The expression 'the long game' is applied to driving, or strokes off the tec, and to play through the green, or the intermediate strokes between the drive and the approach to the hole, with the exception of play out of hazards. It is fairly descriptive of the nature of this part of the game, in which the object is to propel the ball as far as possible with each stroke. It can hardly be denied by any one who has played golf, that of all the different parts of the game none gives greater pleasure than long driving, although accurate approaching and putting conduce more to the winning of matches and low scoring. The golfer who does not, feel a sensation of keen gratification, of superiority of power and skill, invest his whole body when he gets away a long straight drive, must indeed he unimpressionable. After years of play I still am able, and hope that I shall always be, to experience such feelings. One is told of miraculous drives of 800 yards and upwards; indeed, drives are spoken of as it' anything short of that figure were hardly worthy of notice.

Although I can drive 'as far as my neighbours, and whiles a bit further,' I frankly say that I cannot, and never could, drive 300 yards, and I am convinced that no man can, unless under exceptionally favourable circumstances. An extraordinarily long shot may be made now and again, but experience proves that 200 yards is about the average limit of really long driving; 170 or 180 yards may be considered first-class, and anything over 150 yards is fairly good.

Reference is made to the second chapter, in which suggestions are given with the view of aiding in the selection of clubs. In addition to what is there stated, it may be added that a driver with a fairly stiff shaft will be found the most useful. A club with a supple shaft may possibly drive a longer ball with greater ease, but it renders the play very much more unsteady, and against a head or a cross wind there is an increased risk of pulling or slicing. Erratic driving counterbalances, on the wrong side, any advantage in extra length of stroke obtained by using a supple club, and therefore a golfer will never regret his driver being somewhat stiff. If, however, he insists upon having a supple shaft, the best advice that can be given to him is to swing easily, and, above everything, refrain from jerking, as his club will not permit of liberties being used.

For foozled drives less excuse can be ottered than for any other mistakes. In the case of the drive alone, with a single exception applicable to play in medal competitions, every opportunity is afforded for making a perfect stroke. Within the limits of the teeing-ground the position from which the ball is to be struck can be selected, and a tee used with the object of permitting the best possible stroke to be taken. If, therefore, a mistake is made, the player has himself, and himself only, to blame. The importance of getting away a good drive at each hole can hardly be overrated. What are the respective positions of one golfer who has got away a 'screamer' for a tee-shot and of another who has topped his ball? The first feels elated and confident, and able for almost anything, and besides, his ball is about a couple of hundred yards nearer the hole than when he started; the latter feels dejected, and has to play the long odds to his opponent, and indeed may consider himself lucky if he has not to extricate his ball from a hazard and then play the two more. A few topped or duffed tee-shots will break down any but the most determined and hardened of players. When a mistake is made in another part of the game, one can persuade himself that it arose through a bad lie, or can offer one or other of the numerous excuses that readily occur; but a foozled drive cannot be explained away in AAV such fashion. Something may be blamed; but, all the same, the fault in reality lay with the player himself - for was not the tee his own choice? - and self-deceit under such circumstances is not an easy matter.

The selection of a tee is a detail by no means to be despised; it is seldom left to a caddie, and not only do all golfers select their own tees, but many of them prefer to tee their own balls. If possible, a place should be chosen where there is a slight rise in the direction of the drive, the object being to get a clear space behind the ball for the free swing of the club. The stance should be a firm, comfortable one, and on the same level as the ball, neither higher nor lower. It is preferable to tee upon grass if possible; the sight of bare earth is apt to lead to topping, as it looks hard, and gives the impression that contact between it and the club head, which might happen with a sclaffy shot, would inevitably result in damage to the club; consequently the player intuitively does not allow the club to get down as it ought. I rather favour a high tee; if a deep-faced club be used, there is not much danger of getting too far below the ball and undercutting it. By this I do not wish it to be understood that a small mountain is to be made for a tee; but the ball should be well raised, say about half an inch off the surface of the ground. If driving against a head wind, a lower tee may be taken with the view of keeping the ball from rising too high. The best method of making a tee is to take a sufficient quantity of sand - a comparatively small pinch will suffice, - form it with the fingers and thumb into a cone on the selected spot, and then press down with the palm of the hand. The ball should be lightly placed on the top of this, and not imbedded in it. One frequently sees a whole handful of sand laid down and the ball firmly buried in the centre. From such a tee the proper club to be used is a niblick; it is the best implement for extracting the ball from the bunker - I can call it nothing else - so formed. Some few players do not use a tee at all; they prefer simply to lay the ball on the ground. I think, however, that it is better to take advantage of the privilege of teeing.