23 MAY 1931, Page 26

There must be some inevitable connexion between literature and modern

golf, for practically every notable player of the game save Mr. John Ball tertius and J. H. Taylor, has written about it. In the old days golfers, though just as keen and just as skilful, were less introspective and less given to bursting into print. The late Hugh Kirkaldy would march up to his teed ball, spit on it and with hardly a pause in his stride drive it hundreds of yards into the green void. He did not know how he accomplished that feat, and certainly could never have written about -it, but the modern player either in person or by proxy always can. Therefore it is that in The Game of Golf (Seeley, Service, 15s.), which makes Vol. IX of the Lonsdale Library, we find Mr. Roger Wethered and his sister (no better authorities) writing at elaborate length on swing, follow-through, balance, grip, stance, and all the discipline of wooden club play. To Mr. Horace Hutchinson, veteran both in letters and golf, are entrusted the history and literature of the game, and to Mr. T. Simpson the important topics of links—architecture and upkeep. Finally, to pick up and play delightfully round any golf matter that others may have omitted, stands the familiar and always welcome name of Mr. Bernard Darwin. For practical instruction, in addition to what the text contains, the photographic illustrations display the great masters of the game at work.

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