Tallulah Golf Club

 

The following appeared in several spring and summer issues of the Madison Journal. For some issues a column called NIBLICKS appeared in which the unknown author poked fun at the would-be golfers. RPS January 2014.

 

GOLF CLUB ORGANIZED IN TALLULAH

Madison Journal March 31, 1928

 

Tallulah has arrived in the world of golf. For a number of years a pressing need for some outdoor recreation, suitable for all ages and both sexes, has been felt and a solu­tion to this problem has come forth in the form of the Tallulah Golf Club.

 

On Thursday, March 29, the or­ganization of the Club was perfected in the court house at Tallulah with the following elected officers: Eugene Stevens, President; F. H. Tucker, Secretary, Treasurer; R. R. Spigener, G. L. Smith, T. E. Dawson, W. S. Cook; and W. Z. Adams as the five members of the executive com­mittee.

 

The initiation fee, until further no­tice is $25.00 and a charter membership of fifty was secured in a two-day campaign by the membership committee. It is expected that the membership will be augmented con­siderably in the very near future, as soon as the membership committee can see all persons who may wish to join, and the Club extends a cor­dial invitation to persons residing in and out of Tallulah, as well as adja­cent communities, to apply for mem­bership to the Secretary, Treasurer, Mr. F. H. Tucker.

 

Work will be begun immediately on a nine-hole course on the prop­erty of Mr. J. A. Moberley three miles south of Tallulah. Mr. Moberley is very enthusiastic over the Club and expects to spend much of his leisure time on the course.

 

The feature of the meeting during which the organization was perfected, was a stirring address by the Hon. Hall Allen, Tallulah's Mayor, whose name leads the charter membership. Mr. Allen orated at great length upon the far-reaching good effect and civic promotion the Club will show in the future.

 

The following is the membership list up to the time that we go to press:

D. H. Allen, W. A. Montgomery, Eugene Stevens, Roy L. Mitchell, V. V. Williams, B. R. Coad, H. W. Lee, Elmer Johnson, R. E. Gilbert, C. H. Todd, E. A. Buckner, J. E. Neill, T. G. Bomer, M. D. McCaffrey, T. B. Lucas, W. B. Eisley, E. P. Jones, F. H. Tucker, W. Z. Adams, W. C. Gid­eon, D. M. Kell, L. R. Murphy, G. E. Thomas, R. R. Taylor, R. G. Long, R. W. Tate, W. S. Cook, Tucker E. Dawson, R. R. Spigener, G. L. Smith, W.  Starrett, Dr. J. Speaker, R. W. Dickinson, F. W. McDuff, W. S.  Craig, W. R. Flippin, W. C. Malone, John F. Payne, Roy Dale, C. VanDine, (some illegible) C. M. Bridge, J. Abroms, T. K. Montgomery, Jr., P. E. Bradley, O. W.  Campbell, W. B. Williams, W. P. Sevier, Jr., L. Darrow, W. A. Gilbert, (some illegible) Moberley, J. A. Moberley.

 

GOLF PROFESSIONAL TO BE IN TALLULAH

Madison Journal April 7, 1928

Mr. Jack Neely, golf professional who is in Vicksburg in connection with the laying out of the new $60, 000 golf course being built in that city, will be in Tallulah on Sunday afternoon on April 8th, and will give an exhibition of the proper way to handle all the clubs used in playing golf. Mr. Neely will play around the improvised nine-hole course now laid off on Mr. J. A. Moberly's property. He will also give a lecture to the persons assembled and a demonstra­tion at the same time, of the many points relative to using the various golf clubs, of which many of the members are now a bit hazy.

 

The exhibition will be very inter­esting and instructive, and the public is invited to attend. The club mem­bers are particularly urged to be present.

 

Mr. Neely will begin playing pro­bably about three o'clock. He has had a number of years experience laying off golf courses in many cities and has kindly offered to assist the local club in many of the problems confronting it.

 

Persons desiring to join the club are urged to see Mr. F. H. Tucker, Sec.-Treas. of the club, as it has been proposed to limit the membership to one hundred.

 

NIBLICKS
Madison Journal April 28, 1928

It is very gratifying to note the steadily increasing interest being taken in the Tallulah Golf Club. We feel sure that it will be a great success, especially when we see many players on the course enjoying an early morn­ing game instead of that last sweet nap. Some prefer afternoon exercise and still others take theirs in between time, so that the course is in use from dawn to dark.

 

One very enthusiastic golfer is Mr. Willie Gilpin; if he can play golf like he did baseball, we are very likely to have a second Bobby Jones in our midst.

 

Mr. Jack Neely, golf professional of Vicksburg, Miss., spent the past week in Tallulah, instructing those interested in the proper use of golf clubs. Anyone who wishes to take lessons may do so by getting in touch with Mr. Neely at the course. He will not be here after next week, so don't miss your chance.

 

Under the able direction of our President, Mr. Eugene Stevens and the Executive Board, Mr. Moberley's pasture is rapidly assuming the as­pects of an up-to-date, well-kept golf course. It is expected that this work will be completed within the next week, and all members are urged to try it out.

 

Playing with Buckner, Montgom­ery and Lee, Par for the nine holes is 35. Jack Neely, golf professional from Vicksburg, plays the Tallulah course in 38, as follows: 5, 5, 4, 4, 5, 3, 3, 4, and 5, making a total of 38. Birdie 4 was made on the long num­ber 3 hole.

 

One of our members, who is noted for being a woman hater, has been very unlucky in his efforts to secure a set of clubs. In the first place, the company sent him ladies' clubs and then addressed him as "Mrs." His nickname of "Liz" is believed to be the cause of this mistake.

 

Our Mayor, Mr. D. H. Allen, has set us all a good example by putting his enthusiasm into practice. He has also set a style by wearing the very latest model of "plus fours." Acci­dents will happen though, even so mayors, and when Mr. Allen's pick­ers ripped from top to bottom at the same time that several ladies appear­ed on the scene, he was forced to run to shelter.

 

Mr. Tucker Dawson has been kept busy hauling dirt to fill up holes dug by Mr. Colvin Todd. Now we know why Mr. Todd was such a success at Jigging trenches.

 

All those who have not yet joined the club are cordially invited to come out and see what they are missing. Please note that the too fat and too thin members are gradually getting back their form without dieting or eating yeast.  We recommend golf for all ailments, from love to (illegible) and urge you to “get in the swing.”

 

NIBLICKS

As Seen and Heard on The
Tallulah Golf Course

Madison Journal April 28, 1928

The Board of Directors of the Tallulah Golf Club in extra session on Monday, April 23, 1928, extends thanks to all who have contributed in any way to the organization of the club and the building of the course. Time, labor and financial aid have been freely given by numerous concerns and individuals. This loyal support and public spirited civic interest is a genuine source of pride to the organization and Tallulah.

 

 At the meeting of the Board of Directors on April 23, the following rules were voted to take effect May 15th:

            1. All members must pay dues in full by May 15th or be dropped from the rolls.

            2. Green fee for non-members will be 50 cents per day.

            3. One guest only will be permitted to play without cost on any member's card. All others must pay green fee.

            4. Monthly card is $5.00, Quarter­ly card $10.00 and membership card for year, $25.00.

 

Haw Kirkpatrick is now champion of the Tallulah links. He went around the nine holes a couple of days ago in 259 and used only three dozen balls, six hours time, four caddies and not a single word of profanity. It takes a real champion to do that!

 

Last Monday when Mr. Horace Lee, otherwise "Dirty, was playing in the rough between number four tee and green, a foursome which had just started on number one fairway was electrified into frozen silence and then convulsive laughter as "Dirty's" gentle voice came floating down the three-quarter mile expanse, "Now ain't I in a ----of a fix, that ----ball is always going some place other than where I knock it."

 

We are pleased to note the interest in the Club being displayed by persons residing away from Tallulah. We welcome into our midst as members, Mr. Herbert Taylor, of Chicago, Mr. Thomas Wade, Jr., and Dr. J. C. Earnest, of St. Joseph.

 

Mr. Tom Lucas, who reminds us of "the terrible tempered Mr. Bang," has just broke up his fifth set of clubs and swears that he will teach a niblick how to nible or bust up every  club in the drug store, trying.

 

Speaking of optimism, you have missed something unless you have seen our village aviator, Mr. Glen Erickson Thomas, who stands six feet six inches in his socks (when he has any), attempting to use a putter with (remainder missing.)

 

NIBLICKS

As Seen and Heard on The
Tallulah Golf Course

Madison Journal May 5, 1928

One of our "biggest" members, Mr. "Square" Gilbert, refuses to play golf because he's afraid it will ruin his figure. We don't see how it could possibly be any worse and think he has a better reason; that is, he once made the remark that, "Only fools and children play golf," and everyone knows that he couldn't be classed as a child.

           

FOUND, on the golf course, one fountain pen. The owner may receive the same by calling 164 and identify­ing this pen.

 

After seeing the recent scores of Mr. Roy Mitchell, it appears that he understands the use of joy sticks much better than golf sticks.

 

What's the matter with our law­yers? We see every kind of profession represented on the course, but the Law and all of them can't be busy all the time. What can they be doing?

 

Mr. Haw Kirkpatrick wishes us to correct an error made in this column last week. He says that he did not make any such score as 259—it was 290! Congratulations to Mr. Kirk­patrick on his honesty.

 

We wonder if throwing clubs after bad balls helps your luck or your disposition.

 

A bloody battle was fought on the green Thursday afternoon between Messrs. V. V. Williams, R. C. Gaines and Horace Lee, with the final score of 53, 54 and 55, respectively. However, we are glad to report that no blood was spilt and the contestants are still friends.

 

NIBLICKS

As Seen and Heard on The
Tallulah Golf Course

Madison Journal May 12, 1928

ATTENTION, EVERYBODY! Please note that, beginning on May 15th, only members in good standing, and their families, will have the privi­lege of playing on the Tallulah Golf 'Course. Each member will be allowed to have one guest (meaning someone residing out of Madison Parish) without cost, but a green fee of 50 cents will be charged for all over that num­ber. The course is in splendid con­dition now and we want everybody in town to enjoy it. We have about eighty members now, so come on, Tallulah, and let's make it one hun­dred or more.

 

We are pleased indeed to announce that Mrs. J. V. Wright who is famous for her good cooking, will be in charge of the Tea Room to be opened at the Golf Course in the very near future. All the wives in town will be especially interested in this prospect, as their husbands' appetites have grown in proportion to their golfing. Mrs. Wright will also be on hand to collect green fees.

 

The other day when Bill Adams told Poche Shields that her "form" was bad, she replied that she didn't go to the Golf Course to enter a beauty contest.

 

One day last week, two of our most promising young golfers, Jack Le­brano and Man Kell, were examining golf gloves. When Jack wanted to know why one was padded in the palm, Man said, "Why you dumbell, that's the hand you catch the ball with."

 

After making the course with sev­eral of our beginners, Mr. Jack Neely, the golf pro, stated that he might be able to teach them golf, but they needed no instructions in the art of scoring.

 

"Some women become so bored with the company of their husbands that they get a divorce, while others induce them to take up golf." We wonder if this explains why the Tal­lulah women do not play golf with their husbands.

 

We wish to offer our heartfelt sympathy to Mr. “Spike" Spiegner, one of our bright and shining lights, on his recent discovery. Spike has been making some pretty bad scores so he purchased a classy pair of golf knickers, only to find that his game became worse and worse. Now he is convinced that "clothes may make the man, but they don't help the golfer."

 

NIBLICKS

As Seen and Heard on The
Tallulah Golf Course

Madison Journal May 19, 1928

In spite of the heavy rain on last Monday, there were quite a few play­ers out on Tuesday afternoon. That's the kind of spirit we like to see—it proves that we have brave citizens in Tallulah who don't mind a little thing like getting their feet wet. We also wonder if any of the wives succeeded in persuading their husbands to wear overshoes.

 

LOST on the Tallulah Golf Course, fifteen pounds of avoirdupois, by Mr. Horace Lee. Mr. Lee hopes that his loss may be someone else's gain, for example, Robert Gaines or Will Sev­ier.

 

Mr. Gayle and Duke McCaffrey will please take notice of the above Niblick—and go and do likewise. Mr. Lee will be delighted to demonstrate his methods to all those who are inter­ested.

 

Mrs. J. V. Wright has opened the Tea Room at the Golf Course and everyone, including those who are not members of the club, are invited to come out and eat sandwiches, cakes, and all the other good things that Mrs. Wright knows how to make.

 

Mr. Cyril Gideon now holds the local championship with a score of 42. We wish to congratulate "Giddy" on this good score and also on the knickers.

 

NIBLICKS

As Seen and Heard on The
Tallulah Golf Course

Madison Journal May 26, 1928

Hugh Montgomery thinks that Brother Frank is imposing on brotherly love, when he takes his clubs out and leaves one on every green, Frank has a very unique way of us­ing a different club on every fairway and we await with interest the result of this method, that is, if Hugh doesn't lose his temper in the meantime.

 

Giddy Gideon now has a close rival in Mr. Edwin Buckner, the banker with a voice as well as a heart. Mr. Buckner made the first nine holes in 42 and the second nine in 44, which is especially good since Mr. Buckner has just recovered from the Flu.

 

Mr. Haw Kirkpatrick says that the only thing that keeps him from being the World's Champion is eight or ten ounces.

 

We wonder why a certain dark and romantic entomologist always drives by the Danbert Hotel before going to the Golf Course and also why he has lately achieved the reputation of being a "demon lover." There's a deep mystery here, so everybody watch out for this strangely behaving young Romeo.

 

We have the pleasure of announc­ing this week the engagement of two of our most faithful golfers, Miss Ruth Cannady and Mr. Ruffin Spig­ener, and wish for them a long and happy married life. We also hope that they will never use their clubs except for playing golf.

 

After watching Mrs. Tom Lucas and Mrs. Dollar Gaines make their first drives, we are thoroughly con­vinced that there is one time in a woman's life that she does not ap­preciate too much attention.

 

NIBLICKS

As Seen and Heard on The
Tallulah Golf Course

Madison Journal June 2, 1928

At about 12:00 o'clock last Sunday, a statuesque blonde, looking as cool as Coca Cola in spite of the ninety-five-degrees-in-the-shade tem­perature, gazed languidly across the last fairway and called to her caddy, "Please bring me my putter, so I can drive off."

 

Mr. Maxwell Yerger, otherwise known as "Pops," is introducing the very latest form in putting. This con­sists of bending the knees forward as far as possible without losing your balance, then placing the head in line with your knee caps. This can be accomplished without pain if you are blessed with a long neck, but how in the world will Major Campbell ever get in this position?

 

It seems that kicking comes easier to some people than hitting. After a hard-fought game of golf, with a re­sulting score of 81, Miss Elizabeth Kell kicked over Mrs. Wright's pot of hydrangeas with no trouble at all.

 

A match game has been arranged between Miss Rebecca Whitaker, our Home Demonstration Agent, and Mr. C. Van Zelfden, enthusiastic dairyman. Miss Whitaker's latest score is 150 for eight holes, and Mr. Van hasn't played at all yet; for this rea­son, the playing will start promptly at 4:30 on Sunday morning so that  the spectators may get home in time for dinner. As added attraction, Miss Whitaker will give a lecture on poul­try, and Mr. Van will demonstrate the proper way to "pail" a cow. A big crowd is expected so come early and bring your breakfast with you.

 

Congratulations to Mr. Buckner on making a 41 last week. Giddy had better look to his laurels, but then we all sympathize with Giddy and know that courting and late hours are hard on us the day after.

 

NIBLICKS

As Seen and Heard on The
Tallulah Golf Course

Madison Journal June 9, 1928

Last week we had more rain and d and less golf than usual as the course dried off before we could grow wet feet. However, keep up your courage s as all signs point to fair and warmer weather for the coming week.

 

 It is very disturbing to note that two players have been hit by balls and knocked senseless very recently. The fact that they were not hit in the back but right between the eyes is one to ponder over. Had the play­ers been ladies, with literary inter­ests, we would at least have some ideas on the subject, but as the matter stands, we have no explanation whatever.

 

Walter Hagen, World's Champion Golf Player, says that golf is a game for women; that is makes old women youthful and young women beauti­ful. Maybe that's the reason the feminine population of Tallulah has golfitis.

 

"Sweet Papa" Lee was highly in­sulted the other day when Red Taylor asked him why he didn't get some knickers to fit him instead of wearing Dr. Gaines' (Beg pardon, Mr. Lee we didn't intend to glorify you this week, but you are such a temptation, we couldn't resist it).

 

Mr. Barcroft of Memphis was a recent visitor at our course, as guest of Mr. Gilpin. He was very favorably impressed by the layout and stated that Tallulah had the best course for a town of its size that he knew of. In view of the fact that Mr. Barcroft made a 39, we feel sure that he knows whereof he speaks.

 

NIBLICKS

As Seen and Heard on The
Tallulah Golf Course

Madison Journal June 16, 1928

In these hectic times when Duty calls a man to his desk and Pleasure beckons him from the golf links, you will usually find him behind the locked doors of his office--slipping into his golf knickers."

 

We understand that "Pop" Agee and Mr. R. L. Taylor of Talla Bena spent a very exciting and strenuous five hours last week playing nine holes of golf. However, they refused to make public their scores, as they didn't want to show up these fellows who have been playing every day whereas this was their first game.

 

Yes indeed, times are certainly changed. For instance, if Colvin Todd had walked down the streets of Tallulah three years ago in the garb he row dons for playing golf, pande­monium would have reigned--he would have been trailed by all the little boys in town, yelling with glee, "Look at the sissy man in the bloom­ers !--"Lookout sister, you're losing one of your garters," or "Huh! He must think he's a lady." But now, "Willie" Todd or anybody else can parade all over Madison Parish in plus-fours, zebra sox, etc. without creating a ripple of interest.

 

Mr. Jack Neely is with us again for a week or so and will be glad to give lessons to anyone desiring them.

 

We had several visitors last week, one being Mr. Daniels of New Orleans. Mr. S. E. Jones of South Carolina and Mr. McGarr of Texas, two new "bug boys" were also on hand and we hope to see many more of them before long.

 

NIBLICKS

As Seen and Heard on The
Tallulah Golf Course

Madison Journal June 23, 1928

Hambone says, "Pahson 'lows dem Sunday golf players ain't got no 'ligion; huh, he'd lose his'n too, ef'n he tried to play golf!" To which Don Sevier adds a fervent "Thems my

sentiments, too;" it seems that Don spent all of last Sunday afternoon playing nine holes, or rather hunting balls, most of which were never found and to make matters worse, the three girls with whom he was playing made much better scores, and at the  end of the game, Don's interest in golf had reached the zero point.

 

One day last week we were surprised to hear someone ask why Campbell had two caddies, and more surprised at the reply: "Oh, one of them is to keep track of Neill's score!"

 

1st Tallulah Golf Player: Where you been?

2nd T. G. P.: Down buying golf clubs, knickers, etc.

1st T. G. P.: Got a golf course?

2nd T. G. P.: Oh they throw that in.

 

Giddy, the Great Golfer, is now champion of the Tallulah links with a score of 40; Mr. Hudson, of Tendal, a visitor, made 38 and Mr. Buckner is staying with his 41 very con­sistently. Now that our sister city Lake Providence has a course, it is quite probable that a tournament will be arranged in the fall and we are confident that Tallulah will emerge victorious from conflict.

 

Mr. Jack Neely is now supervising the work of putting the greens in perfect condition. Mr. Cedric Starrett is the promoter and backer of this undertaking.

 

J. T. Roy now has charge of the tea room and is also collector of the green fees. It is again asked that the members do not buy balls from the caddies, as they are supposed to be turned over to J. T. and may then be identified and claimed by the owners.

 

Major Campbell should have been a ballet dancer! Anyone who has seen the Major gracefully rise on his toes preparatory to driving off, will surely agree that he has missed his calling.

 

We regret to learn that Mr. Duke McCaffrey suffered a painful injury last Wednesday when he slipped in a ditch and sprained his kneecap. Perhaps kneecap or nightcap was the cause of his inability to hit the ball on the first hole, despite countless manful efforts.

 

NIBLICKS

As Seen and Heard on The
Tallulah Golf Course

Madison Journal June 30, 1928

We think Will Rogers and Mr. Moberley must be kindred spirits, or at least they have the same ideas on some subjects. The following is taken from a clipping in the New York Times : "I tell you turning your land into a golf course is the salvation of the farmer, and the only thing to do with land now—just play golf on it. Sell your land and caddy."

 

It seems that somebody is getting up a golf tournament to be held sometime in July. However, none of the officers seem to be responsible for this and a good many players who would like to enter this tournament do not know to whom they should give their scores. Please let's have more information and less mystery about this.

 

Bill Adams has been watching Spike's game very closely in the last week or so, and as they both made a 47 on Thursday, he feels more optimistic about embarking on the sea of matrimony. We understand that there are six impending weddings in Tallulah and Bill must be mixed up in one of 'en—but who is the lucky girl?

 

Our old standby, Horace Lee made his debut on the Memphis links last, week, and made a very creditable score, after considering the difference between Tallulah and Memphis golf courses.

 

NIBLICKS

As Seen and Heard on The
Tallulah Golf Course

Madison Journal July 7, 1928

 Well, the tournament has come and gone, and in spite of persistent and wide questioning, it is as much of mystery today as it was two weeks ago. Apparently there was one foursome represented; this seems strange since there are approximately sixty-five members at least twenty of whom are regular players and these make scores well below fifty. Nobody knows when the tournament began except those favored four; only one score is officially known, that being 81 made by Mr. Cyril Gideon. The only spectators were Mr. Moberley's cows and they were doubtless un­aware of the great game being fought before their unsuspecting eyes. In fact there is only one thing that we are absolutely sure of about this tour­nament, and that is that it was a hot affair.

 

Mr. Horace Lee celebrated the Fourth by making a 39. Among those who have made below 45 are Maxwell Yerger, Randall Flippin, Robert Gaines, Ralph Taylor, Colvin Todd, Cyril Gideon, E. A. Buckner and Duke McCaffrey ( ?). That's their own story and they're sticking to it.--- Well, that is, most of them are. The best score made by a lady so far is 64 by Mrs. Fred McDuff. However, Mrs. Robert Gaines and Mrs. Tom Lucas are not far behind.

 

Messrs. Bay Amacker and Hermon Stein of Lake Providence were visitors in Tallulah last Saturday and enjoyed a round of golf on our course.

 

NIBLICKS

As Seen and Heard on The
Tallulah Golf Course

Madison Journal July 21, 1928

We await, with interest the match game between Mr. Horace Lee and Mr. Duke McCaffrey whose low scores are 39 and 38 respectively. Both of these gentlemen have a large following and we suggest that their friends be present during the playing to settle all dispute, etc. as this is sure to be a close game.

 

Mr. Basil Brown of Vicksburg was the guest of Mr. Tom Lucas last Sunday. These gentlemen with Messrs. Curtis Agee and Will Sevier, Jr., were overtaken by rain on the sixth hole and the game turned into a sprinting match. Mr. Brown and Mr. Sevier reached the car at about the same time, but Mr. Lucas and Mr. Agee stopped under the big tree, all out of breath, one because of old age and the other because of too much fat.

 

The golf course has suffered a very sad loss in the death of their old horse, "the old grey mare—she ain’t what she used to be!”

 

Mr. and Mrs. R. C. Gaines have just returned from a motor trip to Marion, Ky. While there they enjoyed playing golf on an exceedingly sporty five-hole course, laid out on two hills, two valleys, two creeks, one (?) Gaines said that he didn't lose a single ball!

 

There was a young fellow named Cook,

Who knew his golf like a book.

His game was uncanny,

His rivals were many,

For he made not a slice nor a hook.

 

Do you want to get married? If so, join the Tallulah Golf Club. Results to date have been very good, with a total of three marriages.  Two imminent engagements are those of Mr. Edwin Jones and Mr. Elmer Johnson, so we hear.