Another Vision

Rich Skyzinski's piece on handmade courses in Alabama and Texas (Through the Green, January/February) caught my eye since my husband and I designed and built a 10-hole course.

This course also grew out of plans for something for our personal use, as well as a desire to do something for people who would never feel comfortable on a "country club" course. We, too, operate on an honor system. Players sign in, jotting down that they took a soft drink or golf balls that we have available, and tee off. They pay us when we see them on the course or when they come in following their round.

Charles McCombs, one of the subjects of the story, wonders "What other golf course in America has players like that?" I can safely say, "We do."

Elizabeth Hobbs

Ada, Okla.

A Will to Play

I've just finished reading "Native to the Game" (November/December) and feel it is an incredible testament to the will of a people to look forward after so many years of degradation, segregation and strife. The resourcefulness and ingenuity of the adults and children on the reservations is equally mind-boggling.

Imagine building your own portable green in a 10-foot box covered with artificial turf because you have no putting surfaces. That is almost incomprehensible to someone like me, living in a big city inundated with courses.

There is such a richness of history and philosophy in the article, not only about the Oglala, but about the rest of the United States and the still-evolving attitudes about our Native Americans.

Keith M. Wheeler

Vernon Hills, Ill.

Time on Their Side

I was impressed with your review of each decade ("A Stroll Through the 1900s," January/February).

I did catch an error in reference to the Western Junior as the nation's oldest junior championship. We are proud of the rich history of the Metropolitan (N.Y.) Golf Association's Junior Championship. Our Junior was first played in 1912, two years earlier than the Western. It was held at the urging of MGA Executive Committee member Leighton Calkins. The first three events were held at his club, Plainfield (N.J.) Country Club.

Jay Mottola

Elmsford, N.Y.

You state, in 1934, "Helen Hicks becomes the first woman player of stature to declare herself a professional." My aunt, Elizabeth M. Gordon, became teaching pro at a club in southeastern Massachusetts in the early 1920s. She was a nine-time Rhode Island women's champ. Several times she defeated Glenna Collett for the title. Our family always was of the opinion that Elizabeth was the first woman pro in the U.S.

George M. Gordon

Stuart, Fla.

One Plus, One Minus

I am not an English major, but maybe Brett Avery should review his writings before sending them to the printer. First, he made a reference to Payne Stewart ("A Champion Lost," November/December) wearing plus-twos; isn't plus-fours the proper name? Then his reference to Stewart's dramatic putt at the 72nd green was that it was for a birdie when it actually was for a par. Anyway, the silhouette shot of Stewart and his group at Pebble Beach was beautiful.

P.R. Hurlbut

Columbus, Ohio

Plus-fours are made four inches longer than ordinary knickers, giving the legs a looser, billowing appearance we associate with players of Gene Sarazen's era. Stewart favored the tapered legs of plus-twos.

Unfortunately, in the rush to meet the issue's deadline, the last putt at the Open was errantly referred to as a birdie putt.

Tippity-Tap-In

I may be wrong, but the back cover of the January/February issue seems to show Fred Astaire and his sister, Adele, playing miniature golf in New York City.

Harry W. Hultgren

West Hartford, Conn.

We received many comments about the photo. That certainly is Fred Astaire leaning on his club during a quick round with Mrs. Hortense Lowits atop a Manhattan hotel.

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