GOLF

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 14 January 1931, Page 3

GOLF

A NEW BALL

(Frqm Our Own Correspondent) LONDON, 27th November. Though St. Andrews have refused to accept the new golf hull, which is to he introduced into America in the new year, 1 believe it will he extensively played with here. It is both lighter and larger than the ball we use, and it was designed for the definite purpose of reducing the length of the shots. St. Andrews do not object to the hall op this account. They opposed it on the ground that we have more winds to contend with than the Americans, and that we should have far more diflieulty in controlling it than they. In a recent test match with the new hall between Abe apd Henry Cotton, the players found that in driving pgainst the >vind it meant a loss of about twenty-five yards, and in the ease of the handicap golfer there is no doubt that it would be a good deal more. At the same time, both players declared that they liked the feel of the ball off the club, and that it came up much quicker and easier than our own. Owing to its greater size, it also lies better. On the other hand, whilst reducing length against the wind, it exaggerated the slice. Mitchell was more puzzled by it than Cotton, and he suffered the heaviest defeat of his career. 'lf we had to play with it,” he said, “1 think we should have to alter our style. We should have to go hack to the oldfashioned method of swinging and sweeping the hall away, and taking some of the hit out of tho shots.” The British professionals will, of course, have to accustom themselves to the ball, for this summer they are to go to America to defend the Ryder Cup, and it will be a case of doing in Rome as the Romans do.