EVEN in high-class golf, as it is generally known, the modern tendency to lengthen the courses is observable, owing, perhaps, to the degree of perfection to which the game has been gradually brought. That may be the primary idea from which this alteration has sprung, although I think that were the whole of the players to be asked to submit their individual opinions, the weight of evidence would sway the balance against the innovation. When at St. Andrews, in 1900, for the purpose of participating in the Championship, I was told by many of those who were present at the time that the course over which we played was quite 200 yards longer than they could recollect it as having been on any previous occasion.

This added length may have been favoured with an idea of making the course of a more difficult character ; but I might instance my average of 77 1/4 strokes for the four rounds played as a complete and effectual reply to such mistaken expectations.

But-and this is an important but - I should not like to maintain that this would have been the result of the play over the greater distance had a strong breeze been blowing against us. It would have been, as I have already stated, a survival of, not the fittest, but of the most powerful players, while it must not be forgotten that both amateurs and professionals would have been equally affected by the altered conditions.

A flat course is also more difficult under any circumstances than one of an undulating character, and this all-important fact should not be lost sight of when the positions of the various greens are under consideration. The most difficult course I have ever played over is that of Westward Ho. The hazards are greater, and more calculation is required than upon any other links with which I am acquainted.

Then, supposing the holes are placed at distances that would prove awkward to the majority of golfers, what useful purpose would be served?

But my suggestions and opinions upon the subject of holes must not be considered to indicate any desire on my part to abolish the ordinary difficulties of a course. I may say at once that I would not advocate the lessening of any difficulties, and am, as a matter of fact, strongly in favour of a course that should bring to the front any qualities of self-control and judgment possessed by the player.

There are some hazards, though, that cannot really be correctly described as entirely fair in their character. In many instances holes are badly placed, and the best players are very frequently trapped, even after they have played a good stroke. With all deference to the opinions of others who have made a study of the game, my opinion is that due care should be exercised in seeing that each hole is placed well clear of obstacles, and the hazards should only be calculated to catch and punish a player who, after playing a bad or a faulty stroke, deserves to meet such a fate.

Muirfield, I think it will be admitted, is the easiest of the first-class courses - certainly the easiest of the Championship courses. But there are in many courses holes placed in terribly difficult and really unfair positions. This is not as it should be, fur provided a man is aware of what he has in front of him, he is inclined after a while to become over-cautious and timid, and so he degenerates into a style of play which is not to be commended. To accomplish anything good a golfer must be able to feel at perfect liberty to play a free game, without falling, of course, into looseness; but a trap set for the purpose of catching him at the end of a good stroke is not calculated to assist matters at all. On the contrary, the whole character of the game is spoilt, and so we find the object defeating itself.

But still, this length of hole and the placings of the greens will provide a fruitful theme of discussion for all time. Take, for instance, that American hole of over 900 yards in length. This distance, I believe, was decided upon in order that Harry Vardon should not be able to get up in three full strokes. The ordinary player could not hope to get up in half a dozen, but I am pleased to be able to say we have not yet reached such a distance here in England.

Speaking from memory, I should say the longest holes in Great Britain are the long hole at Black-heath, the fifth hole at St. Andrews, and the thirteenth at Westward Ho. The shortest hole I recollect is the second at Prestwick, about 90 yards, but that, though short, is good.

Finally, the happy medium must be struck, both in the best holes and the placings of the greens. Then, and not until then, can we fairly hope to see the finer points of the game brought out before all men.