Golfing
GOLFING is played with a club and ball. The club is from three to four feet long, according to the height and length of arm of the player. It is curved and massive towards the end, to give strength and weight. This knob is formed for strength from some very tough wood, as beech, and as it curves and proceeds upwards is planed off, so as to adapt itself to the handle, to which it is partly glued and tightly corded down. A want of due attention to these particulars in the making of it will render the head liable to split and fly off by either a very hard or indirect stroke. The face of the club is further secured by a piece of hard bone, and occasionally of ivory, at least half an inch thick. It is also loaded with from four to six ounces of lead, according to the will of the player. The handle is usually bound with cord, list, or velvet, at the pleasure of the owner. It is, however, to be remembered that the form of the club, the materials of which it is made, and the numbers taken to the golfing ground, vary considerably, according to the circumstances and habits of the players, the attendant cad or caddie having usually many varieties, to suit every peculiarity under which the ball may be placed; for in many clubs it can never be touched by the hand until holed. The golf ball is about the size of an egg, and is made very hard. It is composed of gutta-percha. There are ten clubs in use, which are needful in various phases of the game. Golf looks a very easy and to some an absurd game, but considerable practice is necessary before the young player will be able to make his hits with accuracy. Not only will he drive the ball too far on one side or the other, but he may miss hitting it altogether, or even bury it in a soft or sandy soil by a severe blow on the top. Coolness and judgment are requisite in this as in other games, and considerable skill is necessary in the final "putting." Golf is a capital game, and if to a spectator it does not possess the excitement of cricket, it soon becomes a favourite with those who can play it.
The St. Andrew's Golf Club has laid down certain rules for golfers, which we append. There is also a Golfer's Manual, or Handbook, published, which may be of service to beginners; but by watching the game, a novice will soon get an idea of it, and practice will do the rest. The rules are as follow:--