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Adam Lawrence

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The ball debate, 1902 style...
« on: June 08, 2012, 08:24:05 AM »
I found the below extract while perusing newspaper archives. Rather fascinating, I thought, that the debate over the Haskell related to it being too much of a leveller between better and weaker golfers, as compared to the technology debates we have nowadays, which focus on the disproportionate benefits gained by top players.

EDINBURGH EVENING NEWS, 24 SEPTEMBER 1902
RUBBER-FILLED BALLS
The Rules of Golf Committee, at their meeting, considered the question of the effect of the use of the new rubber-filled balls on the game and on golf greens as at present laid out. The official report of the meeting, which was held in private, was simply to the effect that the matter was continued for further consideration by the Committee, during the period before the next meeting, of the Royal and Ancient Club in May, 1903. It is understood, however, that the question gave rise to a good deal of discussion. The general feeling which found expression at the meeting was that something would have to be done sooner or later in order to restore the line of demarcation formerly existing between scratch and handicap men. Instances were said to have been furnished of players who formerly returned scores of 84 and upwards with the ordinary gutta ball having now, with the aid of the American invention, repeatedly gone round the links in 80 or so, while the first-class or scratch player was unable to benefit to the like extent, by reason of the fact that he was unable to reach the putting green even with the Haskell in fewer strokes than formerly. Various suggestions as to overcoming the difficulty were put forward. The adoption of a standard ball was mentioned, but it is understood not seriously considered, attention being directed rather to the question of extending the course by putting back the tees where that was possible, or by surrounding the greens with additional bunkers so as to add to the difficulties of the approach stroke. On none of these points, however, was any definite decision arrived at, and it was ultimately resolved that the whole question be delayed until the May meeting, by which time it is hoped the opinions of the leading clubs in England and Scotland and Ireland as to what steps, if any, should be taken in the matter, will have been ascertained.
Adam Lawrence

Editor, Golf Course Architecture
www.golfcoursearchitecture.net

Principal, Oxford Golf Consulting
www.oxfordgolfconsulting.com

Author, 'More Enduring Than Brass: a biography of Harry Colt' (forthcoming).

Short words are best, and the old words, when short, are the best of all.

Doug Siebert

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Re: The ball debate, 1902 style...
« Reply #1 on: June 09, 2012, 08:45:23 PM »
Kind of the opposite problem of the modern one.  Then they were complaining because it reduced the gap between the scratch player and the lesser player.  The modern ball increased that gap (well, at least in distance between the fast swinger and the not-so-fast swinger)
My hovercraft is full of eels.

DMoriarty

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: The ball debate, 1902 style...
« Reply #2 on: June 10, 2012, 12:34:04 AM »

Thanks very much for posting this.
Golf history can be quite interesting if you just let your favorite legends go and allow the truth to take you where it will.
--Tom MacWood (1958-2012)

Anders Rytter

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Re: The ball debate, 1902 style...
« Reply #3 on: June 10, 2012, 07:35:06 AM »
Very interesting. Funny how the technology discussion has been ongoing for (atleast) 110 years.