THE establishment of a private golf course at Windsor by His Majesty has no doubt placed the hall-mark upon this mode of enjoying the pastime - select in character, yet in all ways calculated to advance the cause of the game. It may be argued that the possession of such a means of recreation is far beyond the reach of all but a very few, yet the fact remains that these private links are becoming more and more fashionable, and are rapidly increasing in number in all parts of the country.

Moreover, they are also extending across the Channel; they are being laid out in many cases in France; and although the game has yet to make a great and decided headway in that country, these private courses will assist it to reach the front beyond a doubt.

In this country the formation of these links has been a thing of very recent growth, but one that will undoubtedly enhance the attractions of a country seat.

By means of a private golf course week-end parties are provided with an additional means of recreation. Tennis and croquet may cloy after a while; they must necessarily do so if played continually, and the links supplies an absolutely different but equally exciting amusement

Probably this feeling, that something additional was wanted, explains the formation of the private course. But it is not only in summer-like weather that it can be called upon to furnish exercise and recreation. If the shooting party should happen to be kept off the moors, or out of the preserves, by something of an untoward character happening, there is no reason why golf should not be played. Frost, rain, or wind, within limits, will not stop the game; but other amusements are far more dependent upon the weather.

It is difficult to advise, except in a general way, as regards the laying out of a private course. "Circumstances alter cases."

In laying out a course the conformation of the countryside and of the space available for the purpose must be studied closely, and every advantage it may be possessed of must be carefully noted if success is to be achieved. The whole of the natural obstacles must, as far as possible, be included in the round, for nature comes far before art, no matter how carefully calculated the latter may be. Trees are the most frequent obstacles to be met with upon a private course, and full use must be made of them. As for the hazards, they must necessarily be made, and care exercised to place them in the best and most favourable positions.

The greatest problem, however, is the question of the greens. Upon a large course it may be possible to move them, to a certain degree, but upon a small course, once formed, they are stationary. The greatest care must then be exercised in seeing that nothing is left undone in maintaining their standard of excellence.

As an instance of what can be done with respect to a small course, I might mention the private links of Mr. Ernest Lehmann, one of the best-known members of the Royal and Ancient and St. George's Clubs. At his Sussex country house, I field Lodge, Crawley, Mr. Lehmann had but three fields available. There are only five putting greens, but by playing in and out excellent holes of lengths varying from 118 yards to 467 yards are secured, the aggregate length of the whole course being 4,800 yards. The ordinary obstacles of a natural character, such as hedges and trees, have been pressed into service, but others, such as ditches and small zarebas of fir, have been added; and that considerable enjoyment is to be secured from a course of this description goes almost without saying.

Space is the only real difficulty in the laying out of a private course, but an intelligent appreciation of possibilities will always surmount it