T H E C U B A R E V I E W 13 



GOLF LINKS IN HAVANA 



(Specially written for The Cuba Review) 



A MAGNIFICENT COURSE NEAR THE CITY CLUB COMPETITIONS 



FOR THE COMING MONTHS 



By the expenditure of over $150,000, a magnificent country club has been built and 

 perfected in the vicinity of the city of Havana, thus under Uberal auspices introducing 

 the game of golf in the island of Cuba. 



The Finca Lola (farm), an estate previously owned by a leading tobacco merchant 

 of Havana and now devoted to this purpose, has been developed under the advice and 

 suggestion of skilled experts, with the result that those fully qualified to pass judgment 

 on the work, express the opinion that few golf courses anywhere afforded greater va- 

 riety, more attractive features and distinctive characteristics conducive to skill and pleas- 

 ure in the game than are embodied in the 18-hole course now completed. 



There are other attractions such as tennis courts, both clay and grass ; a cro(luet lawn, 

 while preparations are under way for other field sports such as baseball, football and 

 polo on ground adjacent to the club house. 



The Bay of Marianao nearby affords fine salt water bathing and boating. The club 

 property is within easy reach of the center of Havana by railroad and automobile. A 

 station of the United Railways of Havana is located directly on the grounds and but a 

 few steps from the club house. 



The club house (see illustration) is a substantial masonry structure, designed by a 

 New York architect, resident in Cuba, and confronting to the requirements of the climate 

 and living customs of the country. The rooms are large and airy ; the verandahs are 

 broad and especially attractive, and the views therefrom of the surrounding country are 

 magnificent. Nearly the entire property can be seen from the club house, which has 

 been built on a commanding terrace and which overlooks not only the natural undulations 

 of the grounds and links, but also the Gulf of Mexico, Bay of jNIarianao, Camp Columbia, 

 which was built during the first American intervention and is now the headquarters of 

 the Cuban army, and also the town of Marianao nearby. While the golf property has 

 all the elements of privacy of a country estate, it has also in full view the architecture 

 and life of a busy suburban district, interspersed with views of sea and country. 



The furnishings and conveniences of the club hduse are thoroughly up-to-date. The 

 building is equipped with locker rooms, cafe as well as restaurant, lounging and reading 

 rooms, 30 bedrooms, single and en suite. These facilities are available to guests as well 

 as members and their wives. A garage is also provided on the grounds. 



There is a developing desire for the erection of cottages on the grounds of the club 

 or adjacent thereto not only for the occupancy of residents but winter visitors as well, 

 and the demand is being seriously considered by the board of governors. 

 THE GOLF LINKS (see illustration) 



The fairway and putting greens are of Bermuda grass. This grass grows on the 

 rich soil, thickly and constantly in Cuba, so that in a few months after planting a per- 

 fectly thick mat is grown with the result that the lies are perfect. Water pipes reach 

 all parts of the course. The putting greens are of a finer variety of the same grass, 

 and in texture and trueness are excellent. None of the greens are level and flat, but 

 as in the case of the fairway the natural contours have been follow^ed, so that there is 

 a variety of play throughout. No two holes are alike. The windings of the small stream 

 through the grounds have been taken advantage of fully in laying out the links. The 

 hazards are water, natural depressions and rises and fall of the ground. The ground 

 generally is so naturally prepared for the purpose that but a few artificial hazards have 

 been found necessary. The variations from the stream level at the most extreme point 

 is but 50 feet. 



There are charming views from the tees and greens of the natural golf holes and sur- 

 rounding scenery of sea, and of tropical architecture and flora. 



The quality of the links, the views and the wonderful effects of sky and c'ouds 

 peculiar to the latitude are a delight to the residents and a surprise to the visitors. 



The laj'ouL of the course was perfected by Donald Ross. The Cuban caddies, while 

 Spanish speaking, have quickly appropriated the English golf terms, as they have also 

 of baseball tenns — the national game of Cuba. 



The tnembership of the club is of various nationalities. The Americans_ and British 

 predominate, and while golf is new to Cuba, many of the members are old in the game. 

 Club competitions are held weekly and on holidays, and these will be open to visitors 

 as well as tournaments during the months of January, February and March. Details 

 of the tournaments will be made public next month. 



