole course on the farm of Merrylea, near Langside Station, on the Cathcart District Railway. The hazards are mainly hedges. The membership is limited to 200, and already numbers 120 gentlemen and 16 ladies. The course will be opened on the first Saturday of May. GLASGOW—EASTWOOD.—The club has been started by the Glasgow Young Men's Christian Association, and is confined to members. One of the articles provides that there shall be no betting, and no intoxicating drink brought upon the course, or into the club house. The course is at Giffnock Station, 5 miles from the centre of the city, and the Caledonian Railway Company supply the club witli return tickets at the reduced rate of sixpence. Although only started a year, the membership verges on 200. The secretary is Mr. David Elder, 7 Granville Street, W. The course is situated among charming scenery on what is known as "The Muir," and commands lovely views in every direction. The course is one of 9 holes, and extends to 1925. yards. GLENLUCE.—This excellent g-hole course was recently opened on the property of the president, Mr. C. J. Cunningham, about a mile and a half from Glenluce, and two from Dunragit Stations. (Fortpatrick and Wigtownshire Joint.) GLENCORSE.- The Rosslynlee Club have left their present short course for an iS-hole one at Glencorse, and will in future be known as 214 The Golfer's Guide the Glencorsa Club. The turf is line, and the ground dry. Access by rail is excellent, Auchendinny Station being only 3 minutes' walk, and Glencorse 5. The green will he opened in May. (North British.') GORDON CASTLE, FOCIIAHERS.—This is an excellent 9-hole course and very rich in hazards of a varying nature, including marsh land' burn, and numerous trees. The course is within the grounds of the castle, belonging to the Duke of Richmond and Gordon. It is private, but strangers are allowed to play on payment of 2S. 6d. per week, or 5s. per month. The hon. sec. is Mr. Andrew Guild, Union Bank Fochabers. (G. N. of S.) HELENSBURGH.—The course of nine holes overlooks the Firth of Clyde and lies about a mile and a. half from the town. It is known as Klrkmlchael. The joint hon. secretaries are Mr. W. Lunan and Mr. J. M. Murray, Lynchetha, Helensburgh, In the town there are excellent hotels. (North British "ky. Co.) KlRKlNTILLOCH.—Kirkintilloch has been famous in much besides ecclesiastical story, and is now going to take a spell at the Royal and Ancient game. Provost Ait ken, with his usual energy, has taken the matter up, and there is little doubt that ground will be secured ere lone (North British.) LANGSTOE (GLASGOW).—A new green has been laid out here by Willie Femie, It is extremely convenient for townsfolk, and has been excellently planned. LADDER.—Berwickshire is rapidly making up her leeway, and will shortly open another green at Lander. Lrcsuu.—Old Tom, after laying out Alyth, at once proceeded to go over some ground near Leslie, for the benefit of Marklrich and the sister town. Fife has always been well to the front in all connected with the Royal and Ancient game. (North British.) LONMAY.—To Old Tom also is clue this new green, a little to the north of Aberdeen. The situation is admirably chosen, and with a little care and attention the links should soon come to high repute. (G. N. ofS.) MOTIIBRWKI.L.—This 9-hole course on the farm of Ricart-Johnstone, about 20 minutes' walk from the station, has already been taken thorough advantage of, although opened so recently as last December. •(Caledonian.) NESS CASTLE.—This is a private 9-hole course, and is described as a very good one. PAISLEY.—Paisley has not as yet had a course ; but a club has been recently formed, and the course fixed on near the Bushes Farm, at the foot of Tannahill's beloved Gleniffer Braes. The course is one of rare beauty, and the club-house already being proceeded with. (Caledonian, •G. & S. W., every few minutes.) NEWCASTLETON.—The course, of which the accompanying is a plan, was laid out, since the dale of our last issue, on the Holm Hill. It is one -of 9 holes, and is a very good inland one, but the putting greens still require some cutting and levelling. The first teeing ground is only a short distance west of the railway station. The distances vary from some 1So lo 350 yards, and there are some capital hazards, with any •quantity of heather and rough grass. Newcastleton is two hours' journey from Edinburgh by the North The Oolfer's Guide 215

British Railway, and one from Carlisle, and besides the golf club—membership of which costs only 2s. 60.—there is excellent fishing to be had in the Liddle and Hermitage, NEWCASTL£TON.

§ftf-^m.g^\\

The lion, secretary is Mr. James O. Johnstone, British Linen Company Bank, Newcastleton. Prri-OCHRY.—Mr. Butler of Faskally lias given a lease of this new green on most generous terms, and it is hoped that the visitors to this beautiful village will not fail to avail themselves of it. (Highland.) PORTMAHOMACK.—A new 9-hole course was opened herein December last, in presence of representatives from the Tain, Balintore, and Inver- gordon Golf Clubs lo the number of upwards of thirty. REAY.—This is another of the excellent courses which have been recently opened north of the Grampians. It is a 9-hole course. SIIANDON.—Gareloch Hydropathic, the old home of the great ship- huikler, Napier. The green is laid out by Willie Fernie, and is worthy of its picturesque surroundings. THORNHILL.—This 9-hole green, belonging to the Morton Golf Club, lies a quarter of a mile from Thornhill Station, Dumfries. It is one of the most lovely villages in NithsdalCj and the hotel accommodation satisfactory. (G. and S. W.) THURSO.—The links stretch from the village of Castletown, six miles from Thurso, to Dunnet, three miles further along the coast. At Dunnet a course of 9 holes has been laid out. The soil is sandy, with fine, short, springy turf. The hazards are mainly sandy bunkers, and the holes, as a rule, are well guarded—one especially, on a plateau, almost surrounded by a wide and deep bunker. Lengthening of the course is contemplated, and the greens are to be improved. When this is done, it is believed that the Dunnet course will be one of the best in 21G The Golfer's Guide tho North, Tlie view is magnificent. Along shore is a three mile stretch of sand—perhaps tlie finest anywhere. To the west is a beautiful bay with rocky headlands ; and on a clear day maybe seen afar Ken Hope and Ben Loyal. The Hotel, within a few minutes' walk, has been enlarged ; and taking it all round, what with sea-bathitig and golfing and the enjoyment of the exhilarating air, few better spots for a holiday than this quiet spot exist. We are indebted to the hon. secretary, Donald Mowat, Esq., Com- mercial Bank, Thutso, fur the above interesting note.

ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS ON SCOTTISH GREENS mentioned on pages 97 to 208.. ST. ANDREWS.—First and foremost comes St. Andrews, with an entirely new 18-hole course, in addition to the famous old one. Almost needless to say, Old Tom was the advising and beneficent genius in connection with this extensive undertaking. It would be too soon yet to venture to pronounce upon the merits of the new green. Of course, in this, as in every other matter, opinions vary, but the prevalent feeling is, so far as I can gather, one of considerable satisfaction. The green stretches away seaward from the old course, and is, in its conformation and the nature of its sward, of the true golfing quality. A new code of regulations for players has been issued, which intending visitors should make themselves familiar with. NORTH BERWICK,—All those who have a kindly feeling towards bonny North Berwick will be glad to hear that the links have at last been extended, so as to bring them more into line with other leading greens. It is rather interesting to read of the different stages in the development of this famous course. It began with a modest seven holes —it was over this comparatively baby green that the famous match between Allan and Old Tom and the brothers Dunn took place in 1849—which by and by grew to nine, twelve, eighteen. But in the last case, the shortness of the holes gave little scope for anything like decent driving. The last drawback has at last been remedied. We have not the space to give a full detail of the recent improvements, but to those who already know the green it will probably be sufficient to note that the plantation at the low bend, which has caused so much woe in the past, has repented of its evil-doing, and a sufficient clearance been effected to permit of less anxious play. Some of the short holes, have been done away with by the annexation of a considerable tract beyond the burn at the tenth hole. The start will be from the same point as before, and the play toward I'ointgarry. The first alteration is. in wiping out the old third hole, while the play is carried over the dyke to the new third in the trap. The angle hole is omitted, and the fourth is now what was formerly known as the low bent. Going out, a. cutting has been made in the wood, and to the fifth hole play is straight from the low bent. The quarry hole is as before, but the putting green of the seventh is now beyond the burn. Then come the four new holes. On the homeward journey, the high bent hole has been left out, The Golfer's Guide 217

snd play is from the thirteenth to perfection ; and thence to the home hole there is no alteration, MUSSEI.HUROLI.—There has also been a stirring of the bones here. There has for years been a strong fueling on the part of those interested in the welfare of "the honest toiin " that something ought to be done if Hie famous old green wished to keep in line with those of normal size. Scheme after scheme has been proposed, with the view of obtaining additional land for a full course of 18 holes—one suggesting reclamation of the shore, another crossing the river to old Kisherrow, another driving boldly inland to the south of Levenhall, and so on—hut the cost was considered prohibitive. Then came the resolve to increase the number of holes on the same restricted tract of land, and a 14-hole project is at present being tested. It is understood that it meets with the strong support of several of the Council, but that the leading players are dead against it. (Jver and above danger at certain points, the new holes are for the most part featureless and uninteresting, we read; and their only advantage would seem to be the possible relief of a holiday con- gestion. Both Willie Park, jim,, and Douglas McEwnn arc against the scheme—the former holding that it would be a great pity to sacrifice the best 9-hole course in Britain for so small a return—as are also the prominent professionals and caddies. It has also been condemned by several of the leading amateurs who still use the old green. With regard to the record of the green and our note upon Mr. McKwan on page 6i, I would like to add that the Scotsman, 13th April, 1894, gives details of the record1 having been broken by Willie Park, jun., with 32—3, 5,5,3, 3, 4, 2, 4, 3 ; but as it was not the medal round, though one believed to be of equal difficulty, I do not know how it will be held to count. The record thus broken was established by Park himself in August, 1888, the night before a match with Archie Simpson. Prior to that there existed a tradition that twenty years before Bob Fergusson had also made a 33 round. TROON.—This enterprising west country club lias found it necessary, like St. Andrews, to have a relief course, and has laid out one of the normal 18-holes. One cHiuse of their new lease seems worthy of note, viz., that cattle and horses shall be entirely prevented from grazing on the links, but that of sheep continued. It seems that the herding of the cattle cost the club no less than ,£42 a year, besides the considerable mount for damage done to the links by the cattle and horses. KILMARNOCK.—Ayrshire bids fair to become the golf centre of the country—at all events, of Scotland. Kilmarnock—didn't Burns warble long ago of the bustling little town— "Now, auld Kilmarnock, cock thy tail, An' toss thy horns fu' canty: Nae mair thou'lt rowte out-owre the dale, Because thy pasture's scanty?"— has at length awakened to a sense of its duties, and laid out a new l8-hole course on the seaside, between the links of the Troon club and those of the Glasgow club] at Gailes. It occupies a triangle go acres in extent, of which the Glasgow & Ayr and Kilmarnock & Ayr railways, uniting at Barassie railway station, are two of the boundaries. A glance at any railway map will at once localise the green. Play starts within 218 The Golfer's Guide

50 yards of Barassie Station, between which and Kilmarnock there is an excellent service of trains. The subsoil is pure sand, and the hazards, bunkers, whin, and rushes, and there is no crossing. The links are only seven miles from Kilmarnock. Fernieand W. Auchterlonie, at the opening of the green last October, came in respectively in 76 and 77. Auchlerlonie's score in was 34—not likely to be soon beaten. CRAIL.—Back again to the windy East Neuk o' Fife, and we find the like being played by sturdy storied old Crail, with Old Torn, as usual, acting as the inspiring genius of the piece. He has reported to the Town Council in favour of leasing Balcomie links t\s an additional course. He indicates that it would make a splendid 9-hole green, and the Council are accordingly endeavouring to come to terms with the proprietor. It is hoped they will lie ready for play this season. OIIAN.—Next we must off and away to Oban in the west, beloved of the late Professor Blackie. The present course at Polamhinistier on the Glen Orutten estate, laid out two years ago, has not been a success. The club is now endeavouring to arrange for a new 18-hole course on Dunolliebeg Farm, near Ganavan sands, where they formerly had a 9-hole course. The new course will be within fifteen minutes' walk of the town. BATHGATB.—This course has been extended to the normal eighteen, and was most successfully opened so lately as the present month of April. The alterations met with universal approval, and the executive are to be most heartily congratulated on the success that has attended their efforts. LUI'FNUSS.—It may be as well to leave Mr. Kerr's admirable note as it stands. Opinions seem to vary as to the new course, and other matters. Time will, no doubt, have its influence on both—let us hope, a beneficial one. It seems a pity we have no longer a dear Old 1'hilp, to whom we can refer any knotty points that may emerge, with confidence. CAKNOUSTIE.—We seem to be bopping all round about Scotland; such, no doubt, are the vagaries of the game. We had the pleasureof reproducing, in our last issue, a plan of both the existing 18 and 9-hole courses of this famous north country green, along with a very full and interesting note by the Secretary. Carnoustie has for many a long year been cherished by the wandering golfer, and the local enterprise has fully warranted this feeling. It will shortly be able to boast of two full 18-hole courses, along with a special green for the ladies—for all which Old Tom (with the aid of an attendant spirit in the form of Bob Simp- son), is again responsible. JOIIN-O'-GROATS.-—The communication is by Highland, Wick, and coach, not Thitrso. We are obliged to Major Henderson for the cor- • rection, which, I have the pleasure of adding, is only one of many courtesies we have received from him in connection with this little book. HAWICK.—A new and much more sporting course was opened on 19th June of last year, and has become very popular. LARGS.—A new green has been opened in the Kelburne Policies, with an entrance from Fairlie Road, one mile from the station. The course is one of 9 holes, and the distances are of good length. There are a variety of hazards, but mainly wood. It has proved much more popular than the old course. SKELMORLIB.—To our note should be added, with regard to communication—G. & S. W., directj and steamers. The Golfer's Guide 219

Cumbrae Golf Club, Millport. (By the Hon. Sec, Mr. JAMBS C. SHAIII'I!.) THE Island of Cumbrae is a favourite resort for summer visitors. Lying in the Firth of Clyde, surrounded on all sides by waters in which " The white sails swelling to the breeze Are mirrored in the summer sens," with a fine sandy bay for bathing, or children playing; unrestricted walking'ovcr the island ; fishing, boating, driving, and—last, but by

CUMBRAE

n< NAM[- I H/W nan 1 U 2 QiAtr»i/i • aw a MALI/ID" uw

i, lACAl£if> 3ft 7 Off* I 22« 8 Jil 9 'id MI no means least — the golf links. Instituted in 1887, the Club has grown from a membership of 30 to near 120, and is still increasing. The course is a nine-hole one, and the holes are placed with judicious effect to utilise the hazards which abound. To the good player Hie course is a delight; he finds his play tested at every point—driving, approaching, and lofting. Yet it is a grand links for a beginner; he dare not go on tapping his ball here, he must loft it, or he will 220 The Golfer's Guide never get to the putting greens. The scratch score in a competition is held by Mr. A. Craigie, Edinburgh, with 87. He also holds the record for the course—86, anil the lowest score for nine holes 38.

The following is a description of the boles :— 1st. The teeing ground for this hole is one that would delight the heart of Willie Park, junior. It is placed on a small hill in front of the club-house, and the drive should be straight over the valley, which lies 80 feet below. A pulled ball is apt to be punished by rough ground. A half-shut with loft should land the ball on the green,, and 4 should be the figure on your card. 2nd. Clanypott, or the "Abbotfs meadow"—distance, 186 yards. The drive here should about reach the green, but again you must beware of a pulled ball, and your approach must not be too strong, or you will find the ball in the burn. A 4 again. 3rd. The Malakoff. The drive should land on the slope of the hill which guards the green, and a half-shot with loft should reach the green. But, if you have not lofted the ball, you will probably find it in the "pocket," and several strokes may be lost. A 4 should be the figure. It has been done in 3—also in 13. 4th. Mountstuarl. No need to lie afraid of a pulled ball here, but you must not slice. Your second shot should clear the valley, and an approach shot land on the green ; but you must not over-run it, or you land in difficulties. A 5 on the card is a fair figure. 5th. Keillachreasain, or the " Penitent's Cell." The drive here should be a good one, or you will be in anything but a penitential frame of mind ; for before the teeing-ground, but below the level of it, is a stone dyke. Beyond the dyke is the "burn" running through a valley. The far side of the valley is covered with whins, so the drive must clear it all. A good lie awaits the well-driven ball. The second should lie on, or in the neighbourhood of, the green. A 4 is good, but 5 is not to be despised. 6th. Lagadein (unknown). The drive must be good to clear the "Whale's Back," which lies in front of the tee. The second shot should be played with the head as well as the hands, for, see, between you and the green lies the " burn " and the dyke. So take note of your lie and play accordingly. A 4 is fine play, but a 5 is not out of the running. 7th. "The Goat," If you drive straight for the green you clear the The Golfer's Guide 221

"bum" and all is well, but a foozle or top at the tee is severely punished. A half-shot should land on the green, and ;i 4 i.s good play. 8th. The " Redan." It is possible to clear the high rampart which guards this green, but the safest way is to land the drive in front and play a full second, which should reach the green. The second shot is the test in playing this hole, ant! many a good score has been ruined here. If yon get it in 4 be thankful, your partner may havt; double figures. 91I1. " Home." Straight driving is necessary at this tee to avoid danger. A full second (far and sure) brings you to the neighbourhood of the green. A wrist shot should lay you near the hole (tie putting green lies in a hollow), and a possible 4, but likely a 5, will be seen on your card. Steamers frequent.

Notts Golf Club, Bulwell Forest.

JULWELL FOREST (strictly, " out-of-doors," forts, for there are no trees) originally lay on the confines of Sherwood Forest, although Sherwood. Forest proper is now some nine or ten miles farther off*— or twelve miles from Nottingham—near Mansfield. Between Bulwell and Mansfield lies Newstead Abbey, Byron's home. Nottingham and its district is full of historical and legendary lore, but such lore is not closely allied to Bulwell Forest. There is still the Bull's Well in the forest, from which the place is supposed to take its name. Bulwell itself is an old copyhold manor. One or two suggestions of legendary love will be found in the annexed paragraph from a Notts paper of date iath October, 1S94; and Robin flood and his merric men had their haunts near to. Bulwell Forest and the Bull Well are introduced in Thomas Miller's " Royston Gower" (a Tale of Sherwood and Nottingham):— "The course itself deserves more than a passing mention; for not only is it the best links in the district, but probably one of the best inland courses in the country, and when certain contemplated improvements have been carried out, and the ground has been played over a little longer, it will be very hard to beat. The course has not been 222 The Golfer's Guide

51 The Golfer's Guide 223

3 o W s 22-1 The Golfer's Guide brought into even its present condition in so short a lime without great labour and considerable generosity on the part of some of the members • but none can lay claim to greater credit than the present captain, MY. Warren, who, during the two years he has held that position, has been untiring in his exertions for the benefit of the club. Formed on a saruly sub-soil, it abounds in good sand hazards (" bunkers"), and the turf is of true golfing quality. The ground is very undulating, and the holes have infinite variety. At one the line is all down hill and over a sea of whins, For the next you may have to drive up hill and play over a .sandpit to a hole on a plateau. . . . The course is nearly three miles long, the holes varying in length from 90 to 480 yards, "The committee, in availing themselves of the Corporation's permission to form their course at Bulwell, have been very anxious to preserve the character of the forest and to remove as little; gorse as possible." (All honour to them ! Yet you will find golfers having the audacity to maintain that gorse is not a true hazard, as you can't play out of it. Better cover in brooks for the same reason.) " Indeed the local golfers may not unfairly claim to be benefactors of the community in opening up and rendering known the forest as they have. It is surprising how few Nottingham people seem to be acquainted with that stretch of breezy common, with its patches of yellow gorse and purple heather and wealth of upland flowers, its bird life, and its bracing air. Who hut ihe golfers and some old BuUvell residenters, perhaps, know the Bull Well, or Potter's Hollow, Sailer's Hill, or Nic's Dale (was not Saint Nicholas the patron saint of robbers, and can this be a reminiscence of the clays when Sherwood Forest sheltered so many outlaws?), or the ; Buck Jump, as the ravine is called that separated the old common land of Bulwell Manor from the domain of Bestvvood, where, perhaps, in old days the dread of the Forest Laws stopped the Bulwell villager from further chase of the plundering deer. It would lie a pity for such a spot to be enclosed, and it is to be hoped that the powers that be will spare it for the recreation of Nottingham folk while living, rather than convert any part of it into a cemetery for their ashes, or even into railway engineering'works." The links are on public ground, but permission to play is given to the Notts Club by the Corporation, and through the former leave to play must be obtained. In addition to this club the Bulwell Forest Artisans' Golf Club and the Notts Ladies' Golf Club (both really started by the Tlie Golfer's Guidfe 225 226 The Golfer's Guide I Notts Club) play on the forest, the former on the 18-hole course, the latter on a 9-hole course of their own. It may he noted as of interest to many old cricketers, and as showing the kindly feeling that exists south of Tweed between devotees of the two great games, that one of the very first meetings of the club in November, 1887, was held in the large cricket emporium of Mr. Richard )aft, the ever famous bat, whose style of back play was in the old days the sub ject of untiring eulogy; and that his scarcely less famous cricketing son, Mr. R. B. Daft, also devotes part of his time to the Royal and Ancient game. At the present date the records are—for amateurs, 86, made by Mr. J. C. Warren, in the monthly medal competition, on 25th October, 1894 ; and for professionals, S3, made by Willie Aveston, the professional, at Cromor, in the same month.

NOTES ON HOLES IN PHOTOS.

No. I is of the putting-green at the first hole. There is a sandy road- way just beyond it and another to the right. Distance 380 yards. No. 2 is the putting-green of the 9U1 hole or the "Bull Well"—close to which spring it lies. This gives a good idea of the green, but Dr. Tew, the photographer, who is only a recent convert to our ranks, is allowing his man to putt at the hole with the flag in it —a solecism I should not like to perpetuate in a photo. Length 375 Pflls- No. 3 is the "Frying Pan"—so called by our collier friends, of whom you may see a number about with their " dawgs." The man to the right of the picture, putting, is old Mr. Doleman (the brother of Mr. William Doleman of Glasgow), and the G.O.M. of our club. Though a bit out at the long game, there is still no one who can beat him on the green. This hole is No. 10, and up on the hill above Mr. Doleman's head, where the play is, is the nth hole—a sporting iron-shot over a sandy face which is not well shown in the picture. The man to the right up on the hill driving is playing for the 12th hole, " Nic's Dale." Except in this photo, all the players are members of the artizan club—of which we are in no small degree proud, as it is one of the few (and the earliest started I believe, except at Westward IIo 1 and possibly Newcastle) in England : and we don't hold The Golfer's Guide 227

them at arm's length like some of the foolish English clubs• though I am an Englishman, I write this in sorrow ! No. 4 shows the club house. The captain is Mr. J. Hall (Mr. Warren having retired after three years' tenure); secretaries, Mr. E. A. Coutts, and Mr. F. G. Mellers; green-keeper, J. Griffin. There is plenty of excellent hotel accommodation in Nottingham. Bulwell Forest is about three miles from Nottingham, and the means

NOTTS GOLF CLUB—TIM CI-UII-HOUSE. of access numerous.—(i) 'Bus and tram to Bulwell Church and walk half a mile, (2) Great Northern train to Basford Station and walk three- quarters of a mile, (3) Great Northern train to Bulwell Forest Station, which the pavilion immediately adjoins. This is far the best route. (4) Midland train to Bulwell Station and walk half a mile. There are constant trains and 'buses and several trams to all of the above stations. Fares by I, 3, and 4, 4d. (8d. 1st class for 3 and 4); and by (2) 3d. and 6d. 228 The Golfer's Guide

NOTiC ON liUIAVELL FOREST.

In a subsequent note Mr. Warren adds:—If our Bulwell golfers ever give a thought to anything but their game (and they won't improve their game if they do) their minds might travel back to the days hundreds of years ago, when their beloved Bulwell Forest formed but a bit of the great Forest of Sherwood itself. It lay within the " Keeping " (Sherwood Forest was divided into three "Keepings") lying between the Leene (a stream that still runs near our course, into which the over- flowings of the "Bull Well" find their way) and " Doverhecke." They would picture the Chief Keeper of the Forest himself, who in this Keeping (for in each he had a different number of attendants) ought to have "a Forester riding with a page and two foresters on foot; and there be two Verderers " (Greenkeepers ? It was their duty to look after the "vert" and see that it was well maintained—the "vert" being everything that grows or bears a green leaf in a forest—but had special reference, alas! in those non-golfing days, to that which was capable of covering a deer) "and two Agisters" who looked after the cattle feeding in the King's Forest, and took money for their pasturage. It may be that even in those far-off days Bulwell Forest was, as it is to this day, free from trees—or at all events any quantity ; for it was an ancient waste of Henry III. and Edward I.—and special mention, too, is made of three " Hayes " or woods in this Keeping—including Beskwood {now Bestwood, the Duke of St. Albans place) which borders on Bulwell Forest. (Between the two is the ravine called "the Buck Jump"). And this is all the more likely, for in the " Liber Forestae de Shirewood " there is reference to the "' Cattel of Bull well" being wont to pasture on a part of the Forest, while the " men of Bullwell" claimed some "essarts" there, and if they had them would be safe to put them in force to clear as much ground as possible for their "cattel." An essart, as you doubtless know, was the right to grub up and clear the ground from bushes and shrubs which formed thickets or coverts in the forest. What a ruthless right of essart do we golfers exercise now upon the poor whins—whether some new-fangled green-committee or by the tremendous niblick of the athletic duffer ! The Chief Forester, too, was to have a page bearing his bow through all the Forest to gather " chiminages," or tolls from those who pasted through it. Substitute clubs for bow, and we have the caddie in very The Golfer's Guide 229 trutli who knows how to exact his toll too as well as any forester among them ! See how history repeats itself—instead of the forester, his verderers, his agisters, and his page, we have our captain with his lordly stride, accompanied by his retinue of green committee, his secretary and treasurer to collect the club dues, and his caddie—as cheeky as the page of ancient clays, and not much more reliable. Our Bulwell Forest formed part of the wood of Bulwell Ryse, and must have been of greater extent in early days. In 26 Edward I. eighty acres of this wood were demised to Philip Willoughby to be enclosed "with Ditch and Hedge according to the Assize of the Forest,"' at a yearly rent to the exchequer of 26s. 8d., and 40 acres more went to Thomas de Rydewalle at 13s. 4<1. per annum. The rest of it in herbage only was granted to the township of Bulwell at 5s. a year. In all probability this was practically our Bulwell Forest of to-day ; and from the position of the Leene and Bestmoor it cannot have suffered very serious, encroachments. These 80 acres and 40 acres got into the hands of the Monks of Newstede (Ncwstead) till a suit was brought against them in Hilary Term 27 Edward III., when the Prior of Newstede disclaimed them, and the town of Bulwell was " found to have pastured in them." However, the church was not going to give up the land, and injjo, Edward III. the lieutenant of Ralph de Trevill (then keeper or warden of the forest) and " the two verderers" and all the regarders of the forest: and the whole town of Bulwell and many strangers, came to Bulwell Ryse and measured out the 80 and 40 acres—laying out a new course is nothing to it!—and handed them over to the Prior of Newstede and John de. Ride wall. Nor were they content with our present regulation quantities,, for the perch they used was 21 ft. (instead of 16A) long, while the forest foot itself was 18 inches long. A useful foot for stymies ! This forest foot is marked on the chancel walls of two old forest churches as a record of length. The rest of the Bulwell Forest would appear to have been left for the Bulwell people in accordance with the grant. We are Indebted for the foregoing notes to Mr. John C. Warren, late- captain of the club. 230 The Golfer's Guide

St. David's Golf Club, Harlech (North Wales).

President—The Hon. HAROLD FINCH HATTON. Captain—Vf. LOWSON, Esq., J.P., Dolfriog, Penrhyrdeudrarth. Honorary Secretary—W. H. MORE, Esq., Noddfa, Harlech. TUB little town of Harlech, formerly the capital of Merionethshire, is most picturesquely situated on the western slope of a range of mountains overlooking Cardigan Bay. In the midst of the town, on a precipitous rock, some 300 feet high, towers the grand old Castle of Harlech, renowned in history for its many sieges, and for the shelter which it afforded to Margaret of Anjou and other illustrious fugitives. Though uninhabited, il is in a good state of preservation, the beauty of its outline having been in no way marred by the battering of Cromwell's ubiquitous cannon. Formerly, the base of the precipice upon which it stands was washed by the sen, but this has now. retreated for some three quarters of a mile, leaving a stretcli of grass land and sand dunes, upon which the golf links are situated. The view from these links affords a scene the grandeur of which it would be difficult to surpass. Away to the east, the north, and north-west, rise the mountains, range upon range, a magnificent amphitheatre, while far above all lowers the mighty peak of Snowdon, the crowning beauty of the scene. To the west He the shining waters of Cardigan Bay, separated from the golf links by a stretch of hard sand, unbroken for four miles. All this, however, does not appeal to the true golfer nearly as much as what he calls the natural beauties of the course. These, from his point of view, consist of vast stretches of sea grass, a variety of sand bunkers, and natural obstacles in the shape of huge sand dunes. The absence of a single pebble or stone on the entire length of the course, and the fact that the first tee is only a few hundred yards from the railway station, go to make up a perfect golfers' paradise. The club was only formed in May last, and the first competition was held in November, the meeting being attended by Mr. John Ball, jvm., Mr. Mure Fergusson, and Mr. •Chas. Hutchings. The President's cup and the Club bowl were both . won by Mr. Ball, with scores 75, 77, 77, 72. The visitors expressed themselves delighted both with the natural advantage of the course of The Golfer's Guide 231

id a 1 135 1 s d !• N IP

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18 holes, and the admirable manner in which it had been laid out so as to make the most of them. The " lying " all through the green is good, anil will improve with use. The greens, of excellent quality, are being steadily enlarged, and the sandy nature of the subsoil renders it capable of absorbing any i|iiantity of moisture. Harlech possesses two excellent hotels, the "Castle" and "Lion," with moderate tariffs, which can be obtained on application. There is some private accommodation for visitors at reasonable terms. The Cambrian Railway has arranged with other companies for the issue to ] larlech of tourists' tickets throughout the year ; and week-end tickets- are issued from the chief centres. The company also book to Harlech from any station on their system at reduced fares, on production at time of booking of ticket of membership of the St. David's Golf Club. The terms of subscription are:—£i, is. entrance fee, and £i, is. annually. Ladies, ios. 6d. annually. Visitors—Gentleman, 5s. per week. Ladies, 2s. 6d. We have to thank the Hon. Sec. for the above most interesting description.

Blackheath School Old Boys' Golf Club. i; brought up on the historic links of Klackheath, the BUickheath school boys naturally begin to take an interest in golf at an early age, and therefore, even before the present " boom " in golf began, there were many keen and experienced golfers amongst the old pupils of that school. Early in the year 1893 a proposal was made to form an Old Boys' Golf Club, and such proposal being favourably entertained by the majority of the golfing old boys, on March 91b, 1893, ^le above club was formed with a membership of 41, which has now (Oct. 1894) increased to 76. The membership of the Club is limited to past pupils of the School, and gentlemen who are, or have been, connected with the management of the School as masters or members of the Committee. It possesses no links of its own, relying upon the kindness of other clubs lending their links for the competitions, which are held at present half-yearly in May and October. The annual subscription is 5s., and there is no entrance fee. The Golfer's Guide 233 1 The club owns two permanent prizes—viz., a gold medal for the best ! gross score at each competition, and a cup for the best net score under a limited handicap. A prize is also given at each meeting for the best net score under handicap exceeding that limited for the cup. Four competitions have already been held—viz., two in 1893, at Blackheath and Kltham, respectively, and two in 1894 on the same links, at which the attendance has been most __ _ satisfactory, 25 starters cm an average turning out to compete. The Club has also played several matches against other clubs with success. The present holder of the gold medal is Mr. F. S. Inland (who has won it on each of the four occasions upon which It has been played for), and the holder of the cup is Mr, M. H. Richardson. Mr. F. S. Ireland is the captain this year (1S94), and Mr. H. E. Lawrence, Black- heath, Kent, the Hon. Sec, which post he has held since the formation of (he Club. Mr. Lawrence believes that this was the M». LAWRRNCIC, Blackheath. first Old BoysClub established in England, but is not sure whether they were not anticipated by Winchester. We are indebted for the above interesting note to the lion. Sec, Mr. Lawrence, whose photograph we also reproduce.

Leasowe Golf Club (Cheshire). THIS Club was established in 1891, and, with the exception of one short period of trouble, has gone on progressing steadily since the day of its inauguration. Until last year the course was over part of the Common adjoining the Leasowe Lighthouse, but one or two of the Commoners took it into their heads that Ihe Club should not be there, and did (heir best to express their regard by cutting; up the greens, and otherwise making themselves objectionable. The Club therefore resolved that rather than be subject to such annoyance in Ihe future, new Links should be acquired ; and in the

LKASOWK GOL

THE "GOKGE," GOING TO SECOND HOLE. CLUU-HOCSE IN DISTANCE 236 The Golfer's Guide beginning of 1894 entered into possession of a portion of land adjoining Leasowe Castle—owned by R. C. Delgreg Tyner, Esq., where a very fine nine hole course has been laid out, and a handsome and commodious club house erected. The turf is of the orthodox golfing; description, and the hazards consist of sandy bunkers (natural and artificial), cops, rushes, briars, etc. The course is not a very long one but the holes are full of variety and interest. Mr. John Ball, junior, who was captain of the club from its formation until this year, holds the record for the two rounds with an exceptionally brilliant score of 70, which is not likely to be lowered for some time to come. The details are 5, 3. S. 4. 4. 4> 4. 4, 4 = 37 • and 4, 3, 4, 4, 4, 3, 3, 5, 3 = 33 = 7o. The members of the Leasowe Club play golf on historic ground, a spot where sport lias been always a prominent feature, for it was here that the Derby family, when resident at Leasowe Castle, held the horse races. It is said that the great Duke of Monmouth, in the year 1682, rode and won a race on this course. The nearest station to the Links is Leasowe Station, on the Wirral Railway, built specially for the convenience of the Club. It is 20 minutes' ride from Liverpool, and there is a good service of trains. The present membership of the club is 225—the limit—and th& entrance fee ,£5, 5s. Visitors are allowed to use the Links when introduced by a member, but must not play on Saturdays or Holidays, unless by payment, unless in the case of visitors who reside more than 30 miles from the links. The officers of the club are :—Captain, Mr. Roderick Johnston; Hon. Treas., Mr. C. H, Smith, 4 Filey Terrace, Hoylake; Hon. Sec, Mr. J. Cromarty, II Rumford Street, Liverpool, We are indebted for the above description and the interesting photographs to the Hon. Sec, Mr. J. Cromarty.

Derbyshire Golf Club.

THIS Club was instituted on the 12th of October, 1892, at a meeting; convened by Mr. W. T. Morley and Mr. Walter Bancroft, the Honorary Secretary, and has been very successful, the membership at the present time being about 175. The course, which consists of eighteen holes, i& situated on the Osmaston Park estate, about a mile and a quarter from the Derby (Midland) Station. The Committee have for some time

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...• i 240 The Golfevs Guide been negotiating for additional ground, with the object of improving the second nine holes of the course, which are not at present altogether satisfactory. The hazards consist of plantations, pits,, streams, etc. Splendid club-house accommodation, both for ladies and gentlemen, is provided in Osmaston Hall. As to Osmaston Hall, the present headquarters of the club, who has not heard of it? The ancestral house of the ancient Wilmots has passed into the ownership of the Midland Railway Company; but, under their genial auspices, the Derbyshire Golf Club has every prospect of spending many a sunny hour in the stately old hall. Osmaston was in possession of the Wilmots for close upon three centuries. The Wilmots arc a very ancient family,'and, equally with the other Derby- shire stock, the Vkeovers of Vkeover, were firmly established in the land at the Conquest. Speed mentions a nobleman of the name who lived in Essex in the reign of Ethelred ; and in the eleventh century, a family called Wyllimot resided at Sutton-on-Soar in the county of Nottingham. The later representatives of the name who settled at Osmaston were a younger branch of the Chaddesden family. The Mall was purchased in 1696 by Robert Wilmost, who married the hevtess of the Shrigley family ; and one of his two sons was Secretary of Slate for Ireland for thirty years, and was created a baronet in 1772. The house is partly of brick and partly of stone, and there are evidences of two distinct styles of architecture. The north front measures 217, and the south 192 feet in length. It once boasted a valuable library and an excellent gallery of paintings. The grounds arc charmingly wooded—such of them as have survived the deadly breath of the huge furnaces. There is a very queer yarn about a Chinese-—who was christened Osmaston, and died here in the odour of sanctity—that one would like to give, did space spare. One scion of the old family was the famous John Kardley Wilmost, schoolfellow of Garrick and Johnson, and eventually Lord Chief Justice. One of this excellent man's remarks upon duelling may stand repe- tition :—"Yes; certainly it would be manly to resent the insully but God-like to forgive it." The family intermarried with royalty, and the last to occupy the old house was Sir Robert Wilmost Ilorton, who only died some thirteen years ago. It is in this storied old mansion that the flourishing County Club The Golfer's Guide 241 have found a home. Roses, while and red, peep in at the windows, and the old garden is lush with rhododendron and rioting honey- suckle. The professional is Willie Lewis. The Golf Club came forward nobly in support of the Football Chili at the bazaar held last year—very lightly acknowledging the loyal support they had received from the latter at the time of their own foundation. The Hall is at the southern cud of the town, and a chosen haunt of lovers as well as other lunatics. Through the courtesy of the lion. See., to whom we are also indebted for the foregoing note, we have the pleasure of reproducing photographs of the hall, club group, and putting scene. Bournemouth Corporation Golf Links, Mcyrick Park. TINS spirited Corporation is, we understand, the first out of Scotland to devote its attention to Golf in the interests of the community ; and we hope the present effort will not only meet with the satisfaction and approval of citizen and visitor, but may also induce the civic powers in other places to follow the meritorious and plucky lead. A beautiful park of about 126 acres, close to the centre of the town, has been secured for ever to the citizens at a comparatively trilling cost. The ground, which was formerly known as Poor's Common, and over which certain holders had right to cut turf, was only a short year ago a howling wilderness of heather and whin of absolutely no utility or benefit whatever to the town, and certainly no place for popular games. To-day we have a smiling stretch of rolling land interspersed with the greenest of putting greens, and broken here and there by mountainous ranges of bunkers. The park—the manorial rights of which were given over to the town by Sir George Meyrick-—is understood to be worth about ,£100,000; and of the land acquired 16 acres were sold by the Corporation for building purposes. The extensive work of1 laying out the Park, which will henceforth be known as the Mcyrick Park, building a commodious pavilion, and the settlement of preliminary affairs (£52° I™1' l0 ^1C owners of turf rights ; ,£700 for special Act of Parliament, etc.), have involved an expenditure of ,£12,000. Of this sum £9,000 is covered by the land sold by the Corporation, leaving only ,£3,000 to be met by the ratepayers. Sixty acres are devoted to the Links, and on the BOURNEMOUTH PARK. TALBOT W D D D S

(ft The Golfer's Guide 213 other side uf the admirably made road, about ten have been devoted to cricket, football, bowling, and other sports. The course is not a long one, the entire length of iS boles only reaching to 2% miles; but Tom Dunn has made the most of every tech of ground at his disposal and placed bis hazards with judicious care. It is pre-eminently a course where iron play will tell, and the majority of the holes are very sporting. Water has very properly been laid on to each green, and it may be put that both teeing and putting groens are all that can be desired. The ladies have a nine-hole course of their own encircled by that of the men. It is about 700 yards in length, with an area of 4 acres, .and the putting greens are splendid. The whole uf the little course—a capital idea—has been surrounded with a.small row of firs. Of the many Links laid out by Tom Dunn, none reflects greater credit on his knowledge and skill. The cost amounts to ,£2,000. The Links were opened with great ceremony on 28th November before a great crowd of sightseers—among the latter of whom not the least interested were a number of dogs of high anil low degree, who had no end of fun among themselves coursing the balls during the subsequent play. In the afternoon a foursome was played between Taylor, the champion, and Mr. J. P. Croal, against Mr. A. J. Robert- son, of Golf., and John Dunn, in which the former won at the last hole by a putt. The following day Taylor, playing' against Tom Dunn, established record—C5. In the afternoon Taylor beat Mr. Ihitchinson by 3 and 2. By the way, the Arms of Bournemouth might judiciously be adopted by the Ladies Golf Club—" Pulchritudo et Salubrilas."

Welling-borough. NOUTHAML'TONSINIIK is noted for spires, squires, and spinsters. Karls Barton and Brixworth are the oldest churches in the county, and Doddington, a village near the Wellinghorough Links, has a church where a very old Bible is still chained to the lectern. King Charles I. and Henrietta came to the spring known as Redwell, and from it and other springs Wellingboroiigh probably got its name. There is a story told of an old lady, Hannah Spark, who, to save a house that was on fire, ordered the servants when the water ran short to resort to the beer in 244 The Golfer's Guide the collar to put the fire out. She lived to the age of 107, and was chaired round the market place when she was 100. " Iron, iron, iron, everywhere," says a Northamptonshire writer when speaking of Wellingborough S "from church to cottage, from pig-stye to mansion, all is iron ; we worship in iron, we lie down in iron, we walk on iron, and we even drink iron, for it is not only in the water, but in

W. W. ROBERTSON, HON. SEC, WKLUNGHOKOUGN CI.UB.

the beer and stout. The produce of our fields is grown on beds of iron, and finally we are buried in iron." Near here is Chester House, introduced in Mrs. Campbell Pracd's book, "The Right Honourable," which stands on the site of an old Roman encampment. From Wollaston, a neighbouring village, twenty- Seven church spires may be seen on a clear clay. The Wellingborough The Golfer's Guide 245

Links arc on property belonging to llarrowden Hall, which was owned at one time by the Vaiix family. It is supposed that the famous Gun- powder Plot was arranged either at the Hall or the Triangular Lodge, a quaint three-cornered building covered with inscriptions, situated at Rushton, a few miles away and near the Kettering Links, built by Sir Thomas Tresham three hundred years ago. On part of [lie Welling- horough Links was a line whin for cover, which was burned by the navvies when making the railway some years ago. The whins still come through in places, and net as hazards for us golfers. The course itself is one of nine holes, and was laid out by Old Tom

WELLINGUOROUGI!. MAKING UP THE SCORH—hA MEDAL.

in November 1893. It is situated on the West Farm, about two miles from the'London and NorthWestern,[nml'onc'mile from the Midland, Kailway Stations. There is a small temporary clubhouse in charge of C. Stocks, the greenkeeper. The turf is of fine quality, and the situation high and dry, with a pleasing view. One or two of the greens are sporting, and the lies between generally good. There are about seventy- five gentlemen and twenty-five lady members. The course is one mile five furlongs long. Visitors living outside the four-mile radius, if introduced by a member, 24G The Golfer's Guide can play one week free in each year. Every week afLer is a charge of

NINIII GRBBN.

WHLLINODOROUOHI BIQMTBBNTU GIUIEN, 2B. &1. Annual subscription and entrance fee for genUemen, one The Golfer's Guide 247

WELUNGBOROUGH

'£e.ale uf Yils

Railway Crab Conner Lands End High OldTam Tabor Windmills

Home 24-8 The Golfer's Guide guinea and a half, and for ladies a guinea. The Captain and Vice- captain for this year arc Messrs. W. W. Robinson and W. Dulley. The Hon. Sec. is Mr, Robinson, who was mainly instrumental in starting the club. The records are 44 by Tabor, professional, and 51 by Col. Wyrter, amateur, We are indebted for the above interesting notes, as also the photographs, to the him. sec, Mr W. W. Robinson, whose own likeness we have also the pleasure of reproducing. Grange over Sands Golf Club. FORMBD FEBRUARY 3rd, 1894. President—The Right Hon. the EARL of DEKHV, G.C.B. Vice.-President—9\x JOHN T. HLBBKRT, K.C.B., and VICTOR CAVENDISH, Esq., M.P, Captain— MAJOR MICIIAEI.SON (Late Royal Knniskillcns). Secretary—The Rev. G. VICKARS-GASKF.U.. THE little watering-place of Grange over Sands (called "The Torquay of the North ") is situated on the edge of the Lake District on the upper reach of Morecambe Bay, It has a station on the Furness line of railway, and is 10 miles iron: Carnforth (where it joins the L. & N. W. main line), and Midland Railways, There is capital accommodation for visitors to be had, either at the Grange Hotel, one of the largest and best managed hotels out of London; the Crown Hotel, a most comfortable old-fashioned house; or at numerous lodging-bouses and private apartments. The village is most picturesquely situated under the wooded heights of Vewbarrow Fell, has a very salubrious and mild climate, and in the matter of " Sunshine Records" is far ahead of any other north country place. The Priory church of Cartmel, two miles away, is a splendid pile dating from A. t). 118S, founded by William Maresehall, Earl of Pem- broke, " for the increase of our holy religion," and the charter concludes with " whosoever shall injure the said Priory, may he incur the curse of (iod, of the blessed Virgin Mary, and of all other saints, as well as my particular malediction." The curiously carved oak screen is of early 17tli century work, while the 26 oak stalls arc of still earlier date, with quaintly carved movable seats, and are worth a long journey to sec. Ilolker Hall, the favourite seat of the late Duke of Devonshire, is 5 miles from Grange, and is open to visitors, Levens Hall, 7 miles, is The Golfer's Guide 249

one of the finest examples of the old Manor House extant, with gardens said to have been laid out contemporary with, and after the manner of, those at Hampton Court. Many of the farmhouses in the neighbourhood have old "ingle nenks," porches, ancient mantels, oak panelling, and other items of interest to the antiquarian.

The golf links are at Fell (late, about a mile from Grange; on the road to Cartmel. The course is a nine-hole one, and over upland

GRANGE OVER SAN DS

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pasturage, on Limestone Fells, which gives splendid short springy .turf. All the hazards are natural and varied. The first green is well guarded by a pond on one side, and a thicket of thorns on the other, with a wall beyond to catch an overdriven ball. No. 2, "Cliff," is a short one at the top of a steep breast; a pulled ball is into a spinney; an overdriven one goes into Limestone Scaurs, or down a deep ravine. The drive at the third tee is a superb one from the top of a limestone cliff some 20 feet high, across a long bunker of broken, stony, and furze-studded ground, and a couple of iron shots take the ball over a stone wall on to a circular green—No. 3, "Fell Top." 250 The Golfer's Guide

The fourth green, " Fir Tree," lies on a little plateau at the foot of a long gorse-clfld hill, intersected by three stone walls which are all awkward ball traps. The fifth ("Quarry") green is on the top of a steep breast, and the easiest on the course. The sixth is a very sporting hole. A long clean drive carries over a wall and into the bottom of a deep cup-like hollow in a hill side ; a pulled ball Hies into a road " out of bounds "; and a toed ball sails into n quarry. A couple of iron shots clears the steep breast in front, and carries over a wall on to the best green of all—"The Hollow." To make the seventh ("Corner") green, a good drive and an iron shot is needed to reach the crest of a ridge, and then the hole lies full in view at the bottom of the opposite slope, guarded by a wall, rocks, and gorse. The eighth tee is at the bottom of a steep breast, but once at the top it is plain sailing to the " Priory " green, where is one of the finest views in all Lakeland, of mountains, valley, and sea. The ninth hole offers no difficulties, but affords the opportunity for a pretty approach from a steep ridge immediately above it. The Club membership is about 90 or ioo. The subscription is £x, is., and entrance £1, is. Ladies are admitted as subscribers at IOS. fid. Visitors can obtain day tickets at 2s. each, or weekly at 5s. We are indebted to the I Ton. Sec. for the above Interesting description.

Kettering Golf Club.

Tins busy, thriving little Northamptonshire town, which owes so much of its recent prosperity to S. Crispin, has bad a long history and an honourable record. It first appears in authentic story as Cytringham, but there is little doubt that, under whatever name, it must have harked back to the stirring times when the warlike Corttani and Iceni were vainly banging and battering the obtrusive Roman, who, as a matter of fact, minded hard licks as lit llc as a red or black gutta. Tt is equally certain that it must have played its part in the clanging fray of Dane and Angle; and Bridges mentions that after the death of Edgar in 975, an early golfer of the name of Leofsi, son to Bixi, " by rapine and violence despoiled the convent of its possessions in Bijrch, The Golfer's Guide 251

Undele and Katering ; the lands lying waste without tillage ov culture for two years "—in other words, the worthy fellow saw that their true purpose in life was to act as links, pure and simple. In the Domesday survey taken soon after the Norman Conquest, it appears that the "Abbot of Burgh" (Peterborough) "had ten hides in Cateringe" ; and until the dissolution Peterborough retained all sorts of manorial rights and privileges therein. Thereafter the centuries appear to have sped serenely under the protecting wing of the illustrious Montagus and others, till we find in Magna Britannia, dated 1724, that it had settled down to serious work and was already " a well-traded populous town." The manufactures at that time were chiefly woollen, and they had much fame in shaloons, serges, and tammies—for all I know to the contrary, the very Tarn 0' Shunters that have since bulked so largely in the present clay as ornaments for the noddles of both sexes. At present, however, the most important manufacture is that of boots and shoes. Kettering is distinctly happy in its beautiful surroundings, itself the centre of any number of places of historic interest. Such, say, are Barton Hall, on the bank of the Isc, with its famous elms ; Wnrkton, also charmingly wooded, with its church and splendid memorials of the Montagus, (Irafton, Weekley, Broughton, Gcddinglon, Reene, and other names lo conjure with. And it would surely be unpardonable to omit all reference to Kirby Hall, which, we read, was built by Sir Christopher Hatlon—probably the same nimble worthy who danced himself into the graces of the Vestal of the West, and storied Rockingham with its memories of blood and thunder Edward III. More interesting to us here, however, is, perhaps, the fact that it is the very home of sport, be it cricket, tennis, football, golf—be you a meek, lowly, and reverent follower of Jack Walton, or of harum- scarum, hell-in-harness kin to clanging Gurorysse with her long tail ; for famous I'ylchley itself is only a short distance away. It is interesting, further, to read that I'ylchley has been associated with hunting from very early times; for Domesday Book records " One_ William," who held his lands at' Pightesley by Sergeantry of hunting wolves, foxes, and other vermin, and he had a predecessor in the title known as "Alwyne the Hunter." But when we drift clown to 1891 we find cjuite as outstanding a 252 The Golfer's Guide personality as either " One William" or " Alwync the Hunter," appear upon the scene, without either baying of hound or blast of horn-a quiet, pleasant, gentle, old man with the most genial of smiles and no lack of kindly words, yet with a sheaf of clubs that have evidently seen no end of service, and still mean business—viz., redoubtable Old Tom himself—who proceeds there and then to do his best by the many hazards of this inland course, trees, hedges, gorge, and water, grips, roads, ruts and ditches. Old Tom has paid several visits to Kettering, and has never yet seen cause to import a turf to aid the beautiful natural greens. There is a great deal of variety in Tom's appreciative remarks on such occasions, but it is probable that his modest remark: "No golfer need he ashamed to play here," erred, if at all, in its moderation. The Club house is neat and substantial, and most conveniently situated to the first tee and last hole. It is the only eighteen hole course in the county, and in a readily accessible and central position ; and, as has lately been practically suggested, it would be a good thing to establish a County Club here, as many members of the Hunt might patronise it on off days and during .summer. The Club owes a great deal to the fostering care of Dr. Allison, who has also founded a club for working men on the North Park ; aud it has over and above been more than fortunate in its present Honorary Secretary, Mr. Frank Mobbs. Taylor and Hugh Kirkaldy share the record in 8l, The holes vary in length from 130 to 510 yards, and even more so is the delightful diversity of their hazards. Let us note with approval that they have an "Old Tom's Kittle Hole"; but what about the " Furnace"? Is this a delicate reminiscence of Musselburgh " I'andy" or St. Andrews—" H—hush "? The town stands on the main line of the Midland Railway, about 75 miles from London j and northwards this line forks off into two great brunches, one running to Manchester and Liverpool via Leicester and Darby, the other running direct to Nottingham. The Honorary Secretary is V. Mobbs, Esq., Kettering, and the green-keeper, C. Gilbert.

MINKIIKAI) AND WnsT SOMERSET GOLF Cl.UB.—This Club was founded in 1SS2 by Dr. Clark, a local practitioner, and a native of I The Golfer's Guide 253

5 I LU 254 The Golfer's Guide

rle. The course is one of nine holes, and ihe record 83. The links are private, but visitors are admitted on payment of 10s. per month, 7s. 6cl, per fortnight, and 5s. a week. Captain—0. T. Sadler. Joint-Hon. Sees.•—J. Utten Todd and II. Owen Brown. Professional—A. Jones llobley, late of Oxford University Golf Club. Ample hotel and lodging accommodation in Minchead, ten minutes from links. [Station, Minehead, (!.W.R. Branch from Taunlon.

Falmouth Golf Club.

INSTITUTED JULY 1S94.

Annual Subscription, £1, is. Number of Members—60. Captain—Mr. IIisiimuiT MANKKI., Hon. Treasurer—Mr. TOM R. (JRYI.I.S. Hon. Secretary—Mr. WILSON LLOYD Fox. THB course, which is a sporting one, consists of nine holes, and is situate at Higher Argal, about two and a half wiles from Falmouth. The hazards arc hedges, a quarry, gorse, the end of a brick field, a small stream, and rough ground and rushes. The farmhouse, occupied by Mr, Richard Dale, is used as a Club house. Handicap competitors are played on the second Friday, and Col. Bogey matches on the third Friday of every month. We are indebted for the above note to the lion. Sec. There is no village at Argal, and Mr Dale's farmhouse is used by the Club. Brakes run on Club-days—Wednesday and Friday—at a charge of 6d. a head each way. The nearest stations are Falmouth and Penryn, each about 2| miles distant. There is no entrance fee, and the annual subscriptions are, for ladies 10S. 6d., and for gentlemen, £1, is. There are plenty of drolls and legends throughout Cornwall, but not many in this particular neighbourhood ; and while there are several notes of interest in connection with the town and neighbourhood, they might, perhaps, be somewhat out of place in a "Golfer's Guide." But the following may interest some readers :—ft is well known from ancient historians that Cornwall and the Scilly Isles were visited by the ROSEHILL GARDENS, FALMODTH, THE RESIDENCE OF MR HOWARD FOX. 25G The Golfer's Guide

Phoenicians for the stennum or tin metal more than 200 years before Christ, in which lucrative traffic they were in course of time joined by the < rtecians and Romans, ami (as is expressed by that excellent living geologist, Joseph Came, Esq.) most probably the tin from hence became a constituent pail of " Lhe Shield and Helmet of Achilles, the Taber- nacle of the Israelites, the Purple of Tyre, and Die Temple of Solomon." It is evident the naval traders could not come so far as the Hcsperides (Scilly) and Bolerivrm (the Land's End) without often reaching this harbour. Thus it is mentioned by Ptolemy as the mouth of the River Cenia (now called the Fal), and the castle and town of Cenia (the present Tregony), likewise it was called Valulia, which is still so far extant as to be used on a seal as the motto under the town arms. It is curious that there is noharbourin England so highly and distantly recorded as this one, for by the Greeks and Romans it had several appellations, and yet there is no (own in Cornwall of more modern erection ! It is called by Leland " notable and famous, and the principal haven of all fair Britain." The historians, Norden, Carew, Camden, and Speed, agree in the account, and it is stated that 100 sail may be at anchor therein without seeing each other's top 1 The entrance to this haven is about a mile wide, deep water even at low tide, a bold shore with no obstruction except one rock (called the Black Rock), which, as Carew says, "doth not ciidamage it, for a pole thereon has always served to prevent any mischance; and, having entered, behold ! its calm and friendly bosom, displaying many arms branching in various ways between the sheltering hills, with depth of water for large fleets, inviting to anchor anil repose in safety," We can see I'almouth Bay and Harbour from the Links, as well as Pendennis Castle. The photographic engraving shows a private putting-green at Rose Hill, I'almouth, the residence of Howard Fox, Esq.

Coventry Golf Club. Tun club was instituted so lately as the spring of 1877, mainly through the energy of Mr, Harold Smith, and already numbers 11G members, and is one of the most nourishing in the Midlands. The links «rc situated on Whitley Common, about a mile from the centre of the town, and the original green laid out by Mr. Peter I'axton, then greenkeeper The Golfer's Guide 257 at Malvcrn, as a nine-hole course. Since then three more holes have been added, which enables the second round to be considerably varied from the first, and at the same time the length of the latter is increased

so much so that the rounds are now described as the "short" and "long" courses. Hugh Kirkaldy was the first teacher engaged, and many of his pupils have proved adepts. The record is held by Mr. G. F. Twist with 81. It may be noted, in passing, that the invention of "Col. Bogey" is due to a member. The Common is a piece of high and spacious land just outside the municipal houndary, and claims to be about the best inland course in England. The principal hazards are whins, fairly distributed; and there is scarcely a hole but is well guarded either by them or some peculiar formation of the ground. The total length of the 18 holes is about 2}( miles, and the distance between holes varies from 150 to 450 yards. No. I (Dyke) requires a very accurate drive and good second with iron to reach the green, which is well guarded. A sliced ball in cither drive or approach is severely punished. No. 5 (Pork) is only a short hole that may be reached from the tee, but it must be played quite straight. No. 6 (Howe's Lane) is a blind hole with a beautiful hanging green. No. 7 (Abbey), a long carry over a ravine with a good brassy for second, anil a difficult approach. Nos. 9 and 10 are also very difficult. The putting greens, although a trifle small, are unsurpassed by any inland English green ; and it must be added that Randall always has them in the pink of perfection. The general lies are good. A commodious club-house adjoins the Links; and on the opposite side of the road is a very flourishing Ladies' Club with a nine-hole course of their own, and a. membership of 70. We are indebted for most of the above details to the courtesy of the lion. Sec, Mr. Harold Smith, of Pinley House. 258 The Golfer's Guide

Ufracombe Golf Club. President—-W'. BERTRAM, Esq., J.P., D.L. Vice-President--The Right Hon. A. J. BAI.KOUR, M.P. Hon. Secretary—V'HANK R. BOATFIEI.D (FOX, Fowler & Co., Bankers, Ilfracombe). No. of Members, 45. Annual Subscription, 7s. 6d. Entrance Fee, as. 6d. THE links are situated about a mile and a half from the town of Ilfracombe, and some 500 or 600 feet above it. The air is pure and bracing, and a fine viewis commanded on every side. Looking

\ LFRACOMBE

across the British Channel, one distinguishes the Welsh Coast from the Mumbles to Cardiff. In nearer proximity the Torrs stand out picturesquely, and beyond these stretch Exmoor and Dartmoor. The golf course is a nine-hole one, and about 1809 yards long. Ladies and gentlemen play together, and it m possible to play all the year round. Strangers arc allowed to play on payment of 2s. 6d. per week, and members of other golf clubs, on applying to the Hon. Secretary, can play for three days. There are good hotels and boarding-houses in Ufracombe. [L. & S.-W. Ry. Co. The Golfer's Guide 259 The Warwickshire Golf Club. THE club was founded on ioth November 1886. Tbe number of members is limited to 250, and is already 233, The entrance subscription is £2, and the annual £1 for members elected before 1st November 1892, and £2 for those subsequent. The Patrons are The Right Hon. The Eavl of Aylesford and The Right Hon. The Earl of Warwick. President—The Hon. R. H. Lyttelton ; Caplain for 1894-95—Mr H. E. Da C. Morris ; Hon. Sec. and Treas.—Mr. F. C. Hunter Blair, 38 Warwick Street, Leamington. The professional is Sydney Cooper, and the greenkeeper, Walter Price. The club-rooms are at the Wheat Sheaf Hotel, Warwick, 150 yards from the Links, and there are a professional" shed and caddies' shelter on the Links. The links are picturesquely situated on St. Mary's Common, below the ancient burgh of Warwick, and, being well grazed all the year round, are admirably adapted for golf. The hazards consist of fences,' ditches, high hilly niches, cattle pounds, gullies, " out of bounds" fields, gorse, and water hurdles, roads and race-course rails—the most sporting holes being the second, third, fourth, and sixth. The course is a nine- hole one. The putting greens, though apt to get heavy in wet weather, during the winter months are for the best part of the year in capital condition. The course is regularly rolled with a heavy horse-roller, and bad lies are the exception. The record in a stroke competition is 84, twice achieved by Mr. W. Bouch, and once by Mr. I7. M. G. Abell. The course is altered in June and July owing to the encampment of the militia 'battalions on the "Star Close," but tbe summer course is considered to be nearly equal to the regular one, only four of the holes being altered. The members are most comfortably housed at the Wheat Sheaf Hotel, Warwick, where they have the exclusive use of a large dining-room, a comfortably furnished smoking-room, locker rooms, and lavatory. The links are three-quarters of a mile from the Great Western Railway Station at Warwick, and two miles from the Great Western and London and North-Western Station al Leamington. Tram cars run regularly from Leamington to Warwick, the Warwick terminus being only two hundred yards from the links. Visitors are admitted for three days free, and for each subsequent week by payment of 5s. a week. There is first-class accommodation 260 The Golfer's Guide for visitors at the Warwick Arms Hotel at Warwick, and at the Regent and Clarendon Motels at Leamington. We are indebted for the above to the Hon. Sec, who very courteously supplied the details.

Canterbury. THIS club was started in October 1891 by about a dozen Canterbury golfers who wished to have an opportunity of some practice at the game on ground close to the ancient city, and who were struck with the golfing possibilities of the Old Park. The success which the club has attained is a striking evidence of the great popularity of the game, the membership having increased in a manner quite unforeseen by the original promoters, now amounting to nearly a hundred. The progress of the club is almost entirely due to the energy of the late Captain Dr. B. C. Manly, a golfer well known on all the links in this locality, by whose sad death in August last the club has sustained an irreparable loss. The course on the Old Park is of nine holes. The hazards are a sand-pit, gorse and whins, and grass-grown mounds, a ridge formed by the excavations of sand and gravel in past times. Six of the nine holes traverse this kind of ground, which has much of the uneven appearance of natural sand links. Three of the tees are on ground considerably above the level of corresponding greens, giving those fascinating tee .shots of which all golfers are so fond. Two of the greens are on raised plateaux and guarded by sand bunkers, while the eighth is a charming little green ot the "punch bowl" kind, with steep sloping banks. Most of the greens have plenty of "wave" to give interest to the putting. As the links rest on a sand or gravel subsoil they are very dry in winter and comparatively free from mud and worm casts, the bane of most inland links. The London, Chatham, and Dover Railway issue cheap first-class return tickets from London to members of the club. Visitors may join by the week or month on payment of a small subscription. Motels—The Rose and the Fountain, both within a mile of the Links. Hon. Sec.—A. J. Macfarlane, 6 St. George's Place, Canterbury. We are Indebted for the above article to the courtesy of the Hon. Sec, Mr. A. J. Macfarlane. The Golfer's Guide

ENGLAND AND WALKS.

ABERDOVEY.—This course is one of the best in Wales, ami has the normal 18 holes. It is described as being a thoroughly sporting given, and, of course, the situation is charming. The Hotel, Station, end Links are within a stone's throw of one another. Hun. secretary, W, V. Thomas, Esq. (L. & N. W. ; G. W. R. ; Cambrian liy.) ABERGAVENNY.—This is another 18-holo course of hlffn repute, ll has been planned with great skill, and the River Usk adds to I h<• interest of Hie green in more ways than one. Hon. secretary, JN\ I. Daniel, Esq. (G. W. R.) ACOCK'S GREEN.—Of this no particulars are forthcoming;, ll i believed to be somewhere in the Midlands. ALCBSTER.—We have no details of this dub beyond the fad that they made a most creditable appearance against Kenilworlli, who, ill feet, only won by 3. (G. W. & Mid.) ALDEBURGH.—This is yet another iS-hole course down Suffolk way, and lies a short mile from the town, where there is excellent accom fhodation. Hon. secretary, F. D, Bright, Esq. (G. E. K.) ALDERSHOT.—Tlie green is one or 10 holes laid Out in Ruahmool -Bottom, and is kept up by those on duty at Aldershot. ALFRETON.—A 9-hole course on the Shirland Lodge Karma, hall a mile out of Alfreton in Derbyshire. Old pasture land of sonic 4 j acres in extent; it is also rich in hazards common to inland green* hedge brooks, wood, and ditches. Hon. secretary, 1.. S. Slroyan, Kan, (Midland.) ALNMOUTH.—One of the best 9-holo courses in the country. HON. secretary, J. de C. Paynter, Esq. (N. K. R. & Mid.) ALTRINOHAM (Timpeiley).— The club-house is in Orchard Road, Altringham. There are 18 holes, and the course is ftboul tlirec mill", long. There are 50 lady members, and 180 gentlemen. I Ion. secretft)y. Sam Thompson, Esq. (Manchester S. j. & A. R.) APPLEBY.—We have no particulars here. ARDEN.—A g-hole course at Solihull, Warwick. Hon. SECRETAIY S. F. Bainbridge, Esq. (G. W. R.) ASCOT.—Royal Ascot G.C. The green is at Ascot Heath, and (he round 9 holes. The club-house is a quarter of a mile from Ascot Station. Hon. secretaries, H. C. Clarke, Esq., and K. 1). Patton ESO (L. &S. W. R.) ' ' ASHBOURNK (Derbyshire).—The new links are within a mile of tli station on the North Staffordshire Railway. Over 40 acres of old pasture, with dry sandy sub-soil. The putting greens are large and go od. Mon. secretary, Captain Macbean, Church Street House, Ashboume, ASIMOWN FOREST AND TDNBRIDGB WIJ.I.S Golf Chili, Suoex. Eighteen holes, and rich in natural hazards. The soil is light, :md the 262 The Golfer's Guide lies through the green usually good. Hon. secretary, R. P. Birch, Esq. The ladies have a separate 9-hole course. Hon. secretary Miss Andrews. (L., B. & S. C. R.) ASHLEY PARK (Surrey).—A 9-hole course. Hon. secretary, F I Oakley, Esq, Station Walton. (L. & S. W. R.) ASHTON, LONO.—NO particulars forthcoming. ASIN'ON-UNDER-LVNIS (Lancashire).—The club is the Ashton and SUilybridge. There are 9 holes, and the hazards are ravine, wood, and water. The links are at Hazleluirst, and the club-house at the Heroes of Waterloo Inn, on the links, and about a mile and a half from the Ashton and Stub/bridge Stations. Hon. secretary, M . G, Hall, Escr (L. &N. W. R.) AYI.BSHURY.—NO particulars, (L. & N. W. R.) BABRAHAM, near Cambridge.—No particulars. BALDOGK, also near Cambridge, and also no particulars. BALHAM.—Another of the rapidly-increasing number of metropolitan courses. It is laid out on what was known as Hyde Farm, between Clapham Park and Tooling Common, in one direction, and Balham and Streatham Hill in the other. The course was opened so recently as last New Year's Day. It is still somewhat rough. There are 9 holes, and the length of the round about a mile and three-quarters. The course is five minutes' walk from the Balham station of the Brighton and South Coast Railway, and an equal distance from the tramways from Westminster, Blackfriars, and the Borough. Hon. secretary, IT. B. Chatteris, Esq., Henley Lodge, Hillbury Road, Tooting, S.W. It was laid out by Tom Dunn, whose likeness we reproduce on p. 13. BANIIHRV -Bodicok Golf Club.—From the links to the station a mile and a half. Hon. secretary, C. P. Edmunds, Esq., The Limes, Bodicok, Banbury. (G. W. R.) BARHAM DOWNS, KENT.—A course of 9 holes, half a mile from Bishopboume Station on the Elham Valley branch of the S. E. K., live miles from Canterbury. There is a club-house, and the ladies have a separate course. Hon. secretary, F. W. Morris, Esq. BARMOUTH—Merionethshire Golf Club.—Nine holes. South side of estuary. The turf is good, and there is no lack of natural hazards. Hon. secretary, Major Best. (G. W. R., and L. & N. W. R.) BARNSLBY (Yorks.).•—(Mid., M. S. & L., L. & Y., IT. & IS., W. R. I.) BARNSTAL'LB.—No particulars. UARROW-IN-FURNESS. —Nine holes. West side of Walney Island, two miles and a half from Barrow. Splendid view. Hon. secretary, G. M. Doig, Esq. (L. & N. W., Midland, etc.) BARTON UN DER NEEDWOOD,—Nine holes. Hazards are swamp, sand-pit, ditches, etc. Hon. secretary, A. II. Palmer, Esq., Barton under Needwood, Staffordshire. Barton and Walton station a mile from course. Club-room, the Shoulder of Mutton. (Midland.) BATH.—The present green is at Hampton Down, and is one of 18 holes. It lies high, close to the town. The hazards are a quarry and wood. The course is 1 mile from the G. W. R. station, and i{ from Midland. Hon. secretary, Colonel Ricket ts. — LANSDOWNE.—Tom Dunn has laid out a 9-holecourse—capable of extension to 18 if desired—at North Stoke, near Lansdowne, Bath. The links are close to the race-course, 700 feet above the sea. The The Golfer's Guide 263 club will be open lo both ladies and gentlemen. lion, secretary, Mr Gibbs, Church Farm, North Stoke. BEACONSFIELD (Bucks).—Hall Barn, trie-seat of Sir Edward Lawson. Tom Dunn has laid out a g-hole course here, but further details are awanting. BECKENHAM (Surrey).—The course is one of 18 holes. Hon. secretary, P. Jobbins, Esq. Nearest station is Woodside, 300 yards from links. (S. E. R.) BEDFORD.—Nine holes. One mile from station. Hon. secretary, II. E. Fredcroft, Esq. (Midland and L. & N. W. R.) BBLLINGIIAM.—Nine holes. Five minutes from station ; though in England, on N. B. R. BELTON PARK, Grantham, Lincolnshire.—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, W. A. Percy Cust, Esq. (G. N. R. and L. & N. W. R.) BERKHAMPSTEAD (Hertfordshire)!—Eighteen holes. The turf is excellent and the putting greens good. Hon. secretary, G. II. Gowing, Esq. (L. &N. W. R.) BEVERLEY and EAST RIDING CLUB.—Nine holes. A mile from Beverley Station. The club-house is comfortable. Hon. secretary, G. A. Robinson, Esq. There is also a ladies' club. (N. E, R.) BEXHIIX.—Nine holes. Laid out east of the Esplanade on the Galley Hill. Bexhill Station is within ten minutes' walk. Hon. secretary, W. C. Beeching, Esq. (L., B. & S. C. R.) BIGGLESWADB — North Bedfordshire Golf Club. — Nine holes. Described by Mr. Linskill as a good green. BIRKDAI.E.—Adjoins Southport on Lancashire coast. Links within a quarter of an hour's walk of station. Tramway from Soutliport also close. Club-room is at Portland Hotel on the links. Nine holes. Also a ladies' course. Hon. secretary, W. W. P. Shatwell, Esq. (Midland.) BiRKKNSHAW (Yorks).—(G. N.) BLACKPOOL.—Opened about a year ago. No particulars. (L. & Y. and L. & N. W.) BLACKWELL (Worcestershire).—Hon. secretary. Rev. A. E. Swift. BLENDON HALL.—No particulars. BLETCIILEY.—On the L. & N. W. R. No particulars. BLICKLINU.—No particulars, except that they can, on occasion, make a good fight against the Royal Norwich at HaUesdon, BODMIN—Royal Cornwall Golf Club.—Nine holes, but room for 18. Situated on old race course, two miles from station. Hon. secretary, H. Young Jamieson, Esq. (G. W. R.) BOONOR (Sussex).—Fair 9 holes, with usual inland hazards. Hon. secretary, D. A. Campbell, Esq. (L., B. & S. C. K.) BOLDRE GRANGE (New Forest).—No particulars. BOLTON.—Green, Daffcocker, 2 miles distant. Trams every 20 minutes. Joint hon. secretaries, Messrs. Taylor, Eighteen holes. (L. & N. W. R.) BORTH.—Hon. secretary, Dr. Jones. The course has been recently much improved. BOTLEY—Shirrell Heath Golf Club.—Sporting 9-hole course, 3 miles from Botley. Shedfield is J and Wickham I mile from the club-house. Hon. secretary, Captain Nicholls. 264 The Golfer's Guide

BOURNEMOUTH. — Vide Special. BOWDON.—The green is at Denham Massey, a Cheshire village about a mile from Bowdon. The course is one of 9 holes, but rich in hazards. Hon. secretary, S. W. GHlett, Esq. (L. & N. W. R., Mid., and G N. R.) BOXMOOR.—Hon. secretary, Frank Cornwell, Esq., Boxmoor, Herts. Nine holes. It is a very sporting little course with many natural hazards —cart road, chalk pits, gorse and heather. The club-house is about 15 minutes' walk from Boxmoor station. (]L, & N. W. R.) BRADFORD.—Old Tom extended this to 18 holes. Baildon station is 11 and Shipley Junction i\ miles from the links. Hon. secretaries, 1'. Kerr Chesney, jun., and Harry Steel, Esqs. (Midland.) RAVENSCLIFFE.—Nine holes. Four miles from centre of town. Hazards, two deep quarries, woods, and walls. BIRKENSITAW.—Five miles from Bradford. Nine holes ; 2,750 yards. Two deep gulleys and a stream ; ditches, wood, and so forth. BRAINTREE.—At Chapel Farm, Essex. Nine holes. Sporting. Hazards, a bunker, spinney, brook, etc. Half a mile from station. (S. E. R.) BRANCASTER.—Royal West Norfolk Golf Club. Most convenient station is Hiinslanton, G. E. R., 6 miles from Brancaster. Hon. secretary, W. H. Simms Reeves, Brancaster, King's Lynn. BuiIHlENORTII.—Links, the Hook Farm, Salop. Hon. secretary, Lieut.-Col. Owen Jones, Astbury Hall, Bridgenorth. Nine holes, on high ground at Tasley, 1 mile from Bridgenorth. (G. W. R.) BRECON,—Private for officers of South Wales Borderers. A 9-hole course on Lord Tredegar's property. (Brecon and Merthyr Ky.) BRIDI'ORT.—West Dorset Golf Club. Nine holes. West Bay £ mile from West Bay Railway station. Hon. secretary, C. G. Nantis, Esq. (G. W. R.) BRIGHTON and HOVE GOLF CLUB.—This 18-hoIe course is laid out on the I [angletoh Downs, close to the Dyke railway station, four miles from Brighton, The course is rich in hazards, and there is an excellent chili-house. Hon. secretaries, H. J. Percival and C. O. Walker, Esqs. (L., B, and S. C. R.) (The Southdown and Brighton Ladies' Golf Club have a 9-hole course at Burgess Hill, about 9 miles from Brighton; and the Brighton and Hove Ladies' Golf Club a green near the Devil's Dyke, which is reached by rail to the Dyke station.) KEMP TOWN GOI.F CLUB.—Nine holes on Downs, a mile east •of Brighton, There is a comfortable club-house. URINKI.KY (near Cambridge).—No particulars. BRINSCOMHE.—Three and a half miles from station. Hon. secretary, A. T. I'layne, Esq., Longfords, Minchinhampton. (G. W. R.) BRISTOL.—The 9-hole course is at Failand, two miles from the Sus- pension Bridge on the Laigh Downs. Tramcars and buses. Hon. secretary, Captain Broke. (G. W. R.) BROMFIELD Links adjoin the station. lion, secretary, Rev. Mr. Bagot Stanton Lacey, Bromfield. (G, W, R.) BROMLEY AND BLCKLBY G. C.—18 holes. One mile from Hickley Station (L., C. & D. R.), and two from Chislehurst (S. E. R.). Hon. secretary, J. H. Yolland, Esq. The Golfer's Guide 265

BROUGK (East Yorkshire).—Nine holes. Ten minutes' walk from Brough. lion, secretary, Leonard West, LL.D. BUCKSWORTH.—A pleasant little 9-hole course (private) in Hunting- donshire. Hazards of the usual inland kind. BUDE AND NORTH CORNWALL G. C—18 holes..,, Very sporting, with excellent turf. Nearest station is Holsworthy (L. & S. W. Ry.) ; thence by coach—10 miles—to Bude. Tom Dunn was down this winter carrying through some improvements. BUDJ.KIGH—SAI.TERTON.—A charming little watering-place on the South Coast of Devon, six miles from Exmouth, which is its railway station. The links are a quarter of an hour's walk from Salterton, along the bank which prevents the encroachment of the sea, and the river Otter. The views are magnificent. The course itself is a very sporting one. (L. & S. W.) BUNGAY (Waveney Valley G. C. )•—Nine holes. Hazards, furze, river Waveney, railway, and so on. The soil is sandy and the grass short. The first tee is five minutes' walk from Bungay Station, lion, secretary, L. Macclonnell, Esq. (G. E. R.) BUROHI.EY PARK (Stamford, Lincolnshire).—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, H. O. Edmonds, Esq. (G. N., Mid., & L. and N. W. Ry.) BURNHAM (Bucks) — Britwell Park. —18 holes. All the hazards natural and of the usual inland kind. The course lies between Burnham village and the well-known Burnham Beeches. Three miles from Taplow Station, on G. W. R., and four from Slough. Hon. secretary, W. Herbert Anderson, Esq. BURNIIAM (Somerset).—Nine holes. Sporting course. Hon. secretaries, Thomas Holt and T. W. Colthurst, Esquires. (G, W. R. and L. & S. W. Ry.) There are also ladies' links. Hon. secretary, T. C. Price, Esq. BURY.—Fair inland green at Rcdvale. One mile from Bury Station. Hon. secretary, Rev. C. Bercsford Knox. (L. & V. R.) BUSHEY (West Herts G. C.).—18 holes. Fairly sporting. One mile from Kushcy and two from Watford (L. & N. W. Ry.). BUX'I'ON AND HIGH PEAK,—18 holes. Fairneld Common ten minutes' drive from L. & N. W. and Midland Stations. Excellent greens. Hon. secretary, E. Bythway, Escj. CALNE.—Three miles from station. Private, and not open to public. (G. W. R.) CAMHEKLEY.—Open to officers and cadets only. CAMBRIDGE (University G. C).—18 holes and four miles round. Coldham Common two miles from Cambridge Station, but only a few yards from Barnwell Station, G. E. R. Trams also run hard by. The ground is undulating, and there are lots of hazards. GRANDCIIESTER.—Messrs. Gray laying out a course. COTON HILL.—Another links in the neighbourhood, but ' private. CANTERBURY.—Nine holes. Deep valley crossed four times. Greens small, but good. (L., C. & D. & S. E. R.) CARLISLE.—Nine holes, at Dalslon, laid by W. Fernie. Dalston Station 4J miles from Carlisle. (L. & N. W. R.) CASTLETOWN (Isle of Man).—18 holes. Hon. secretary, T. M. Dodd, Esq. 266 The Golfer's Guide

CATKRHAM AND KENLEY.—Kcnley Common, Surrey. Nine holes Hon. secretary, C. H. Vennell, Esq. (S. E. R.) CHARD.—i!, miles from station. Hon. secretary, Rev. J. C. James (G. W. R.) CHARNWOOD FOREST.—The links, situated on the beautiful and picturesque Hanging Stone Rocks on the property of Mr. Percy llonick, form a course of nine holes, about live miles from Lough- borough and 3?} miles from BarrOW-oa-Soat Station, on the Midland line. They offer almost every variety of hazard, except sand. The

CHARNWpOD FOREST Outwoods Ta Sfteepshwr.

Ora»n by \ 4SHWOOD. Man Sect *

length of the course is 2477 yards. The adjoining village of Woodhouse Eaves abounds in lodgings, and there is also accommodation in the neighbouring farms. The club is a small one—about 50 members—and ladies play over the full course. Hon. secretary, Lieutenant-Colonel Dashwood (whom I have to thank for the preceding note). CHATHAM (Royal Engineers (1. C).—The course is a good deal cut up by field works. CHEADLE (Cheshire).—;f of a mile from Cheadle, Ilulme Station, L. & N. W., and iA miles from Cheadle Village. There is a club- house on the green. Nine holes. 1 Ion. secretary, C. D. Milne, Esq. CHELMSFORD (Essex).—Nine holes. Galleywood Common. Greens in excellent order. Fine views. Hon. secretary, J. A. Colland, Esq. (G. E. R.) CHELTENHAM (Cleevehill). — iS holes. Three miles from town. Quarries, ruts, etc. Hon. secretary, K. H. Wallace, Esq. (G. W. R.) The Golfer's Guide 267

CHESTER.—Hawarden Bridge, on the Sealand Marsh. The soil is perfection; excellent putting greens, and wide and irregular water courses; no bunkers. H on. secretaries, Messrs. J, M. and J. G. Frost. (M. & S. Lanes. R.) CIIESTERFORD PARK (Essex).—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, A. T. P. Cunliffe, Esq. Also ladies' course. (G. ti. R. & Mid.) CHIPPING NORTON.—Green close on Uanbury and Cheltenham Railway. Hon. secretary, T. K. Pettipher, Esq. (G. W. R.) CHISI.EIIURST.—This charming green has more than answered expec- tation. There is to be an open amateur competition at Camden l'ark early in May, and the 9U1 is set apart for ladie.f. CHORLEY WOOD.—This is another of the metropolitan private greens that are gradually encircling the great city. CHORSTON.—Nine holes. On Galmton Warboro', 400 yards from Churston Station, two miles from Pargulon, and five from Dartmouth. The situation is charming, as it overlooks Torbay, with views of the Dart. Hon. secretary, Colonel Hamilton Simpson. (G. W. R.) CIRENCUSTER.—18 holes. On part of Earl of Bathurst's park } 2^ miles round. Turf is good, and the lies excellent. The club-room is in a cottage at the Park Corner Farm. Hon. secretary, P. Anderson, Esq. The name of the club is the Sapperton Park G. C. (G. W. R.) CIACTON-ON-SICA.—Nine holes. Seven minutes from station. Ex- cellent club-house. Hon. secretary, Captain Erayling. (G. E. R.) CIAYGATIO COMMON G. C.—Links only 16 miles from London, will be opened on 1st May. Nine holes. It is a good sporting course, with plenty of natural hazards. Distance from station half-a-mile. Lord Foley is president, and a provisional committee is sitting. CLEVELAND.—This 18-hole course is laid out at Coatbam, the nearest station to which is Redcar, on the N. E. Railway, only five minutes' walk. Hon. secretary, J. W. Kyle, Esq. CUTHEROE AND DISTRICT.—The course is one of nine holes, and is laid out along the banks of the Kibble, on Horrocksford's Big Pasture, a mile and a quarter from Clitheroe Station. Hon. secretary, A. W. Musson, Esq. (L. & N. W. R.) CONWAY (Carnarvonshire G. C).—Nine holes. lion, secretary, G. II. Henley, Esq. On Conway Marsh ; bunkers and gorse. Also ladies' course. Hon. secretary, Mrs. Healey. (L. & N. W. R.) CONINGTON CASTLE.—Private course. In one of their games against Huntingdon last season Conington won by 8 to love. COPTHORNE,—On the Common, one mile from Ronfont Station, L., B. &S. C. R. The grass is short, and the hazards the usual inland ones. Hon. secretaries, Messrs. Drummond and Nex. COTON HILL.—Private green near Cambridge. COTSWOLD (Gloucester).—9 holes. Hon. secretary, IT. C. Rose, Esq. (G. W. R.) COVENTRY.—12 holes. Hon. secretary, IT. Smith, Coventry Station, 2 miles from course. Also ladies' course, 9 holes, Miss M. P. Verrall. (L. & N. W. R.) CROMER. — Royal Cromer G. C. Lighthouse Hills, half mile east of Cromer. The course is admirably kept. Ladies are admitted to the club on the same terms as gentlemen, but have a separate course. Hon. secretary, Alfred Burton, Esq. (Mid. & G. E. R.) 268 The Golfer's Guide

CROOKHAM.—Crookhara Common, Newbury Berks, 18 holes. 7Ion. secretary, Rev. II. II. Skeine. Station, Thatcham. (G. W. R.) CROXTON, near Cambridge.—No particulars. DATCHET.—9 holes—fields between Datchet and Windsor. Hon. secretary, A. 1 Iolford Gower, Esq. DALSTON, near Carlisle.—Secretary, R. Todd, Esq. On the Mary- port Railway. DAKWKN.—No particulars of this club are forthcoming, except a note that the caddies struck for an additional 2d. per round, but lost the day. (L. &_Y.) DEAL.—Cinq Ports Club ; 9 holes ; i\ mile from Deal—most sporting. ]Ion. secretary, J. F. Dixon, Esq. Bunkers. Capital Club house (S. E. R. and L,, C. & D, R.) DIIRIIV. Osmaston Park.— Vide Special. IRR'EHAM.—No particulars. DicVIZF.s.—North Wilts G. C. 9 holes. Usual inland hazards (G. W. R.) DBVONPORT.—14 holes. Royal Naval Barracks Club. DKVVSIHTRY.—At the Pinnacle, 2 miles from Dewsbury. \\ from MitficW- Han. secretary, J. G, Beaumont, Esq. ((.j. N. R.) DIDSIIURY (Lancashire).—9 holes. Hon. secretary, A. Galbraith, Esq. (Midland.) DlSLEY (Cheshire). —18 holes. Hon. secretary, |. A. lhillon, Esq. Excellent green. (L. & N. W. R.) DUVEB.—9 holes. Hon. secretary, Col. Morris. (S. E. R. and L., C. &I>.) DUDLEY.—Old Park Estate, Dudley, Worcester, 9 holes. Hon. secretary, F. IT. Jennings, Esq. (L. & N. W. R. and G. W. K.) DURHAM.—-Pinker Knowle, 2 miles from station. Hon. secretary, F, W. Cluff, Ksq. (N. K. R.) DUNSTABLE.—Of so recent a date as 15th March last, we read that the indefatigable Tom Dunn has just finished laying out a short course on the Downs at Dunstable. (G. N.) • EiVSTBOURNE.—Royal E. G. C. Hon. secretary, W. R.Richardson, Esq. The links, which are of singular beauty, belong to the Duke of Devonshire; and both turf and hazards are all that can be wished. The Eastbourne Railway Station is only five minutes' drive from the green, and on the latter there is an excellent club-house. Only 9 holes are at present played, but it is expected that extension to the normal 18 will soon take place. Also a ladies'course of 9 holes. Hon. secretary, C. H. Evill, Esq. (L., B. & S. C. B.) EAST GRINSTKAD.—Firth Park G. C. 9 holes, laid out on private ggroun d byy Huggh Kirkaldyy. The course is J mile from Dormans StationStation,an , andd one frof mromEas East Grinsteadt Gitd. Excellent club and good hotel. (L., B. &S. C. R.) 9 holes. Hon. EAST HI LL1. G. C.—The ggree n is at Fareham, Hants. secretary, miraVice-Admiral lW W. . EE.. GordonGd . StationSi , Fareham. Hotel near Links. (L. & S. W. R.) Ei/i'ON (in the Nene Valley).—This is an excellent private green, but the residents intend to form a club shortly. (G. N. R.) Er-Y.—This is one of the new courses laid out in the Fen district, hut whether the game has really "caught" on there seems moot. (G. E. R.) I The Golfer's Guide 269 KNFIELD.—The members of this energetic club had a most enjoyable meeting last November, to inaugurate the opening of the handsome new club-house, erected from plans prepared by Mr. Reeves, the hon. architect of the club. (G. N. R,) EPPING.—Epping Plain, part of the forest, was originally the site of the green, but on Dunn's recommendation a new course of 18 holes lias been substituted. The round is 3 miles; and the hazards, whins and ponds. One mile from Epping Station. Hon. secretary, A. B. Yerburgh, Ksq. (G. E. R.) EPEING FOREST. — Vide London. EPSOM.—18 holes. 3} miles round on the Epsom Downs. Nearest Station, Epsom Downs. Hon. secretary, E. R. H. Burlton, Esq. (L.,B. &S. C. R.) EWELME (Oxon).—9 holes, on large common, close to the Chiltern Hills, and the historic village of Ewelme. It may be readied from Wallingford, Watford, and Henley, being respectively 3-S, 3, and 9 miles from these places. Comfortable accommodation in the village itself. EXMOUTH.—Close to town. 6 holes. Great variety of hazards. Exmouth Station, f-mile from links. A pavilion. 1Ion. secretary, Rev. C. E. Cutnmings. Also a ladies' club. (L. & S. W. R.) FAIRFIBLD.—No particulars. They play matches against Heaton Moor. FAKENHAM.—Links at Hempton, Norfolk. 9 holes. Hon. secretary, II. Newson, Esq. Course dry and sandy ; Station five minutes' walk from green. (G. N. R. & M. R.) FALMOUTII,— Vide Special. FELIXSTQWE, Suffolk.—9 holes, Hon. secretary, J. H. Driver, Esq. Station, 2,| miles from green. Good club-house, "with 15 bedrooms, billiard room, etc. The course is close by the sea and the mouth oftheDcbcn. (G. E. R,) FLAX BOURTON.—The Bristol and Clifton G.'C. Hon. secretary, Captain Brooke, R.E. Tudor Hall, Pembroke Road, Clifton. The links are 3 miles from the station. THE FULTON.—Winsford G. C. plays here on links 4 miles from the station. Hon. secretary, Percy Cripps, Esq., Win ford Manor, Flax Bourton. (G. W. R.) FLEETWOOD. — Hon. secretary, Sidney Scott, Esq. 9 holes, but may be extended. Five minutes from station. Turf good and covering sandy dunes. Splendid view over Morecambe Bay to the Cumberland Hills. (L. & Y. and L. & N. \V. Joint.) FOLKESTONE, Broadmeed Farm.—9 holes. Hon. secretary, C. R. Bceching, Esq. Five minutes' walk from Radnor Park Station; ten from Shorncliffe. Hazards numerous and varied. (S. E. R,) FOLKINGHAM.—Aveland G. C, Hon. secretary, Captain Smith. 9 holes. Situated at Horbling, J-mile from Billingboro' Station. Fortescue Arms close to station. (G. N. R.) Koiuinv.—Secretary, F. E. M. Dixon, Esq. iS holes. Com- modious club-house, with bed-rooms, billiard room, etc., close to Fresh- field Station, on L. & Y. Ry. (Southport Branch). Course has an area of some 220 acres, and some fine golfing ground. FORT CUMBERLAND.—For Officers of Royal Marine Artillery. 9 holes. 270 The Golfer's Guide

Fui.wooi),—A Q-hole course was laid out at Kulwood, Preston, on 28th September, by George Lowe. It is expected that ground will be secured for 18, and a short course for ladies. (L. & Y.) GlRTON, near Cambridge.—No particulars. GLADWYNS.—This is a private green at Lawbridgeworth, Essex. Hon. secretary, P. V. Broke, Esq., Gladwyns, Harlow. There are separate iS holes for ladies and gentlemen, but the green is strictly private, and except at Easter and in autumn, there is little play. (G. E. R.) GOLDEN PARSONAGE,—No particulars. GORING.—In the month of January—when all other folk were safe in bed or else on the ice—indefatigable Tom Dunn was attending to the interests of the Royal and Ancient game, and laid out a 9-hole course on the estate of Mr. F. Shoolbred, at Goring (Oxon). (G. W.) GRANGE OVER SANUS.— Vide separate account by secretary. GKANTHAM.—Bclton Park G. C. 9 holes. One mile and a half from station. (G. N. R. ; M. S. & L.) GREAT BENTLEY,—Bentley Green G. C. Hon. secretary, C. II. Morton, Esq. The green lies in the centre of the picturesque old village of Great Bentley, 8 miles south-east of Colchester, and 3 north of Brightlingsea, at the mouth of the Colne. It has an area of 50 acres, and is one of the finest of the few remaining village greens. The course is one of 9 holes, and a mile and a half round. Hazards are—brook, crossed thrice, ponds, ditches, etc. The turf is excellent, and the putting greens perfect. The club-house is within 2 minutes' walk of the station. (G. E. R.) GiUMSiiv AND CLEETHORPES G. C.—The course, which is an excellent one of 9 holes at Cleethorpes, was opened so recently as last October, with great enthusiasm. The hazards are mainly bunkers. The green is about 15 minutes'walk from Cleethorpes Station. Hon. secretary, John Barker, Ksq., jun. (M. S. & L.) GUII.DKORN. —18 holes. Hon. sec, H, II. Sturges, Esq. The course is one of the best examples of an inland green we have, and the number of members has already reached the limit. The present captain is the well-known player, Mr. S. Mure Fergusson. The green is at Merrow Downs. (L. & S. W. ; L., B, & S. C. ; S. E.) GUERNSEY (Royal G. C).—18 holes on L'Ancresse Common, 3 miles from St. Peter's Port. Of hazards there are quarries, beach, bunkers, roads, and whin. Hon. sec, R. J. Hambrigge, Esq. (L. & S. W. R. via Southampton.) HAOLEY—(Worcester).—9 holes on the Monument Hill, belonging to Viscount Cobham. The scenery is superb, and the hazards, trees, gorse, ravine, and pond. lion sec, II. T. Williams, Esq. (G. W. R.) HAM PTON COURT.—A number of influential residents in the district have prepared a memorial, praying the First Commissioner of Works to set apart a portion of the Home Park for golf. The part of the pleasance suggested is that opposite Surbilon, lying between the Long Water and the river. The memorial has been signed by the Mayor of Kingston, the chairman of the District Councils of Teddington, Surbiton, and so on. If affairs speed well, it is quite on the cards that we shall hear some moonlight night of a round between the ghost of Dear Old The Golfer's Guide 271

I'hilp and some of those of Hampton Court of whom we periodically read with bated breath. HALIFAX.—(Yorks).—A new course is to he laid out on the Cliffe Hill Park, Lightcliffe, a suburb about three miles from town. The green is within five minutes' walk of Lightcliffe Station. (L. & Y. R.) HAMPSHIRE.—Hants and Isle of Wight County Golf Association. This is of great interest to all lovers of the game as showing the tendency South of Tweed to form associations on the old county lines that have done so much for cricket. This county spirit—so far as sport is concerned—is almost entirely wanting in Scotland. There the interest seems to centre more in the individual club. HANGER HILT,.—No particulars. IIARBORNE.—Hon. sec, D. G. Hart, Esq., Heathdale, Iiarborne, near Birmingham, 9 holes—hazards, hedges, road, etc. Half a mile from Harborne Station, and 3 from Birmingham. HARRINGWORTH.—No particulars except that they can, on occasion, beat Peterborough. HARROW.—Hon. sec, H. J. Strickland, Esq. 9 holes. Adjoins the Greenford Road, one mile and a half from Harrow-on-the-Hill Metropolitan Station, and 2^ from Sudbury and Harrow Stations on L. & N. W. Clay soil; deep valley. HARTLEY WINTNEY.—Elvetham, Hants, 9holes. Hon. sec, W. A. Hunt, Esq. Station, Winchfield, 2 miles from links. (L. & S. W. R.) HASLAR.—No particulars. HASTINGS AND ST. LEONARD'S G. C.—Hon. sees., C. Christopher- son, Esq., and Dr. Frith. Nine holes on East Hill over-looking Old Hastings. Excellent, with many hazards. About a mile from Hastings Railway Station. (L., B. & S. C.) HATFIKI.D (Mid-Herts G. C.)—'Hon. secretary, J. Lloyd, Esq., Manor, Hatfield. About a mile from Wheathampstead station, (G. N. R.) HAYOOCK PARK (Lancashire).—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, A. Smith, Esq. Two miles from Newton and Willows station. (L. & N. W. R.) HAYLING ISLAND.—18holes, whins, shingle, sand hills and "Jacob's Ladder," a cutting containing water, twice crossed. Station, South Hayling. (L., B. & S. C.) Hon. secretary, J. C. Montgomerie, Esq. Also ladies' 9-hole course. Hon. secretary, Major T. R. Swinburne. HAYWARD'S HEATH.—No particulars. HBADINGLEY.—Moorgrange Farm (W. Yorks), 9 holes. Hon. secretaries, R. G. Emsley and H. Oxlcy, Esqs. Nearest station, Headingley, and tram from Leeds. (Mid. & G. N. R.) HEATON MOOR.—Peel Mount (Lanes.), 9 holes. Hon. secretary, R. Scholes, Esq. Nearest station, Heaton Chapel. (L. & N. W. R.) HENEURY.—Nine holes, on Coombe Hill, near Bristol, 2J miles from Clifton Down Station. Hon. secretary, E. Baker, Esq. HESSLEGRBEN (near Hull).—No particulars. HF.XIIAM.—Nine holes. Tyne Green, J mile from Hexham Station. Hon. secretary, J, Batey, Esq. (Mid.) HILLINGIIOX G. C. (Uxbridge).—No particulars. (Met. Dist. & G. W.) HlTCHIN (North Herts Golf C.)—No particulars. (G. N. ; Mid.) 272 The Golfer's Guide

HOLMES CHAPEL.—Manor Farm, Cheshire. 9 holes. Hon. secretary, F. Lawrence, Esq.] £ mile from station. Sporting, with ponds, ditches, rabbit holes, etc. .Putting greens are natural and good ; turf firm and grass short. (L. & N. W. R.) HOMINGTON DOWN (Salisbury, Wilts).—Hon. secretary, D. J. K. Macdonald. Nine holes. Nearest station, Salisbury, 2 miles from links. (L. &S. W. R.) HOOK.—Hook Common, Hants. Nine holes. Hon. secretary, P, F, Morton, Esq. Station, Hook, three minutes from links. (L. & S. W. R.) HOI.YHEAI) (Tre Arddur Golf Chili).—Address, hon. secretary, Tre Arddur Hotel. On the links, western side of Holy Island, about two miles from Holyhead Station. HuDiiERSFlEi.n.—Hon. secretary, A. L, Woodhead, Esq. Eighteen holes, three miles. Plantations, dykes, quarry, pond. Station, Huddersfield, two miles away. Club-house is an old hall. There are also rooms for ladies. (G. N. R.) H UNSTANTON (Norfolk).—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, J. C. Morgan Brown, Esq. Links one mile and a half from station. Sporting, with numerous hazards. (G. E. R. & Mid.) HUNTINGDON.—Nine holes. Haifa mile from station. Play Sep- tember to May. Hon. secretary, J. N. Kinloch, Esq. (G. N. R,) HYDE.—No particulars, except that exchange matches with Marple. HYTHU.—This new 9-hole course between flythc and Shorncliffe was opened by Douglas Holland and Alexander of Littlestone so lately as October last, before a large and fashionable gathering. The course is hilly, the greens large and well cared for. ILFRACOMEE.—Hon. secretary, F. R. Boatfield. Nine holes. Mullacott Links. One mile and a half from station. Splendid views of Wales, Bristol Channel and Devonshire Tors. (L. & S. W. R,j ILKI.EY.—Hon. secretaries, P, N. Lee and B. Hirst, Esqs. Nine holes. One mile from station. Course on Ilkley Moor, W. R. Yorks. (G. N. R.) INCI.EWOOD (Links, I'enrith, Cumberland).—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, R. B.Neville, Esq. Station, I'enrith, (L. & N. W.). On race course. Extensive views. Il'Sl.KY (Green, Reddilch, Worcester).—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, C. T. Dolben, Esq. Also a ladies' course. Station, Redditch two miles off. (L. & N. W.). ISLE OK MAN—CASTI.ETOWN.—Eighteen holes, laid out by Old Tom, near village of Derbyhaven, almost adjoining King William's College playground, one mile from Castlelown station. Bunkers, gorse and shore. Turf excellent. Within half an hour by rail of Port Erin. Hon. secretary, T. M. Dodd, Esq. DOUGLAS.—Hon. secretary, G. Drinkwater, Esq. Nine holes, laid out by Old Tom in Pretty Vallej', half mile from Douglas. River crossed and recrossed. A shorter ladies' course avoids the river hazard. HOWSTRAKK.—There is also a course at Howstrakc. Sec- retary, Mr. J. IT. Quine of Diunbell's bank. RAMSEY.—Nine holes, also laid out by Old Tom, at Milntown, the seat of the family of Christian, of whom we read in " l'everil of the Peak " and some other books of our lore. Hazards are cops, trees, and roads. The Golfer's Guide 273

ISI.E OV MAN.— PORT ST. MARY.—New links are also to be laid out here. ISLE OF WIGHT—ROYAL G. C.—Hon. secretary, D. Knight, Esq. Green at Bembridge of nine holes, on sea-coast between Bembridge and St. Helens. Both railway stations are within half a mile. (L. & S. W. R.) NEEDLES.—Hon. secretary, J. Dover, Esq. This is an excellent and thoroughly sporting 9-hole course on the Need s and Afton Downs. (The new links at Afton arc specially popular with lady players.) FRESHWATER.—There are also links here, but we have no particulars. VKNTNOK.—Hon. secretary, Commander A. W. Hurt. Nearest station, Ventnor, L. & S. W. R, via Ryde. Nine holes, on old race- course on Rew Down, about 600 feet, above sea, whence it commands superb views. Chief hazards are whins. Ventnor distant a mile. Busses from Royal Motel. Club-hut on green. LADIES'.—H on."secretary, Mrs. Dennison, Bembridge. Nine holes. At Bembridge, with small pavilion. Whins, wood, etc. |ERSEY—ROYAL JERSEY G. C.—Hon. secretary, Captain T. S. Robin. Links of 18-holes at Grouville, 3 miles from St. Hellers, or twenty minutes by rail. Course is one of the prettiest in the kingdom, and full of variety. (L. & S. W. R., via Southampton.) [CENTJAL (Westmoreland).—H on. secretary, R. H. Greenwood, Ksq. Nine holes. A mile west of Kendal,,and a little more from the station. Whins, walls, ruts, quarries, and pond. Club-house. (L. & W. W. R.) KENILWORTH.—Picturesquely situated close to the castle, on what is known as the castle farm. Nine holes. Hon. secretary, R. Smith Tuberville, Ksq. Kenilworth Station half mile. (L. & N, W. R.) KEN LEY.— Vide Caterham and Kenley. KESWICK.—Hon. secretary, Joseph Broatch, solicitor. (Cocker- mouth K. & P. Railway.) KETTERING.— Vide Separate article. KIDDERMINSTER.—Hon. secretary, H. G. Henderson, Esq. Nine holes. Between Aggborough and Stour Vale, 10 minutes' walk from station. The view is lovely, and, as a course, it is considered the best in Worcestershire, with the exception of Malvern. The hazards are whin, water, roads, wood, and hedges, and the river Stour. (G. W. R.) KlNGSDOWN.—9 holes. 500 feet above sea. It is 5 miles from Bath—the nearest station being Box. Club-house. Turf is of good quality and playable all the year. The hazards are quarries, rocks, etc. (G. W. R.) KlNGSHEATH.—In the Midlands. No other particulars. KING'S NORTON.— The green is at Wychall, and has 0 holes. Hon. secretary, J. J. Thomson, Esq. King's Norton, 5 miles from Birmingham, is nearest station, and about 12 minutes from the green. (Midland.) KLRKUY MUXI.OE.—No particulars, except that it plays Kettering. KNUTSFORD (Cheshire).—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, H. Roscoe, Esq. The course is laid out in Tatton Park, the use of which is kindly given by Lord Egerton. Theground is dry and sandy, and there are several good natural hazards. (L. & N. W. R.) LAMISKRIIURST.—Hon. secretary, C. V. Morland, Esq., Maidstone, 9 holes. S 274 The Golfer's Guide

LANCASTER.—The course of 18 holes are situated at Cockerham, on Morecambe Bay, between the mouths of the Lune and Wyre. The ] turf in excellent, and the hazards rich in variety; and the putting greens large and splendidly attended to. Hazards in the form of tide channels occur at nearly every hole, The most convenient stations are Hay Horse (L. & N. W. R.), and Glasson Dock Station, 3 miles from course. LISA HURST (Derby.)—Hon. Secretary, H. H. Middleditch, Esq. The course is one of 9 holes, and the hazards, wood, bracken, roads, and brook. The putting greens are well attended to. The course is one mile from Wliatstandwell, and two from Cromford, at which only slow trains .stop. The most convenient station is Matlock Math, four miles away. (Midland.) LEAMINGTON,—North Warwickshire Ladies' G. C. Hon. secretary, Miss Chambers, Eastwood Lodge, Leamington. The green is at lsenil worlh Road, about one mile and a half from the G. W. and L. & K. W. stations, and about a mile from town. It is a 9-hole course with b sdgea and pond. There are 2 pavilions. ROYAL LEAMINGTON G. C—The course is on the Campion Hills, one mile out of Leamington. Nine holes. LEAMINGTON SPA.—Royal Leamington Spa Ladies' Golf Club, lion, secretary, Miss Saunders, Kndwood, Leamington Spa. This 9-hole course is on the .Campion Hills, about a mile from town. LlSASOWB.— Vide separate account by secretary. LEEDS.— Vide Headingley. LEICESTER.—Hon. secretary, 11. L. Goddard. The course of 9 holes is at Evipcton. Fields, within ten minutes' walk from the Stoneygate tram terminus. Club-house on green. The hazards are bunkers, hedges, brooks, and spinneys. (Midland.) . LEIGHTON.- -On L. & N. VV. R. No particulars. LEI.ANT.—West Cornwall G. C. One of the best 9-hole courses in the land. It is within \ mile of Lelnnt Station on the St. Ives branch of the G. W. R. ; twenty minutes by rail from l'enzancc; ten from St. Ives. Excellent hotel accommodation. (G. W. R.) LKYI.AN'D WOOLTON, near Dorking.—-Was laid out by Tom Dunn on private property. It is very picturesque, and 100 feet above sea level. (L., B. &S. C, and S. E.) LlMi'Sl'iiiUi CHART G. C.—Hon. secretary, Kev. F, W. Parsons. The course is still one of only 9 holeSj but will probably be increased ere long. It is one of the most famous greens in Surrey—one with which the redoubtable Douglas ft.olla.nd has for long been identified. The course stands over 500 feet above sea level, and the air is delightfully fresh and invigorating. The chief hazards are gorse, along with bunkers filled with whin and water. The green is only a mile from Oxled station, at which flies meet the trains, and in Limpsfield itself there are three inns. (L., 13. & S. C, and S. E. R.) - LADIES'.—The ladies have also a 9-hole course. LINCOLN.—The course of 9 holes is laid out at the famous Carholme, one mile and a half from Lincoln Station, lion, secretary, W. L. Toynbee, Esq. (G. N. R, and G. K. R.) LiTTI.EBURY (near Cambridge). -No particulars, LITCHI'IELT).— No particulars. The Golfer's Guide 275

LlTTULHAJU 'TON (Sussex).—Eighteen holes. Hon. secretary, A. J. Constable, Esq. The round is 3^ miles, and the hazards natural. The station is a quarter of an hour's walk from the links. There are excellent hotels. (L.,B. & S. C. R.) LlTTLESTONE,—Hon. secretary, C. Wintle, Esq., Lloyd's, London, E.G. Local secretary, W. Allen, Esq. The course of 18 holes is on the coast of Kent, eight miles west of Folkestone, Railway station, New Komney (S. E. R.) The club-house, at the first tee, is within three or four minutes' walk of the parade. The accommodation for visitors is excellent; and railway return tickets at special rates may be obtained from the treasurer. LADIES1.—The ladies have a separate course, which has been recently much improved. LIVERPOOL.—The green of the famous Royal Liverpool G. C. is, of course, situated at Hoylake. It is mainly associated to us outside golfers with the name and fame of Mr. Ball and his younger rival; but it has unquestionably substantiated its claim to being considered one of the greens of the world. lJrobably the best note upon the green is that in Mr Hulchinson's "Famous Golf Links," where he lingers over the winsome charms of Hoylake with loving appreciation—can even find it possible to crack a genial joke over " Brer Rabbit" himself, who never meets with aught on other links than curses deep and black. Nay, Hoylake has other charms than would necessarily appeal to the golfer ; for we are told that " it is also famous for its shrimps and prawns. Its potted shrimps are almost better even than its putting greens"—beyond which, we are at once prepared to admit', judicious praise can no further go. It is probable that even famous Hoylake itself never saw a more stirring fight.than the final in the championship last year, the story of which we have all read so often. (L. & N. W. R. and G. W. R.) Ladies have a separate links. WEST LANCASHIRE G. C.—Hon. secretary, J. W. Fowler, Esq., Osbert Road, Blundellsands. The green is at Hall Road Station, on the L. & Y. Railway, Southport line, about 8 miles from the Liverpool Exchange. The course of 18 holes is over 3 miles. It is of most sporting description, and the putting greens most excellent. There is a large and commodious club-house. LADIES',—Hon. secretary, Miss Stoddart. These links are also at Hall Road, Blundellsands. They have 18 holes, and the hazards are sand and willows, LEASOVVE.— Vide Separata account. LLANDUDNO.—This 9-hole course was formed on the* " Warren," a large common running seaward on the Conway side of the town, covered with bracken and with huge bunkers. The course is only five minutes' walk from the station. The enterprise was undertaken by the Amuse- ment Committee of the Town Improvement Association. (L. & N. W.) LLANEU.Y .—This young club has all the courage of its years, but met with rather a crushing defeat from doughty Swansea—72 to love. But we have little doubt they will not rest till some, at all events, of this obnoxious over-lapping be reduced. (G. W. R.) LONDON—BLACKKEATH ROYAJ. G. C, instituted 1608. But if English Hoylake has deserved well of all lovers of the Royal and Ancient game, what may we not say on behalf of storied Old Blackheath, which 27(i The Golfer's Guide preserved its modest torch alight amid the darkness of centuries ? In connection with the age of chilis, Mr. Whitney, writing in Harper for October last, makes rather a queer error in asserting that " Pau boasts the oldest club in the Old World, next to Blackheath." What was running in his mind was, no doubt, the statement of Mr. Hutchinson, that Pail is "the oldest known club out of Scotland" (a very different matter) "always with the exception of Blackheath, the most ancient of all." Of the Blackheath Links themselves even Mr. Ilutchinson writes with a noticeable want of his usual cheeriness, whilst Mr. Whitney—with a bald brutality verging on the satanic—goes the length of putting the following in black and white:—"You hardly wonder that golf did not make its way in England from the Blackheath Links once you have been there, for, although the oldest, it is among the poorest, and no one should think ol a visit unless attracted, as I was, by the antiquity of the club," This is cruel, if even a vein of truth runs through it ; and you will never hear a Scot sneer at the famous old green. But, speaking of antiquity, it occurred to me that the Executive Lists of the Blackheath might perhaps show pretty clearly when an infusion of English strain first became noticeable, Mr. Barnes, the hon. secretary, very courteously sent me such a list, but I regret to say that we could not, from the list of captains—which dates from 1766— make any such deduction the least authoritative. Of Scottish names there is, of course, a large predominance, but not an exclusive one. The list of Field Marshals of the club, however, is a distinctly national one, as will be seen from the following :—

FIELD MARSHALS OK THE CLUB SINCE 1808.

Wm. Wilson *... invested 2nd April 1808 Thomas Longlands nth May 1816 Thomas Jameson 4th Nov. 1826 Alex. Innes .... 4th April 1829 Geo. Lindsay , 16th April 1831 R. Stewart Flernyng . 17th Jan. 1857 Chas. Sutherland 10th April 1858 Sir Hugh Hume Campbell, Hart. 16th April 1874 I have also to thank Mr Barnes for his courtesy in sending me a complete list of the competitors and details of the famous inter-chib tournament of 1857 (of which we were only able to give a mutilated report in last issue), in which it will be remembered Ulackheath came in winners. This is reproduced on page 89. Blackheath is now the only links on which the fore caddie of old still plies his dangerous art in defence of nursemaids, and those who are in charge, of them. The nearest railway stations are Greenwich G. E. R. and Blackheath Hill L., C. & D. R.—each near the club-house. —:— BLACKHEATH LADIES' G. C.—The ladies have a 9-hole course of their own, and Blackheath Station is only 5 minutes' walk from their club-house at 3 Montpelier Row, and from the first tee. It is much more than a mere putting course, and several of the holes require fair driving. Hon. secretary, Miss Knapping, Bondicarr, Blackheath Park. The Golfer's Guide 277

LONDON.—LONDON SCOTTISH G. C. — Hon. sec, Tames Gow, Esq. The quickest route from the city is to Putney Station (L. & S. W. R.), and thence by cab. The green is shared by the London Scottish and the Royal Wimbledon Golf Clubs, and a pretty full, and, it is unnecessary to add, a thoroughly enjoyable note upon it is given by, Mr. Hulchinson in his " Famous Golf Links." Mr. Hutchinson does not ignore some of the drawbacks of the green—drawbacks which, we are pleased to read, are gradually being eliminated j but, as he quaintly puts it: "A golfer is glad to get away from Wimbledon to Sandwich or St. Andrews ; but he is also glad to find his foot on it again after a week on Lhe flagstones. . . . By making believe a little, the golfing child of nature may do very well at Wimbledon." - ROYAL WIMBLEDON G. C.—Hon. secretary, N. R. Foster, Esq. (Wimbledon Station is reached in about 20 minutes from Water- loo.) By a recent bye-law of the Conservators of the Common, the wearing of a red coat is compulsory on .ill players. WIMBLEDON LADIES' G. C. (formerly London Scottish Ladies1 G. C.).—Hon. secretary, Mrs. Cameron. The course is a 9-hole one with many hazards. BARNES LABIES' G. C.—Hun. secretary, Miss Gow. The sporting 6-hole course is within five minutes' walk of Barnes Station. — BECKENHAM.— iS-holes. 300 yards from Woodside Station (S. E. R.). Hon. secretary, P. G. Collins, Esq. • BLACKHEATH SCHOOL OLD BOYS G. C.—Hon. secretary, 11. E. Laurence, Esq. The club is limited to old boys. (See separate article by secretary, and by his courtesy I also reproduce his likeness.) CHISWICK G. C.—Twelve holes in Chiswick Park, adjoining Chiswick Station (L. & S. W. R.) Undulating and many natural hazards. (According to Golf, 14th December 1894, the old public ground has been abandoned in favour of new.) CHORI.EY WOOD.—Private. No particulars. Metropolitan. Also Ladies. No particulars. CI.APHAM COMMON.—Restricted by County Council within certain hours. Few minutes' walk of Clapham junction, Wandsworth Road, and Clapham Road Railway Stations. DUI.WICITAND SYBENHAM Iinx,—The new pavilion, from the designs of the hem. treasurer, Mr. Nunn, was opened so lately as 8th December. The nine greens have been laid out with care, and the course is rich in hazards. Peter lJaxtnn of Tooting, and J. Rowe of Ashdown Forest, opened the course .with a professional match of much interest. EAST FINCHLEY.- Hon. Secretary, J. Elder, Esq. Nine boles on Manor Farm, between Forlis Gate and Highgate Wood. Within a quarter of an hour's walk of East Finchley, Highgate, and Muswell Hill Stations on G. N. R. EAST SHEEN LADIES' G. C.—East Sheen Common, Surrey. Nine holes. Hon. secretary, A. W. Cholmely, Esq. Nearest station, Mortlake, L. & S. W. R. - ELTHAM G. C. (Kent).—Eighteen holes. Hon. secretary, J. J. Baillie, Esq. The course, which is private, comprises over 100 acres. A fine old mansion-bouse, Eltham Lodge, has been adapted as 278 The Golfer's Guide club-house. It was built by the King's own architect in 1663-64 in the Dutch style. The first tee and last hole are on the lawn, within a Jew yards of the hall door. The ladies have separate rooms allotted to them. Toogood, wljose likeness we reproduce on page 44, is professional here. LONDON.—LADIES'.—Nine holes, and plenty of bunkers. Hon. secretary, Mrs. A. J. Browne. ROYAL EPI'TNG FORBST G. C.—Hon. secretary, Captain Peskett. Nearest Station, Chingford. Eighteen holes. On the waste land of Epping Forest, surrounded by exquisite woodland scenery. Trains to Chingford from Liverpool Street Station every half-hour. Also easy of access from Highgate, Hampstead, and Tottenham (G. E. R.) Special rates by G. E. R. HAM PSTEAD. —No particulars, except thai playing at Hampstead in March they beat East Fmchluy by 71 to 3. HANWEI.T,, WICST MIDDLESEX G. C.—18 holes. Hon. secretary, Major H. Maule. Nearest stations, Hanwell (one mile from Links) and Southall. (G. W. R.) MID-SUKRBY G. C.—18 holes on Old Deer Park, Richmond. Hon. secretary, A. J. Edmes, Esq. 320 acres. Club-house three minutes' walk from Richmond Station. Hazards are trees, shrubs, and pond. MID-SURRKY LADIES'.—No particulars. NEASDEN G. C.—18 holes. lion, secretary, Stanley Clifford, Esq. Within iive minutes'walk of Neasden Station, Metropolitan Ry., 18 minutes' run from Baker Street. Tickets at reduced rates. Grounds are six minutes'walk from Dudcling Hill Station (Midland Railway), and five by road from the Marble Arch. The club-house is a first-class mansion. Play is carried on seven days a week. The course is high and undulating ; the turf is excellent, and the hazards many. (Metro.) NORHURY (Surrey).—9 holes. Hon. secretary, A. \V. Macfar- Iane, Esq. Close to Norbury Station. Club-rooms at Durslcy, Norbviry, being the green. Play seven days a week. (L., B. & S. C. R.) —— PRINCE'S GOLF CLUII.—18 holes. Milcham Common. Club- house adjoins station. Hon. secretary, R. H. Cox, Esq. Ladies have separate course. (L., B. & S. C. R. and L. & S. W. R.) RANBLAGHG. C.—18 holes. Barn Elms, Surrey. Hon. sec, Captain Beak. Nearest Stations, Putney and Barns. This is a private dub on its own park. (L. & S. W. R. and Putney Bridge U. R.) RAYNICS PARK G. C. (Surrey).—18 holes. Hon. secretary, F. W. Baker, Esq. Station, J-mile. Ladies' separate 9-hole course. (L. &S. W. R.) RICHMOND (>. C. —18 holes. Sudbrook Park, Petersham, Surrey. Hon. secretary, L. J. Higgins, Esq. Two miles from Rich- mond Station (L. & S. W., District, Metropolitan and North London Ry.), and also from Twickenham, Strawberry Hill, Teddington, Hamp- ton Wick, and Kingston (L. & S. W.) The hotel, which is a very fine old mansion, is situated in the centre of the links in a beautiful park. STANMORE (Middlesex).—18 holes. Hon. secretary, C. Adams, Ksq. Ladies' separate course of 9 holes, and commodious club-house. (L. &.L. W. R., adjoins Stanmore Station). 1 STREATHAM G. C.—18 holes. Tooting Common, Surrey. Hon. The Golfer's Guide 279 secretary, J. D. Matthew, Esq. Nearest Station, Halham. (L. U. & S. C.) LONDON.—TOOTING BEC G. C-

Talbot Fair, Esq., Lytham, Lanes. Nearest station, St. Anne's-on-Sea (L. & N. W. R.), close to links. MACHYNU.KTH.- Cheap weekly or fortnightly tickets from London {Corns Railway.) MACCLESPIEI.T) (Upton, Cheshire.)-- -Nine holes. lion, secretary, (), (1. GraVj Esq. Town one mile and a quarter from links. (L. & N. W. R.) MAI.DON (Essex.)—Nine holes. JIon. secretary, T. Laurance, Esq. Five minutes from Maldon East Station. ((1. E. R.) MAI.THV (Yorks.)—Nine boles, lion, secretary, A. Winder, Esq. Station, Rotherham. (('•• N. R.) MAI.VURN (Worcestershire (1. C.)— 18 holes. Hon. secretary, W. Pateraon, Esq,, Malvern Wells. Station, three minutes' walk from links ((!. W. R.) One of the best inland courses in England. Ladies' course on Malvern Common. Hon. secretary, Miss Pike. MANCIIF.S'I'KR—Old Manchester (I. C—-(Broughton Park, Lanes.) 12 holes. lion, secretary, M. S. .Hies, E»q. Manchester, 2| miles from links. (1,. & N, W. R.) LADIES'. — lion, secretary, Miss Duds, Westlield, Kersal, Manchester. —— MANCHESTER (i. C.—Hon. secretary, R. Maclure, Esq. Nine boles. Mauley Park, Whalley Range. Station, Chorton cum Hardy, on Midland, about half a mile from the green ; also by tram to Alex- andra Park. NORTH MANCHESTER (!. C.—18 holes, at Cheetham Hill. Train to Cnimpsall (L. & V. R.), or tram-car from Albert Square, Pavilion. Hazards numerous, and turf good. Hon. secretary, |. II. Broiulman, Esq. MARYBOROUGH.—Nine holes, on Common. Rough grass and hedges. Hon. secretary, C. (i. Thorpe, Esq. (G. W. R.) MALII'L.K (Cheshire.)—Nine holes. lion, secretary, A. W. Cress- well, Esq. Only twenty minutes by vail from Manchester. (M., S. & L. R.) MELTON MOWBRAY (Leicester.)—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, W. 1. New, Esq. (M. R.) MlNCKINHAMPTON (Gloucester. )—18 holes. lion, secretary, A. V. Playne, Esq- On large level common of a thousand acres on a spur of Cotswolcl Hills, overlooking the Severn Vale. The turf is of the finest and best. Nearest stations are Nailsworth (M. R.), I mile, and Stroud (G. W. R.), 2^. —— Ladies have separate nine-hole course, and handsome club- house. MlNBHBAD (The Warren, Somerset.)—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, J, W. Todd, Esq, Station close to links. (G, W. R.) . -—- LADTBS',—No particulars. MORECAMBE A.N1 >HBYSHAM G. C. (Heysham, Lanes,)- —! Ion. secretary,J!. II. Cookson, Esq. Nearest station, Morccambe (L. & N. W. R.), thence tram to H eysham. Views magnificent of lake, mountains, and Lancashire shore as far as Kleetwood. 12 holes at present, but the course will be extended. Club-house. LADIKS'. -lion, secretary, B. II. Cookson, Esq. MOKBTON LADIKS' G. C.—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, Miss B, The Golfer's Guide 281

J, Laird, Oakhurst, Birkenhead. At Leasowe, within 12 minutes' walk of Moreton Station On Birkanhead am! Hoylake Railway. Turf and greens excellent. (Wired R.) MOSBLEY,—Nine holes. Moseley Station (M. R.) 1 mile distant, Hon. secretary, S. R, Lowcock, Esq. MusWELL HlLL (Tottenham Wood Farm, Middlesex.) -. Nine holes, to be extended to 18. IIon. secretary, T. W. White, Esq. Stations, Musvvell Hill and Wood Green (G. N. R.) Ten inimites to either. NAZIN<; COMMON (!. C. (Essex.)- 18 holes. IInn.. secretary, T, W. Goddard,Esq. Station, Broxboutne(G, E. R.&M.R.) Gooddub-bouae. NE\VBIGGIN-BY-THE-SEA (Northumberland.) — Nine holes. 1 Ion. secretary, J. Late, Esq. Fine links and superb bathing. (<.!. N. R.) NEW BRIGHTON (Cheshire.)—Nine holes, Hon. secretary, J. Mont- gomery, Esq.) jim. Nearest station, Wallasey. (Wirral R.) NBVVHURY (Donnington G, C.)—ij miles long. (G. \V. K.) NEWCASTJ.E-ON-TYNE (The City of Newcastle G, ('.) Hon. secretary, S. F, Bates. 18 holes, on Newcastle Town Moor. Kxcellent club-house close to first tee. NEW QUAY (Cornwall.)—Hon. secretary, C. ). Lakey, New Quay. (G. W. R.) NISWTOWN (Montgomeryshire G. C.)—Hon. secretary, E, Buckley, Esq. 2i miles from Nevvtown Station. (L. & N. W. R.) NORTHAMPTON.—Hon. secretary, W. G. Hob!is, Esq. Nine holes. Green at Abington one mile and a half from M. & L. & N. W. Stations, NORTI-IWOON.—Hon. secretary, II. Chip]), Esq. Nine holes. Five minutes' walk from station. Large pavilion. NORWICH (Royal NorwichG. C.)—Rabbits IJill, 1 lellesden, Norfolk. 18 holes. Hon. secretary, C. Steward, Esq. (!. N. K. or G. E. R. The green is extremely sporting, with all varieties of hazards. LADIES'.—Separate nine-hole course. NOTTINGHAM. — Vide separate article. OAKHAM (Rutland).—18 holes. Hon. secretary, |. L, Grilt, Esq, (M. & G. N. R.) 01.D HALL (Birches Kami, Lees, Lanes).—18 holes. Hon. secy., J. C. Atkins, Esq. (L.&N. W. R. and Mid.) Turf rough, but lots of hazards, OLTON.—Hon. secretary, J. P. Ileaton, Esq. Nine holes. One mile from Olton on G. W. R. Small pavilion. Inland hazards, OUNDLE.—Hon. sec, ]. H. Smith, Esq. Nine holes. Inland hazards. (L. &N. W.) OXFORD UNIVERSITY G. C.—Hun. secretary, R. 11. Mitchell) Esq. 18 holes. (G. W. R.) High ground above South Hincksey. Easy of access. Small club-house. Supplementary nine-hole course on Cowloy Marsh. I'AINSWICK (Gloucester).—Nine holes. IJon, secretary, E. II. Per- cival, Esq. Station, Stroud. (G. W. R.) PAXTON (near Cambridge).—No particulars. 'ENARTII (Glamorganshire G. C.)—Hon. secretary, A. M. Ingledew, Esq. Nine holes. Two miles from Penarth Station. (G.W. R.) PENRITH (Inglevvood G. C.).— Hon. secretary, 11. B. Neville, Esq. Nine holes. Race course above I'enrith. (L. & N. W. & N. K. R.) PEPPARD COMMON1.—Threemiles, Henley-on-Thames. |ohn Dunn, 282 The Golfer's Guide

Mitcham, writes in praise :—" Breezy, undulating, soil light, subsoil chalk, turf throughout perfect." Six holes. Appalling chalk pit. (G. W.) PETERBOROUGH.—In the course of last November an excellent course was opened by the Gordon Club on the farm of Mr. Martin, a tenant of the Marquis of Huntly. (('.. K., G. N., L. & N. W., M. & G. N. Ft., Mid., M. S. & L.) PKTBRSFIELD (Hants).—Nine holes (18 shortly). Hon, secretary, A. J. 1'erkin, Esq. (L. & S. W. R.) PLEASINGTON (Lanes).—Nine holes. Hon, secretary, R, Wilding, .Esq. (W. L. & L. S. & I1. J. R. and G. N. R.) Close to Blackburn. PORTHCAWL (Glamorganshire).—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, W. S. Vivian, Esq. On the Locks Common one mile and a half from station. (G. W. R.) PORTLAND.—No particulars. PORTSMOUTH (United Service Club). -Ilun. secretary, Commander Payne, Southsea. Green beautifully situated on shore of Solent opposite (he Isle of Wight, and near Gosport and Portsmouth. Nine holes, and abounds in hazards. The nearest station is Stokes Bay. (L. & S. W.) — LADIES.—Hon, secretary, Captain Henderson, R.N., 2 Bel- mont Villas, Angleseu. PRESTON (Pilebleton, Lanes).—Nine holes. lion, secretary, \V. S. Eweston, Esq. (L. & N. W. R.) l'\VLr.itl!i,l (South Beach G. C., North Wales).—Shore of Cardigan Hay. Burgh of 4000 inhabitants. Large natural harbour. Nine holes. (Cambrian.) PYBCOMBB (LADIES' SECTION).—On downs near Pyecombe. Four miles from Brighton, and one mile and a half from Hassocks Station. Hon. secretary (pro tern.)—Miss Blanche Martin. (L., B. & S. C.) RAvi.F.icir (Bullwood G.C.).—Hon. secretary, A. Green, Esq., 9 Warwick Court, Gray's Inn, London. Course is situated about one mile and a half from Rayleigh Station, Essex, and has 18 holes. The turf is good and the hazards numerous. The Ksscx Union foxhounds and a pack of harriers hunt the district, and coursing meetings are frequently held. RKnnrrcii.— Vide Ipsley. [((«. E. R.) • R.EIOATE (Redhill and Reigate G. C.).—Earlswood Station (L., B. & S. C R,), 21 miles from London, is only three minutes from club- house. Redhill Junction (S, E. K.) is about a mile. Both companies give special rates. The course is one of 18 holes, and is full of sporting variety. Hon. secretary, C. J. Trevarthen, Esq. Rim. (Flint).:—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, T. E. R. Johnson, 'Esq. Ten minutes' walk from links. There is a capital club-house and excel' lent hotel accommodation for travellers in the town. (L. & N. W. R. and G. W. R.) RICHMOND (Yorks).—A most excellently-planned course on the race- course, that avoids any chance of injury. (N. E. R.) RlCKMANSWORTH (L & N. W. R.).—No particulars. ROCHDALE.—Hon. secretary, T. Broadbent, Esq., District Bank, Rochdale. The club is in possession of two nine-hole courses, each of which has its own interest to the golfing pilgrim. Both are easily accessible. (L. & N. W. R.) ROCHESTER,—Hon. secretary, G. K. Anderson, Esq. The course is at Oakleigh, Higham, Kent (S. E. R. three-quarters of a mile from The Golfer's Guide 288

the green), and within easy distance of Maidslone, Gravesend, and other Kentish towns of story. Rochester was known even before the Iinn- of Dickens, but it is probable that, had he been spared, there would havr been few more famous golfers than lie even in this storied town olpa ROCHESTER.—Ladies have a separate nine-hole course. ROCK (Saint Enodoc G.C., Cornwall). -Hon, secretary, M. Sandy., Esq. Station, Wadebridge, (G. W. R.) There are [8 holes, nine among sand hills and nine on the shore. It is an excellent green, li is in some ways a pity that the links we a little off the lii-aten Imrl, : still, this also has its advantages. ROMKORD.—On IOO acres of the Cideu Estate, It is an t8-hol« course of splendid sporting capabilities, and with alninsl perfect turf. The hazards, too, are singularly varied, but of the usual inland nature. The club-house is worthy of this most attractive green. I Ion. .inn.iiy, Leslie Hollebone, Esq. The green is private. (G.I1'.. K.) ROSSAU. SCHOOL.—No particulars. ROTHUURY (Coquetdalc G.C)—A nine-hole courts Upon the Wolves Haugh. The hazards are the river Coquet, marsh, and whins. Although in England, it is on the N, B. R. system. ROWTNGTON.—One mile and a half from Kingswood Station, Wat wickshire. Hon. secretary, C. W. Falcon, Esq. ((1. \V. R.) ROVSTON (Royston Heath, Herts.) — iS holes. Hon. MCratftiy, W. T. Rowley, Esq. About eight minutes'walk from Royston Station. 450 acres with good greens, ami rich in hazards. (G. N. K.) RYE (Sandhills, Camber, Sussex.)—18 holes. Hon. secretary, ]. G. Sharpe, Esq. About iwcnly minutes'drive from Rye Station. There are a number of fine natural greens, and no artificial bunkers will bo necessary. (S. E. K. RYTON-ON-TYNE (Tyneside G. C.)—Hon. secretary, (1. V. < li. uHon, Esq. Six miles from Newcastle on the Hexhum and Carlisle wclion ol the N. E. R. Nine holes. Club-house. (N. E, R.) . l SAFFRON WALDBN (Cheslerford Park G (, '.) - Nina holes, ion, secretary, Mrs. Pickersgill Cumliffe, Cheslerford Park, Saffron Wal.lt-n, T Essex. Two miles from Great Chesterford Station. he haiards art ditches, plantations, and artificial bunkers. (G. I1'.. R.) ST. ALBANS.—No particulars. (L, & N. W.) ST. FAGANS.—No particulars. ST. HELENS AND DISTRICT G. C.—HOD, »ecr»tary. O. J. C. Broom, Esq. (L. & N. W. and_ L. & Y.) ST. NEOTS (Hants, The Common.) Nine holes. Hon. weretury, A. B. Brackenbury, Esq. St. Neots Station (G. N. R.) a mile from course. The river and gravel pits are good hazards. Ladies have a nine-hole course. SALISBURY (Homington Down G. C,)—Nine hole*. mi. secretary. D. J. K. Macdonald, Esq. The course is a Hut down two miles ary. town. (L. & S. W. R.) SAI.THURN-HY-SEA.—Nine holes. On coast between Sultbum ami Marshe; about 15 minutes from Saltburn Station. Deap grassy ravines and whin. It is quite different course from the sandy one of noiffhboui ing Coatham. (N. E. R.) SAPPERTON PARK (Cirencestcr, Gloucestershire.)—18 hole*. Hun. secretary, R. Anderson, Esq. Good cluh-house on links. (G. \V. R.) 284 The Golfer's Guide

SAI.TI.KY.—No particulars. SANDWICH. — 18 Holes. Hon. secretary, W. Rutherford, Esq. Station, one mile and a half from links. (S. E. R.) Mr. Hutchinson sums up this famous green thus! "On the whole Sandwich is a very good links. A good many people say it ia the best in the world, and some really think so." The names of the notorious " Maiden" and the "Sahara" are familiar to many a golfer who has never seen the old Cinq Port. Mr. Whitney says; "The surface of the ground looks like one vast irregular succession of congealed sand waves. The greens are excellent, though not equal to those of St. Andrews, Westward Ho I or Iloylake. . . . The fourteenth hole, requiring three long drives, with a hazard in each one, is probably the best of England," It is probably unnecessary to add that St. George's Golf Club have fully established the claim of their green to be among those chosen for championship competitions. The Amateur Champion- ship Meeting for 1896 is lo be held here. SCARBOROUGH (linksat Ganton, Yorks.)—18 holes. Hon. secretary, F. Ben ton, Esq. Nearest station is Ganton, 15 minutes by train from Scarborough. Club-house. (N. E. R.) SCOKTON (Wyvesdale G. C.)—lion, secretary, L. Bailey, Esq., Scor- ton, Garstang, Lanes. Nine holes. Five minutes from Scorton Station. Club-room in village. Hazards are rushes, hedges, gorse, a ravine, and mill stream. (L. & N. W.) SEAKORD (Sussex.)—18 holes. Hon. secretary, W. M. Cundell, Esq; One mile from station. Plenty of natural hazards in shape of gorse, chalk and sandpits, fords, and artificial bunkers. Good pavilion on links. (L. B, & S. C. R.) •— LADIES.' There is also a ladies' club. SKASCAI.K (Cumberland.) Nine holes. Hon. secretary, G. II. W. Harrison, Esq. Three minutes from station. The course commands a fine .view of the Scawfell range. The hazards arc bunkers, bracken, and bunt, (L. & N. W. R.) SBATON CARUW (Durham.)—18 holes. Hon. secretary, C. J. Bunt- ing, Esq.( Quarter of an hour from station. (N. E. R.) SEMPJUNOHAM ABBEY.—NO particulars. SEVENOAKS (Wilderness.)—No particulars. SHAWFORD (Tayford and Shawford G. C.)l ion, secretary, Gen. Laughton, Mount Pleasant, Shawford, Hants. The course is a few yards from the station, and the club-room at the Bridge Inn. (L. & S. W. R.) SHEFFIELD,—Hon. secretary, J. G. Ronksley, Esq. Green, Lin- drick Common, 15 miles from Sheffield and 3.J from Worksop. The station is Shireoaks, one mile from club-house. Nine holes, but probably 18 this season. The hazards are ponds, quarries, roads, and whin. Reduced fares by M., S. & L. R, SLIIRRKI. IIKATII (Links. Botley, Hants). -Nine holes. Him. secretary, Captain 11. M. Nicholls. (L. & S. W. R.) SlIAOTH.—This course is an eightcen-hole one, laid out on ground called Blitlerlees Bank, belonging to the North British Railway Co. The links are beautifully situated near the Solway Firth, and a sojourn here for the ardent golfer and his family alike would be delightfully pleasant and health-giving. lion, secretary, 1). Dixon, Esq., Eden Street, Silloth. (N. B. R.) The Golfer's Guide •285 286 The Golfer's Guide

SHBRIXGHAM (Norfolk).—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, H. R. • Johnson, Esq. This is an ancient and picturesque fishing village, four miles west of Cromer, 200 feet above sea-level, with sheer cliffs. The course is close to the station, and the turf like velvet. The hazards are hunkers, whin, etc. (G. N. R.) SHIELDS, SOUTH.—No particulars. SIIOKHURYNF.SS.—Limited to R. A. officers and friends. Six holes. SHREWSBURY (Meole Brace).—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, E. P. Salusbury, Esq. Two miles from station. (L. & N. W. R.) —— Ladies have a seven-hole course. SlDCUl' (Kent).—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, J. Crombie, Esq. Ten minutes from station. (S. E. R.) STDMOUTH (Devon).—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, W. 11. Hastings, Esq. One mile from links. The hazards are gorse, marsh, and hedges. Pavilion, Mild climate and sheltered site. (L. & S. W. R.) SKEGNESS (Lincolnshire).—A long nine-hole course has been laid out by Tom Dunn, ten minutes from town, on the shore. The turf is first- class, the ground undulating, and there are plenty of natural hazards. The club-house is in a commodious hotel, close to the first tee, with 27 bedrooms. (G. N. R.) —— Ladies will have a separate green close to town. SOUHULI. (Arden G. C., Warwickshire).—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, S. F. Hambridge, Esq. Close to station. Birmingham 6J miles, and trains every three-quarters of an hour. (G. W. R.) SOUTHDOWN LADIES'G. C. (Burgess Hill, near Brighton). -Nine holes. Hon. secretary, Miss B. Martin. (L., B., & S. C. R.) SOUTIIUND-ON-SBA.—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, H. Warlow, Esq. Private. Turf excellent, and hazards varied. Special hotel tariff for golfers at " The Ship." (L., S. & L. R. and G. E. R.) SOUTH POUT (Moss Lane).—18 holes. Hon. secretary, W. E. Bland, Esq. Nearest station, Chapel Street, L. & N. W. and G. N. R. The course extends from Moss Lane to Blowick. The hazards are bunkers, copse, fences, etc. Train-cars pass close to the club-house. — PALACE LADIES' G. C- NO particulars. SOUTIIWOLD.—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, D. R. Gooding, Esq. Three minutes from station. (G. E. R.) STAFFORD (The Staffordshire G. C., Stafford Common).—18 holes, Hon. secretary, Conway Morgan, Esq. Station on links. (G. N. R.) STAINES (Shorlwood Common, Middlesex).—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, G. Struthers, Esq. Club-house five minutes from station. Good hazards, and putting greens excellent. (L. & S. W. and .. W. R.) STAMFORD (Burghley Park G. C.)—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, II. < ). Edmonds, Esq. The green is charmingly situated in the park, close to Stamford. The turf is good. (G. N., Mid., and L. & N. W.R.) S'I'AN.MORK.— 18 holes. Hon. secretary, C, Adams, Esq. Adjoins station. (L. & N. W. R.) —-— LADIES'.—Separate course, with club-house. STAI'I.KFORD (Wilts).—18 holes. Hon. secretary, E. W. Macdonald, Esq. Station, Wishford. (G.W.R.) STAUNTON HAROLD (Karl Ferrer's Course).—18 holes. Rushes, The Golfer's Guide 287 trees, fern, fences, brook, pond, Bunkers' " Despair"—" Fury" full of rushes. (G. N. K.) STBVENAGB (Herts).—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, C. T. Slandring, Esq. (G. N. R.) LADIES,—No particulars. S'R INCH COM BB HIl.l. (Gloucester).—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, H, Coldingham, Esq. Nearest station, Dursley. The course is laid out on Stinchcombe Height, an upland in the Severn "valley between Gloucester and Bristol. Hazards are a coombc 300 feet deep, ancient: British earthworks, quarries, etc. Club-house. (Mid.) Ladies have separate nine-hole green. STOURBRIPGE (Pedmore Common). No particulars. STOW-OX-THE-WOI.I) (Cotswold G. C, ( ilouc.)—Nine holes. !Ion. secretary, H. C. Rose, Esq. (G. W. R.) STAVELL PARK.—No particulars, except that they have played on their own links against Cheltenham. S'L'ROUN.—Hon. secretary, A. ]. I'layne, Ksq., Longfords, Mlnchin- hamplon. (G. W. R.) STUDI.EV ROYAL (Ripon).—Links at Studley Park. (N, K. R.) SUMIURY (Derby).—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, Miss A. Bolt. (Mid., G. N., and L. & N. W. R.) StTNDERLAND (Cox Green).—Nine holes. lion, secretary, J. H, Sparks, Ksq. (N. E. R.) SURIHTON.—TomDunn has planned anine-hole course on the grounds of the Wafirons, Upper Long Ditlon, Surbiton. Turf old pasture, anil several natural hazards. It is the intention of the proprietor, Mr Lisner, to form a club. (I,. & S. W. R.) SUNNINGDALE (Chobham Common, Berks).— -Nine holes. Hon. secretary, V. L. Oliver, Esq. (L. & S. W. K.) SUTTON (Banstead Downs, Surrey). -15 holes. Hon. secretary, I1'. Richardson, Esq. Two minutes from station. (L., B, & S. C. R.) Ladies have also a course. SUTTON COLDFIELD (Streetley) Warwick).—18 holes, lion, .secretary, P. Bourke, Esq. Nearest station, Streetley. Club-house. Hazards are gorse, ling, wood, etc. (Mid.) SWANAUE (Isle of Purbcck G. C, Dorset).—Nine holes. lion, secretary, J. Russell Wright, Esq. 1ledges, furze, ponds, and bunkers. Magnificent view of Swanage, Studland, Poole Harbour, Bournemouth, and the Isle of Wight. Club-house and good hotel accommodation. (L. & S. W. R.) SWANSEA. —No particulars. TAXIWORTH.—No particulars. TATI.OW (Barge Farm, Taplow, Bucks). —18 holes. 1 Ion. secretary, M. Taylor, Esq. Five minutes from station. On private ground. Hedges, ditches, burns, and ponds. Club-house. (G. W. R.) Ladies have also a course. TAUNTON.—Five miles from station. Hon. secretary, Rev. Mr Crumpe, Corfe, Taunton. (G. W. R.) TAVISTOCK (Whitchurch Down, Devon).—Nine holes. Hon. gecre- tary, T. 11. Neat, Esq. Whins, roads, quarry, bunkers, TurC good, and lies fair. Club-house. (G. W. R.) TENH'Y (Pembroke).—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, L. P. Wood, Esq. ~

288 The Golfer's Guide

On the burrows near Ihe sea, one mile from Tenby, Plenty of natural hazards. (G. W. H.) TKWKKSHIIRY (Shuthonger Common, Gloucester).—Nine holes, lion, secretary, S. C. Healing, Esq. (L. & N. W. R.) TL-IRAPSTON.—A green lias been laid out on the estate of Mr S. G. Stopford Sackville (chainnan of Ihe North Hants Co. Club), and promises extremely well. (L. &. N. W. and Mid.) TIVKIMIN (Devon).—Six holes. Hon. secretary, M. L. Banks, Esq. Hedges, ditches, and the river. ((!. W. K.) — DI.UNDEI.I.'S SCHOOL G. C.—Hon. secretary, M. Irving, Esq. Six holes, rough. TONBRIDGE.—Nine holes. IJon. secretary) G. Furley,1Esq. Situ- ated at the Trench, two miles from the railway. Very sporting. (S. E. R.) _ ],dies have a six-hole course. •HADLOW CASTLE, near Tonbridge, on the estate of J. 1'. Rodger, Esq. This is a private nine-hole course laid out by Tom Dunn. Dry, undulating, wilb stream, ditches, hedges. TORQUAY (Torquay and St. Marychurch G. C, Babbacombe, Devon). —Nine holes, lion, secretary, W. K. Norris, Esq. Admirable putting greens and short crisp turf, with furze, walls, and bunkers. (Li. W. R.) LADIES1.—iron, secretary, Miss IC. C'olhoun, Trelawney, Tor- quay. TORRB.—Two miles from station. Hon. secretary, G. Cuinming, Esq., Warbeny Courl, Torquay. (G. W. R.) THING PARK,—No particulars. (L. & N. W. K.) TROWBRIDQK.—No particulars. ((.!. W. R.) T UlTVEKS ON.—The Cohisheftd I'riory Hydropathic liave laid out a course between the house and Morecambe Bay. Nine holes. Turf is good and many hazards. (Kurness Ry.). FOXJTBLD.—Secretary, K. T. Tosh. The Furnesa Railways give special terms. UNITED SERVICE llaslnr, (Hants). -Nine holes. Hon. secretary, I'",. Payne, Esq. Stations, Stokes Bay and Gosport Road. (I,. & S. W.) Ul'i'lNiuiAM.—No particulars. Ui'Wisv.—A quarter of a mile from station. Hon. secretary, Major- General Home, Weymouth. (G. W. K.) UMISTON (near Manchester). —No particulars, except that Holmes' Chapel beat them by 40 to love. (Cheshire Lines.) WADEBRIDGE.— lius to Roche, near links. Hon. secretary, — Sandys, Esq. Lanarlh Station, Wadebridge. (G. W. R.) WAKEFIEJ-D (H eath Common, Yorlcs-).—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, A. C. J. Stanfield, Esq. Nearest station, Sandal, one mile and a half from centre of Wakeflekl. 'Bus every hour, (Mid.) WAIXASEY (Cheshire). —18 holes. H on. secretary, W. Roughlon, Esq. Club-house. Fifteen minutes by rail from Liverpool. Natural sand bunkers. Almost all greens natural. (Wiiral Railway.) WAI.I.INOI'ORD. — Hon. secretary, (i. H, M. Hamilton. Green at Kwehne, three miles from Wallingiord, Nine holes. (G .W. R.) WAI.TIIAM CROSS (Nazing Common (\. C.)—Private common of ejoo The Golfer's Guide 289

acres in Essex. iS holes. Hon. secretary, T. W. Goddard, Esq. Nearest station, ,Broxbourne. Good club-house on links. (G. E. K. and Mid.) WALTON-ON-TTIAMES (Ashley Park, Surrey)—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, F. J. Oakley, Ksq. Nearest station, Walton. (L. & S. W.) WARKWORTH (Northumberland).—12 holes, Hon. secretary, Win. Rogerson, Esq. Laid out by Old Tom. Fine turf and sporting hazards. (N. E. R.) WARMINSTER (Wilts).—18 holes. Hon. secretary, Rev. IT. A. Ilickin. Club-house. (G. W. R.) WARWICK (Warwickshire G. C.)—Hon. secretary, F, C. Hunter- Blair, Esq. 9 holes. (G. W. R.) LADIES have also 9-hole course. Hon. sec, Miss O. S. Baly. WEAUSIDE G. C. (Coxgreen, Durham).—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, J. B. Sparkes, Esq. (N. E. R.) WATFORD.—No particulars. (L. & N. W. R.) WELBECK.—Tom Dunn has laid out at Welbeck Abbey, the property of the • Duke of Portland, a o-hole course. The views are charming, and the course an excellent one. It begins and finishes close to the house on the other side of the lake. WELLINHOROUGIT.— Vide separate article. WESTGATB-ON-SEA.—A quarter of a mile from town. 6 holes. Hon. secretary, S. K. Jardine, Esq. (L., C. & 1). R.) WESTON-SUFER-MARE.—Along sea-shore among sand hills. Club- house. Hon. secretary, C. P. Crouch, Esq. (G. W. R.) LADIES share club-house. WESTWARD HO! (Royal North Devon G. C.)—18 holes. Hon. secretary, Lieut.-Col. Winterscale. The nearest station is Bideford, The whole district has been made classic by Charles Kingsley and other great writers. The links themselves are the Northam Burrows (Salvation Yeo is buried in Northam Churchyard), and command charming views of the Atlantic, Bristol Channel, Exmoor, Luntly Island, and the estuary of the twin Torridge and Taw. It was on these famous links that the present champion, Taylor, learned the game; but it is, no doubt, with Mr Horace Ilutchinson that they are mainly associated in the mind of the golfer. Their distance from town, six hours, has both advantages and the reverse. No green in the country requires more accurate play—it may be noted in connection with this, that a spectator of Taylor's game in last year's open at Sand- wich remarked that such a combination of the "far and sure" had never before been exhibited, and that the only hazards for him were the guide flags, so closely did he, time after time, shave them—for the course abounds in rushes ; you must accordingly pick out a certain spot, not merely a certain line. As Mr Whitney puts it with warm appreciation, "Really the links is ideal, the drives are magnificent, the bunkers difficult, the putting greens large and excellent, and your ball seems always to he teed." Even Mr Hutchinson himself could scarcely say more on behalf of his home green. (G. W. R. and L. & S. W. R.) NORTHAM G. C.—On the Westward Ho ! links. Hon. secretary, L. Chappie, Esq. WESTWARD HO ! AND NORTH DEVON LATHES' G. C.—Nine holes, close to the men's links, lion, secretary, W. Iloare, Esq. T 290 The Golfer's Guide

WEST WALTON (near Wisbech in the Fens).—"A capital little g-hole course." (G. E. R.) WBSTWRATTING PARK (Cambridgeshire).—Private. H on. secretary, V. Cobbold, Ksq. WBYMOUTH.—Green close to Radipole village, with view of the sea. One mile and a half from Weymouth station. 9 holes, but room for 18. Hut on ground, but club-house being erected. (G. W. R.) WlllTHY.—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, R, B. W. Johnston, Esq. Station, Gothland, three minutes from course. Fine moor, turf and greens natural. Hazards are ditches and roads. (G. N. R.) WHITLEY.—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, J. B. Radcliffe, Esq. On Northumbrian coast, about ten miles from Newcastle. (N. E. R.) WII.MSI.OW (Cheshire).—18 holes. Hon. secretary, J. A. Tweedale, Esq. Nearest stations, Wilmslow and Alderley Edge, both one mile from links. Twelve miles from Manchester. (L. & N. W. R.) • LAWKS have separate 9-hole course. Hon. secretary, Miss Winifred Gemmel. WlLPSHIRE (Lancashire)—Nine holes. Hon. secretary, J. Har- greaves, Esq. Three minutes from Wilpshire station. Whins, rushes, hedges, quarry. (L. & Y. R.) WILTS (South G. C.)—A new club has been formed, and a course of 18 holes been laid out hy Taylor of Winchester on the Salisbury Race Plain. He pronounces it one of the most sporting courses in the South of England. Four miles from Salisbury. It takes the place of the defunct f-Iomington Down Club. (G. W., L. & S. W., Mid. and S. W. Jn.) WINCHESTER (Magdalen Hill, Hants).—18 holes. Hon. secretary, VV. D. Gibbs, Esq. Nearest station, Diclcot. Absence of furze and hunkers is compensated by ravine. Station, mile from course. (G. W. R. and L, &S. W.) WiNCHFiEi.D (Hartley, Whitney G. C.)—Hon. secretary, E. P. Branfoot, Esq. 9 holes. (L. & S. \V.) HOOK G. C.—Hon. secretary,. I1. F, Morton, Esq., Hook House, near Winchfield. Five minutes off Hook station. 9 holes. (L. •&, W. S.) WINDKRMKKR (Cleabarrow, Westmoreland.)—18 holes. Hon. secretary, H. E. Rawson, Esq. Two miles from Windermere and one from Burness. Hilly fell with natural hazards. (L. & N. W.) WINDSOR (Eton College G. C.)—Hon. secretary, R. W. Mitchell, Esq. Private, 13 holes, confined to masters anil pupils. Any member may take a friend round. Laid out in meadows along the Thames from Cuckoo Weir to Boveny. (G. W., L. & S. W., Met.) WMIINCSI'ON (Lancashire).—No particulars. (Mid.) WOKINC (Surrey).—18 holes. Hon. secretary, J. Aspinall, Esq. (L. & S. W.) Woi.viciuiAMi'TON (South Staffordshire G. C.)—Hon, secretary, T. F. Walerhouse, Esq. 9 holes. On Penn Common, two and a half miles from Wolverhampton. Club-house is at the Barley Mow Inn. (L. &N. W. and Mid.) WOODBRIDGB.—Hon. secretary, Major J. R. King. 9 holes. Bronieswell Heath, one mile from Melton Station, and two from Woodbridge. [G. E, R.) The Golfer's Guide 291

WOOKEY.—One mile from station. Hon. secretary, — Collins, Esq., Portway, Wells. (G. W. R.) WOOD FORD (Essex).—18 holes. Hon. secretary, P. C. Mead, Esq. (G. E. R.) WOODHALL SPA and DISTRICT (Lincoln).—9 holes. Hon. secretary, E. W. Stokoe, Esq. (G. N. R.) WOOLACOMBIC (North Devon).—Links of 60 acres have been laid out by Gibson of Westward Ho ! on the Burrows stretching along the central part of the Bay, and overlooking the famous Wooiaconibe Sands. They command views of Morte and Baggy Points, Lundy Island, and a wide range of rugged rocky scenery. Five minutes' walk from Wbolacombe, which is two miles from Morthoe Station. (L. &S. W.) WOOLWICH.—Royal Artillery. WORiiiNtiTON (West Cumberland G. C.) — Hon. secretary, R. Willis, Esq. 9 holes. Close to Siddick Junction. (L. & N. W. R.) WORLINGTON and NICWMARKRT G. C. (Cambridge).—18 holes. Hon. secretary, A. A. Rusten, Esq. Nearest station, Mildenhall. Club-house, bunkers, ponds, rushes, streams, etc. (G. E. R.) WORSLEY G. C. at Monton, near Manchester. George Lowe laid this green. (L. & N. W.) WORTHING (on Sussex Downs).—Three miles from Worthing, and two from Lancing. 9 holes. Hon. secretary, F. A. Gresson, Esq. (L., B. & S. C. R.) WYE.—No particulars. YARDLEY (in the Midlands).—No particulars. YARMOUTH (Great Yarmouth G. C.)—iS boles. Hon. secretary, Charles Hope, Esq. Club-house, bunkers, and furze. Ladies—9 holes on men's green, and club-house. (G. E. R.) YORK (at Knavesmire).—9 holes. Hon. secretary, J. Teasdale. Ditches, whim, .ponds, etc. The races are held here, so there are inevitable hoof-prints. (G. N. R.) ~~

292 The Golfer's Guide

IRELAND. ARMAGH, TYRONE (County Armagh, G. C.)—This is a nine-hole course, about half a mile from Armagh Station, with a commodious club-house. The lion, secretary is J. C. Murphy, l£sq. (G. N. of I, R.) AUGIINACLOY.—This was the first 18-hole course laid out in Ireland. It is some two miles in length, anil rich in hazards, comprising brooks, rushes, trees, and hedges. Aughnacloy is on the Clogher Valley Kail- way (ma Tynan or M'Guire's Bridge), and (he course about three-' quarters of a mile from the station. There is simple hotel accommodation. The hon. secretary is J. I). Meharg, Ksq., Ulster Bank, Aughna- cloy. (G. N. of I. R.) BALXYBTLNLON.—I t is believed that there are Links at Ballybunion, on the Listowel and Ballybunion Railway, but no details have been forthcoming. BALLYCASTLE (Country Antrim).—The links, which are small, are laid out mi Ballycastle Warren, about half a mile from Ballycastle Railway Station. The Marine Hotel is excellent. The hon. secretary is Commander Caus ton, R.N. (Belfast Railway.) BANTRY.—No particulars. (C. B. and S. C. R.) BELFAST.—The new green of the Royal Belfast is situated at Carnalea. There are only nine holes, but the course is a sporting one, and rich in varied hazards. The club-house, which is a very handsome one, overlooks the sea, and adjoins Carnalea Station, 25 minutes from Belfast. Secretary. F. M. Harris, Esq. (Belfast mid County Down Railway.) ORMBAO (Belfast).—A nine-hole course, on the outskirts of Ormoiiu Park, a mile and a half from the centre of the city. The station is within five minutes' walk of the green. There is a club-house, lion, secretary, J. Hunter. Esq. BUNDORAN.—The links are only half a mile from the station, l ion, secretary, Ross Todd, Esq., Solicitor. ((). N. of I.) CARRIGART (County Donegal).—There is a capital 18-hole course in connection with the Rosapenna Hotel. The turf is excellent, and the hazards many and various, consisting of bunkers, 11 lake, brooks, bent, and so forth. The view is charming, ranging from Shecphaven Bay to Murloy Bay, with the mountains in the distance. " Old Tom discovered the green. CLONTARF.—It is believed that there are links near here, but no particulars are forthcoming. COOKSTOWN, Tyrone (The Killymoon G. C.)—There are two nine- hole courses, the one for ladies and the oilier for gentlemen, in the park of Killymoon Castle, a mile from Cookstown. The turf is line, and the hazards varied. Hon. secretary, j. (!. Donaldson, Esq. (B. & N. C. R.) CouRTMAcsiniiiKY.—Hon. secretary, M. Longfielil, Esq., Peacourl, Butlerstown, County Cork. (C. B. & S. C. R.) CURRAGH, Kildare.—No particulars are forthcoming, lml il is understood that the club is open to all members of the brigade. (G. S. & W. oft. K.) L DUOGIIEDA (County I.outh G. C.)—This is a capital nine-hole course The Golfer's Guide 293

at Beltray, at the mouth of the Boyne, three miles from Drogheda. The hazards are bunkers and sandhills. Hon. secretary, G. II. I'enlland, Blackball, Drogheda. (G. N. of I. R.) DUBLIN (Royal Dublin G. C.)—This excellent 18-hole course is situated on the North Bull, Dollymount, on the sea coast, four miles from Dublin. The hazards are bunkers, bents, anil rushes. The turf is fine, and the greens unsurpassed. Trains run from Dublin every ten minutes to within five minutes' walk of the links. Hon. secretary, George C. May, Esq., 13 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin. (G. N.) DUNFANAGIIY.—The links are in connection with Starrettrs Hotel. Route, 11.50 A.M. train Londonderry to Letterkenny, thence by Driver's van to Dunfannaghy on week-days. (L. & L, S. and L. R.) DUNGANNON (County Tyrone).—This is an excellent course of 12 holes on the estate of the Earl of Raniurly, who has also built for the Club a handsome house. Dungannon Station is ten minutes' walk from the links. Hon. secretary, R. Daniel, Esq., Derryvale, Dun- gannon. Black's hotel is excellent, and the proprietor will also supply caddies. (G. N. of I. R.) FOXROCK (Co. Dublin).—The Hon. secretary is A. Mongomerie Moore, Esq. (D. W. & W. R.) GUEYSTONES G. C.—Hon. secretary, Robert Gow, Esq., Navara, Bray. (D. W. & W. R.") KILLARNEY.—This excellent g-hole course has been planned with great skill on the Deer Park, belonging to the Earl of Kenmare. The hazards are a quarry, bunkers, bracken, and rabbit holes. From the fourth hole you have the famous view of the mountains and lakes of Killarney. Hon. secretary, W. Butler, Esq., Killarney. LAHINCH (CO. Clare.)—This is the golf centre of the south and west of Ireland. The course is an admirable one of the full 18 holes. Liscanur Bay is too well known to warrant description, as are also the famous cliffs of Noher. The Hon. secretary is R. Plummer, Esq., 36 Catherine Street, Limerick. Hotel accommodation fair. Special golfing fares from Limerick at 4s., available for a month. Visitors to Lahinch may play free for a week, and thereafter at 2s. 6d. a week. (W. C. R.) LIMERICK.—This capital little 9-hole course is laid out at Ballina- curra with many hazards, consisting of bunkers, walls, and hedges. Hon. secretary, R. Plummer, Esq., 36 Catherine Street, Limerick. (W. &L. R.) LISBURN.—Manor House Links. Hon. secretary, John N. Babour, Esq., Grove Streel. The links are within a mile of the station. (G. N. R.) LlSFANNON, near Bimcrana, North West Golf Club, eleven miles from Londonderry Station. The links are close to Station. Also ladies' links and club-house. Hon. secretary, Professor Leebody, Clarendon Street, Londonderry. Special fares for golfers. (L. & L. S. andL. R.) LURGAN.—This g-hole course is within half a mile of Lurgan Station, on Lurgan Demesne. Joint hon. secretaries, N. G. Leeper, and T. (r. Menary, Lurgan. (G. N. of I.) MAI.AHIDE.—The links are within a mile of the station. Hon. secretary, Mr Law, Northern Banking Co., Dublin. (G. N. of I.) MARYBOROUGH.— (Queen's County Heath G. C.)—A nine-hole course 294 The Golfer's Guide laid out on the Great Heath of Maryborough) two miles from Mary- borough, and live from Portarlinglon, al both of which are excellent hotels. There is a good club-house. The hazards are heather and ditches. Hon. secretary, Captain Armstrong, Rathleash House, Port- arlington, Queen's County. (G. S. & W. R.) MONAGHAN.—No particulars received. (G. N. of I. R.) NEWCASTLE (The County Down G. C.) —iX holes. 1 Ion. secretary, H. Magill, Ew. Good hotel near links. (H. &C. I), R. from Belfast.) I'ORTRUSH (Royal County G. C.)—Porlrush is familiar to every tourist as the nearest station to the Giant's Causeway, eight miles off. This station is only two miles from the links. The hotel accommodation is as good as any in Ireland. The course is one of 18 holes, with splendid natural hazards and excellent turf. The ladies have a separate 18-hok course for themselves. The lion, secretary for the ladies' club is Mrs. Mann ; for the other, j. M. Russell, Esq., Mark Street, l'ortrush, Co. Antrim. The Ladies' Union meet here this year. (B. & N. C. of I. R.) PORTSAI.ON (Donegal).—This is an admirably-planned green, of the full 18 holes, on the shore of Lough Swilly, within easy reach of Dairy. The putting greens are first-rale, and the hazards many and varied. Hon. secretary, II. C. Hart, Hsq. Carrablagh, Portsalon, An excellent hotel has been recently opened two minutes' walk from the first tec. The nearest station is Kalian, L. & L. R. (12 miles from Portsalon). Steamer leaves Fahan Tuesdays and Fridays for Portsalon direct; to Rathmullen daily, thence 12-mile drive to Portsalon. KANHAI.STOWN (Shanes Park G. C.) — Hon. secretary, W. II. Webb, Esq., Randalstown, Country Antrim. This is one of the best inland greens in Ireland, and has been laid out with much skill on the Shanes Castle Park. The ground is sandy. (H. & N. C. R,j RATHMULLEN (Qtway (!. G).— H oni secretary, Dr Loughman, Rathmullen, County Donegal. This is ;i nine-hole course on the shore of far-famed Lough Swilly. deftly planned and rich in hazards. The links are two miles from the village, which is 12 miles from London- derry, where train may be taken to Kalian, and thence by steamer to Rathmullen. ROSTBJIVOR.-—An excellent little 12-hole course has been latel out al Ballyedmond, two miles from Roslrevor, County Down, at the fool of the Mourne Mountains, along the shore of Carlingford Lough. There is excellent hotel accommodation. Nearest .station, Warronpoint (G. N. of I.) Thence by train to Roslrevor Quay. SLIGO,—An admirable new green has been laid out at Rossc's Point, on the Grecnlands, five miles froii) town. Jt is full of traps, walls, etc., and has splendid putting greens. Hon. secretary. JL Campbell, Perry. TnoMASTiHVN (Kilkenny).—This is a nine-hole course for ladies. Hon. secretary, Miss J. M. Hunt. Nearest station, Thomastown, seven minutes' walk from links. (W. & C. I. R.) TRAMOBJE.—These excellent links are <|uite close to the station, and on the sea-shore. The air is very invigorating, and special golfing rates are given by the railway companies. James Otway, Nsq., C.E., Waterford, is lion, secretary, (W. & T. R.) WAUKKN POINT.—Golf links within a quarter of a mile of the station. Hon. secretary,T. Bell, Esq., Coolbawn, Warrenpoint. (G. N. of I.) The Golfer's Guide 295

AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIP MEETING, 1895.

IN our last issue we gave full details of previous competitions. This year the competition fell to be played at St. Andrews, and was favoured by ideal golfing weather, in spite of the proverbial treachery of our Scottish month of May. The entries numbered 68—4 more than at Hoylake last year ; and Mr. Horace Hntchinson, on account of domestic bereavement, was the only amateur of outstanding weight who failed to put in an appearance. St. Andrews contributed no fewer than 30 entries—the Royal and Ancient alone showing 20. There were only II from England] but of these most were of formidable repute. Edinburgh sent 8, and the West of Scotland 5 ; and it may be put roughly that all the leading links were fairly represented. We subjoin a complete table of results, that renders any further note almost unnecessary. The green was everything that the most captious golfer could have desired, and the play, as a rule, of a very high class. Of the first day's matches, those between Mr. Ball and Captain Livingston, and Mr. Dick and Mr. Hilton probably excited most interest. Mr. Ball's opponent played a plucky game, and actually stood square at the Eden, but eventually hud to succumb. Hilton had rather hard lines on the outward journey, having been stymied no fewer than 3 times, but came away with a game more like his usual on the return. Mr. Colt made a brave struggle against Mr. Tait, hut had ultimately to submit to defeat. Ballingall likewise made a gallant fight against the formidable Laidlay, and actually stood clormie one ; but I.aidlay finally won at the 19th hole. On the Wednesday the weather was again charming, with a light breeze, and the crowd even greater than on the previous day. The match between Hilton and Greig seemed to attract most attention from the spectators, and the latter's thoroughly-deserved victory, which was mainly earned by his superb putting, was evidently popular with the crowd. The contest between Turpie and Fairlie (one of the famous Prestwick family) was the most exciting of all, and they had actually to play 7 extra holes before victory declared for Turpie. Mure Fergusson, rather unexpectedly, fell before Sheriff Henderson's son; but Ball, Tait, Laidlay, and Balfour-Melville beat their respective antagonists with more or less ease. In the fourth round, which was played in the afternoon, interest chiefly centred in the game between those old opponents, Ball and Laidlay; and they were followed by an immense and eager crowd. It goes without saying that the play was good ; still it was scarcely, perhaps, up to either's true standard. The scores may interest those familiar with the course :—Mr. Tait, 44456450 (lift) 4 ; in 3 4 4 6 6 5. Mr. Laidlay, 455565534; in 4456 6-6. The match between 29G The Golfer's Guide

Ball and W. Ii. Taylor resulted in a somewhat easy win for the former, who played u superb game—his long game being as strong as his putting was deadly. It should be noted here that at the annual meeting of the delegates, held in Ihe evening, it. was resolved that in future the match in the final should lie one of 30 holes, in plaee of iS, as at present. It was also agreed that the Champion Meeting should next year lie held at Sandwich. On Thursday the weather was as charming as ever, and the crowds still greater. Mr. Ball played a superb long game, with almost perfect approaches, hut occasionally erred in his putting. Simpson, on the Other hand, played somewhat loosely, and scarcely up to his high reputation will) the formidable St. Andrews Club. Mr. Balfour-Mclville, going out, played splendidly against (heig, and actually turned 4 holes Lo the good ; but on the homeward course the run of affairs changed, and the round was halved. Amid intense excitement they started for the burn, into which Mr. Balfour-Mclville played. Things looked bright now for Greig, hut unfortunately lie followed suit, with the result that Melville won the hole in six, and with it: one of the most exciting matches of (he tournament. Mr. Tait fairly ran away from Mr. Stuart •—a result, scarcely to be wondered at when we read the score—Tait, 4 5 4 4 S 3 4 4 4—37 i in, 4 4 4. Stuart, 46447553 5—43 ; in, 5 5 4' Auehlerlonie played a very steady game against his youthful opponent) Rose. lie took the first four holes in 4 each, and the advantage then acquired he maintained pretty steadily all through. The semi-final) played in the afternoon, found Hall as the sole representative of England. He was drawn against Tait. The latter drove magnificently, Gut was completely outclassed in the short game. It is believed, in fact, that Mr. Hall has seldom, if ever, putted so superbly. Of halves there were several, but Mr. Tait never won a hole during the match. The scores are :—Mr. Hall, 45555563 5- 43 ; in, 4355 6 4. Mr. Tait, 5 6 6 5 5 5 G 3 5—46 ; in, 4 4 5 5 6 5. The match between IVIr. Balfour-Melville and Mr. Auchterlonie, on the other hand, was as close and exciting as Ihe previous was onesided. Give-and-take play, wilh errors and misfortunes here and there to each, characterised the game throughout, till Auchterlonie actually stood dormie one. Going to the home hole, Mr. Balfour-Melville opened with a grand straight drive, and his second was one of the finest shots of the day, and lay within a foot of the hole, which he won in 3, and so halved the match. They at once started to play out ; Auchterlonie with his second landed in the burn, and lost the hole. The scores were :—Mr. Balfour-Melville, 45506543 3—41 ; in, 5 3 6 5 X 4 5 7 3—46 = 87. Mr. Auchterlonie, 55557544 4—44 ; i», 44556 5 5 7 5—4&= = 90. The last day of the meeting was favoured wilh the usual charming weather, and witnessed one of the most exciting games of the many such that have taken place during the competition. So early as the fifth round Mr. Ball had been left all alone to light for the honour of England, and it must be admitted that he did so with consummate pluck. Mr, Ball has won the championship no fewer Chan four times, and the second place twice, and was within an ace of coming in first again. The match between him and Mr. Balfour-Melville was witnessed by a vast crowd of excited spectators; and it is a matter of regret that The Golfer's Guide 297

the expression of feeling on the part of a suction of these should have been on several occasions offensively one-sided—HO much SO, in fact, that Mr. Cathcart of Pitcairlie's words of reproof were most richly deserved. Of course, it is not to be expected that a match where such interests were involved would take place amid the serene silence of the ever famous party.in a parlour; but it is a pity that it should have occurred on one of our greens, and more especially with such a genial player as Mr. Hall. And it must be admitted that the falling off in his short game on the last day was regrettably noticeable. Still, the glorious reception he received on presentation of his prize more than testified that any display of feeling during the game was very far, indeed, from being directed against himself personally. I am afraid the truth may be that we Scots are an excitable lot. Personally, I blame the porridge and oatcake—not the whisky, However, the play on neither part was brilliant, and was certainly not up to anything like their ordinary standard. The scores speak for themselves :— Mr. Balfour-Melville—6 6 7 5 7 4 4 4 4 = 47 In—44 5 —S 64 6 5 Mr. Bull—5 6567543 5=46 In—544—6 5 554

After varying good and evil fortune on either side, they turned square- On the return, the Scotchman forged ahead till he stood dorinie two ; but these Mr. Ball wiped off, and the match was halved. In playing off the tie, Mr. Ball was so unfortunate as to get into the burn, and so lost the hole and the match. Mr. Balfour-Melville deserves every credit for his victory. Ha has had some close and most, exciting contests. In the fourth round he only beat Mr. Greig—an excellent St. Andrews player—at the burn after a tie; the same afternoon he had the same experience with Mr. Auchterlonie; and here we have the like the very next day in the final ! This is Mr. lialfour-Melvillc's first win in the Championship ; but in 1889 he was runner-up at St. Andrews to Mr. Laidlay, and only lost by two and one to play, lie is one of the best cricketers that Scotland has ever turned out, has played for his country at football against England, and has won the lawn-tennis championship. He is also a first-rate player at racquets and billiards, and, 1 am told, a splendid shot. He is of great physical power, a most formidable driver, and one to whom rough weather doesn t matter a rush. A long list of his successes, both on his own green and elsewhere, is given in the last Badminton'•; but probably the greatest compliment paid him is when we find Mr. Hutchinson reproducing his likeness as an instance of proper position for driving. Mr. Balfour-Melville may almost be looked upon as a veteran. It is so long ago as 1874 that he first came to the front, and since then he has carried off at intervals every medal played for on his home green. Mr. Everard sums up his criticism of this great player thus :—" Undoubtedly he is one of the finest golfers the Ancient City has ever produced." 298 The Golfer'sGui 's Guide

• ;* '

. j I

Mil 1,2SME M ItAl.l-OU U-MICI.V .!•:, Ainruci r Champion, 1893.

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[NTU0DOCTI0N The Tournament of 1857— Address to Old Tow David Wallace, Balgrummo

Tom Morris 1 av i.l Marshall V'Hlili; Tom Colonel J. 0. Falrlie of J. 0. K. Morris Coodham Allan Robertson John Dunn The Dirge of a Duller Robert Chambers Bob I )i>w, Montrose Robert Clark John Gourlay, Musselburgh James Condie Address to "the Bulger" George Glennie " Robert" The Brothers Playfair Mrs. I Sir Robert I lay Old St. Andrews Links Gilmour I ir Great [849 Match Colonel Boothby The Brothers Dunn Admiral Maitland Dougall 1 >a\ii' Anderson (" Daw ") W. C. Thomson, lirougbly Sandy H «d Ferry Bob Kirk Whyte Melville Bob Andrews, Perth The Tournament of 1858 Willie I'urk, sen. Finish of Mr (Hennie's famous 88 "The Start" Lytham Group of Professionals— " Crossing the Swilcan Burn " A. Herd "A Putt" Jack Morris "Bunkered" George Lowe "Treason" Ben Sayers, North Berwick Leven Thistle Golf Club David Grant, North Berwick Lytham Group of Professionals—• G. J. Whyte Melville William Fernie The Open Championship, 1S93 Willie Park, Jun. The Amateur Championship, 1893 Archie Simpson The Amateur Championship, 1894 Hugh Kirkaldy Rules of the Game of Golf Andrew Kirkaldy Golf in East Lothian Descriptive Notes of the Greens'of Scotland, with plans

Tom Morris Finish of Mr Glennie's Famous^88 Tom Morris, with Champion Belt "The Start" Old and Young Tom " Crossing the Swilcan Burn " Young Tom, with Champion 33elt "A Putt" J. O. F. Morris " Bunkered " Allan Robertson '' Treason " Bob Dow Leven Thistle Golf Club Old Gourlay Lytham Group of Professionals '' Robert" Willie Fernie Mrs. Imrie Willie Park, jun. Willie Park, jun., driving off Archie Simpson Old St Andrews Links Hugh Kirkaldy The Great 1849 Match A. Herd The Tournament of 1857 Ben Sayers The Tournament of 1858 David Grant Mr P. C. Anderson 5 ffc

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P PART [,— -PRBLIMINARY, AMI P&INCI ALLY FOOLISH, II I.'Praise of (lull .The O rigin of Golf—The Nature of the (latne 1 Of Sets of Clubs and oilier (lolling Appurtenances—

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