May 1910- The captain of the R&A rules committee--Burn--rules that all mallet-headed putters are illegal and submits a motion that they be empowered to write wording into the rules that specifically states these clubs are a "substantial departure"…it is seconded by Ted Blackwell (ironically the man defeated by Travis in the finals of the '04 Am). Another member motions the Schenectady be exempt, seconded by another, then voted down.
Macdonald did not attend the May meeting. He later said in a letter to Travis that he had no idea that the Schenectady would be included in the mallet issue. His ignorance is a little unbelievable. The Times (London) wrote after the May decision that it was not unexpected the mallet and Schenectady would be victims of the committee. In fact the more shocking development was fate of the 'goose-necked' putter…due to an ambiguous statement the R&A made about shafts. Also in London Henry Leach wrote that it was common knowledge the rules committee "were hot on the track of certain mallet-headed putters…and meant to abolish them if they could."
May 18, 1910- Secretary Watson of the USGA cables Burn of the R&A asking if the Schenectady is barred (he had read it in a newspaper…they had not been informed the issue was being considered). Burn responded that it had been barred. (Travis would continually emphasize that no definitive action had been taken in May, only the authorization of a new clause on form and make…specific wording that would be added to the rules at their September meeting).
Spring and Summer 1910- In the months following the May ruling there was strong condemnation in the US and UK. The main complaint being that it was completely unnecessary and illogical--and that it threatened to create fraction between the US and Britain for no good reason. Those opposed included: Hilton, Darwin, A.Mitchell, Herd, W.Park, Behr, R.Garner, Perrin, Egan, Travers, Fownes, Tillinghast, Sargent, Vardon, Duncan, A.Campbell, A.Ross, W.Anderson, J.Foulis, Golf Illustrated-UK (Garden Smith), Golfing-UK, American Golfer, The Times and the NY Times. Those in support included Blackwell, Burn, Low, Hutchinson, Taylor, Braid. Macdonald was silent.
July 1910- In the American Golfer Travis writes an article entitled 'Mallet-Headed Putters' with quotes of support from a long list of important golf figures. It is also pointed out that the club can still be used in golf competitions in the US (but not in Britain).
September 1910- The R&A meets and adds specific wording that bars center-shafted clubs. They also clarify the wording on Willie Park's famous 'goose-necked' putters, which makes it legal.
November 1910- Travis writes that the R&A had made an egregious blunder. And that the issue is now in the hands of the USGA. He says that in his opinion the USGA has little choice…they had just a few months earlier ruled the Schenectady was legal, when it was believed barred on the other side, an about face could not be done without "stultifying itself". He addressed the idea (proposed by Macdonald) that the USGA could "save its face" by adopting the R&A ruling, but 'interpret' it to permit the Schenectady. It was Travis's view that this was a ridiculous idea…that rules on mallet clubs were now so specific. And he asked what would happen if the US's interpretation was questioned before the R&A (the 'final court of appeal')…how could they possibly rule other than the Schenectady was in direct contravention of the rules? He also emphasizes the USGA was treated with scant courtesy…never being notified of the matter (or the decision).
December 1910- A letter (dated from November) to Travis from Macdonald is printed in the American Golfer…response to Travis's November article. He corrected Travis, he did know the mallet issue was being addressed at the May meeting (Travis had said the USGA and its surrogate CB was unaware), but that he had no idea the Schenectady would be affected. CB said the Schenectady and goose-neck had been 'accepted' form and make of golf club for ten years, though "neither is traditional". {his opinion that the clubs were not traditional is interesting}
He said that he had written to all the committee members in June, expressing his view that they had made a mistake barring the Schenectady….he also reiterated his surprise with the decision. He shared that HG Hutchinson had told him he had never considered the 1908 rules in light of the Schenectady, but upon reflection there was no other decision to remain consistent, Macdonald said he was of the same opinion himself.
Travis wrote a brief follow-up…he pointed out the May ruling was not what killed the Schenectady, but the September meeting when the specific words were added. He wrote that Macdonald was not appointed by the USGA and was not an official of the USGA…although representing them. He was a member of the R&A and was appointed by the R&A. He called the situation un-American….and suggested the USGA "be permitted to elect their own delegate! Not that it really matters much, his influence being so inconsequential"
December 1910- USGA will address the club issue at their annual meeting in January.
January 1911- In the American Golfer Travis writes an article 'Nearing Crisis' analyzing a circular Macdonald wrote at the request of the USGA, giving a 'history of fact' (this is in Macdonald's book). Travis again reiterates Macdonald is in no sense a representative of the USGA. Travis writes that for the first time we are given the reasons (chain of events) for the ruling….the NZ croquet question and the ambiguous question from the Pickering Club, Travis says "And that is all!"
He questions why Macdonald fails to mention the USGA was kept completely in the dark and that secretary Watson had to wire the R&A asking for an explanation after reading about it the newspaper. And that the May decision was only an opinion…not a definitive decision. He is again critical of Macdonald's advice that the USGA accept the R&A's new rule, but interpret it to legalize the Schenectady. Travis suggests the USGA go back to the 1908 rules and then scrutinize each new amendment as they come…to see if they make sense in America. There is also a letter from President Taft giving his support for the Schenectady.
January 8, 1911- In the NY Times Macdonald criticizes Travis. He claims Travis has been giving a false impression not only on the mallet-headed putter, but other points as well. "It is extraordinary that one so expert at the game as Mr. Travis, and who is also the editor of a strictly golfing paper, should make such erroneous statements. An important point which he refuses to recognize is that only the clause on the form and make of golf clubs has been authorized by the Royal and Ancient Golf club in general meeting. Nothing that the Rules of Golf Committee can do makes a rule unless it is approved by the R&A Golf Club….[the golf club ruling] has not been approved in general meeting, consequently, as Capt.Burns states in his letter, we are a t liberty to interpret the clause to our own satisfaction."
January 9 & 13, 1911- Two NY Times editorials, the first giving Pres. Taft's view of the Schenectady and the second critical of the R&A; stating the US needs to look out for its best interests.
January 14, 1911- Leighton Calkins attending the USGA meeting 'fires the last shot of the campaign' in the NY Times. "There is a very amusing paragraph in the second Macdonald circular letter, which has not been commented upon. Referring to statements which have been made to the effect that a Schenectady putter or centre-shafted putter is an American idea or invention. Mr. Macdonald allows his loyalty to St.Andrews (which we will admit and sincerely admire) to draw him into a damaging admission, so far as St.Andrews itself is concerned." Macdonald relates that in the 1870's a similar putter was used by a famous golfer named Hodge and also AF MacFie used a similar putter twenty years before. "So it seems the center-shafted clubs were in use nearly forty years ago! Yet St.Andrews now bars them because they are not of a 'traditional form and make'".
January 15, 1911- The USGA meeting convenes. Travis writes "Mr. Charles B. Macdonald was afforded an opportunity to read a paper on golf and conditions both at St. Andrews, where he played in the somewhat "archaic days" of 1872, and in this country did much to arouse the sentiment of the audience in his plea for maintaining the most pleasant relations with the Royal and Ancient. He urged unification and standardization of rules as his keynotes and was respectfully given close attention." The USGA decides to go back to the 1908 rules which legalized the Schenectady. It is nearly unanimous…the most prominent delegate siding with the R&A is John Ward, who is ironically representing GCGC, he is also a good friend of CB Macdonald. The USGA would later add a clause that specifically legalizes the center shafted golf club.