n that the feet are placed nearer to each other and
nearer to the ball. Comparison between the photographs and diagrams will
make the extent of these differences and the peculiarities of the stance
for the mashie quite clear. The right toe is advanced until it is within
11 inches of the A line, the ball is opposite the left heel, the left
foot is turned slightly more outwardly than usual. As for the grip, the
only observation that it is necessary to make is, that if a very short
shot is being played it is sometimes best to grasp the club low down at
the bottom of the handle, but in no circumstances do I approve of the
hands leaving the leather and getting on to the wood as players
sometimes permit them to do. When the player is so desperately anxious
to get so near to the blade with his hands, he should use a shorter
club. It should also be noticed that the body is more relaxed than
formerly, that there is more bend at the elbows, that the arms are not
so stiff, and that there is the least suspicion, moreover, of slackness
at the knees. The whole attitude is arranged for ease, delicacy of
touch, and extreme accuracy, whereas formerly simple straightness and
power were the governing considerations. To the eye of the uninitiated,
many of these photographs may seem very much alike; but a little
attentive study of those showing the stances for the iron and mashie
will make the essential differences very apparent. In the address the
right knee is perceptibly bent, and all the weight of the body is thrown
on to it. In the backward swing the right knee stiffens and the left
bends in, the left foot leaning slightly over to facilitate its doing
so. There is a great tendency on the part of inexperienced or uncertain
players to pivot on the left toe in the most exaggerated manner even
when playing a very short mashie stroke. Unless a full shot is being
taken, there should not only be no pivoting with the mashie, but the
left heel, throughout the stroke, should be kept either touching the
ground or raised only the least distance above it. In the backward swing
the right knee is stiffened and the left knee bends in towards the ball,
simply in order to let the club go back properly, which it could hardly
do if the original pose were retained. It is particularly requisite
that, though there is so much ease elsewhere, the club in the case of
these mashie shots should be held quite tightly. They are not played
with the wrists alone, but w