There is a certain hindrance in the way of the novice, from the very nature of thing's. He would probably use up a larger number of the fine shafts and delicately turned heads that are made for men who know the difference between a good club and a bad one. And so he is generally persuaded by his friends to select a badly shaped lump of wood, miscalled a driver, thinking that one weapon is as good as another for his purpose, so long as the chances of breakage are as far as possible eliminated. And yet it is quite a mistaken idea to suppose that every beginner must sow his wild oats to the extent that is usually taken for granted. If he goes out determined to drive the ball at least a quarter of a mile at first sight, and is content with nothing short of a full set of contortions in imitation of what he imagines to be a St. Andrews swing - and after all, that is the course that most beginners do pursue -then his only chance of reducing his account with the club maker to reasonable proportions, is to choose what Virgil would call no small part of a tree, and do his best with it. In this way he may avoid great pecuniary loss, but his best will be exceedingly bad. If, on the other hand, he has read the first chapter of this book and has inwardly digested it, he will begin quietly with a half-swing, and will so restrain his force that it will be quite unnecessary to break any clubs at all. Indeed, if the beginner really takes the advice there offered to him there is no reason in the world why he should not be far less destructive to his clubs than the good player who hits cleaner, but with far greater force.

Accordingly, if you really mean to play the game for what it is worth, do not be content with whatever your club maker may offer you. The ordinary price of a driver in Scotland is five shillings and sixpence, in this country between a dollar and a half and two dollars. But it may be taken for granted that at least seventy-five per cent of the clubs which are sold at that price are quite unfit to play with. The driver which you have made to order for double the price is generally worth a whole stack full of the ready made article. If possible, then, the beginner should either procure a club from some more experienced friend, and have it copied, or he should insist upon the club maker supplying him with a club of reasonable proportions.