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AUGUST 21, 1910.
HOW GOLF IS PLAYED IN ASIATIC TURKEY
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IT is interesting to know that there is a golf club
in the Turkish empire, and though composed of
Europeans and American residents, the natives
regard the game favorably. Its one feature which re
sembles many courses in America is the superb view
which may be had from the grounds, situated as they
are on a high promontory overlooking the city of Bei
rut, with the sapphire blue Mediterranean spreading
out beyond in one direction, and the Lebanon moun
tains, the peaks covered with perpetual snow, in the
other. For a player to make a good score here means
something more than on the average American course.
Our consul-general holds the record of 41 for the nine
holes.
Cactus hedges are encountered at various points, as
well as donkey roads, which are like plowed saud beds
twenty feet wide; these with an occasional native
house are the main hazards. One of the minor ones
is that of being shot by a Mohammedan if one goes
too near his house while searching for a ball. Some
of the rules of play are unique: In approaching, per
mitting the ball to be "set up" if it happens in a
hole deeper than its diameter; and in putting, the re
moval of all stones and obstacles from the '' green. ■'
The latter is a misnomer, as there is not a spear of
grass on the course.
The holes are from four to six feet in diameter, and
slant toward the regulation cup in the center; however,
these advantages are quite balanced by disadvantages.
THE PROBLEMATICAL PLEASURES OF MOUNTAIN CLIMBING
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* Neab the Top of a Gully, a Climb to Be Negotiate© Only by
the Man with a Cool. Head,
LOS ANGELES HERALD SUNDAY MAGAZINE
Somewhat Unusual Surroundings for a Tee.
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The Turkish Caddies Are Interested in the Feminine Golfers.
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Team Work Is Necessary to Safety and Success.
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Making a Difficult Snapshot from a Peak Over Three Thousand
Feet Above Sea Level.
The native caddies, mostly young Druses, are keen
sighted and marvels at locating a ball; this being
more noticeable from the fact that there is no grass,
and the balls much resemble stones in color and shape.
Some are perhaps not well up in the game, and are
apt to hand a putter to drive with, or a brassie to putt
with. At times a cheer will be heard at the first tee,
prompted by a new ball being used. Cigars and golf
balls are a luxury here, for the Turk can make
neither. The supply of golf sticks, too, is sadly lim
ited.
In a player's collection there are often some right
and some left handed clubs, and ambidextrousness
counts over here, probably several strokes. The club
house is built of corrugated tin, is twelve feet square
and directly in line of one of the holes; and as om
of its uses, serves as a "direction." It is seldom
hit, however, owing to its size.
The consul-general was seen to land a two hundred
yard drive upon it, and, to add to the amusing inci
dent, all of the members inside at the time rushed
out to look for the dent. Tea is dispensed on club
days, this being the only beverage served, owing to
the predomination of missionaries in the member
ship.
The average American would enjoy, as a novelty, a
round on this course, and to merit the term of "all
round player" must try the game in Turkey.
C. E. W.
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