Dear Cliff: Not long ago Bill told me of Ed Dudley's transfer to a Puerto Rico golf club, and this morning I received a short note from Ed himself.1 Of course I am sure you know how deeply I regret his going--a feeling that is unquestionably shared by the vast majority of Augusta's members.
What follows is not a recommendation and is not a suggestion. It is nothing more than information to you and requires no answer whatsoever.
You will unquestionably be looking for a new professional. My feeling is that Augusta does not need a "name" man. But I am quite sure that you will be looking for a man who is mature, settled, and a thorough gentleman. Unless you have already reached a decision in the matter, you might like to look up the professional at the Gettysburg Country Club. His name is Dick Sleichter and he is a man who was beaten by Finsterwald in the PGA only after his ball, in hitting the green, buried itself and he had to putt from that situation.2 His integrity and sportsmanship are indicated by the fact that he called a penalty stroke on himself that no one else could possibly have detected.
I have met his wife and son, both quite attractive people.3 He himself must be about thirty-six or thirty-seven and to the best of my knowledge is a thorough gentleman.
Beyond the above I know nothing at all about him, but I do know a few people in Gettysburg, including the newspaper editor, the hotel owner and the most prominent lawyer, who could provide any information you would want if you are at all interested. I have played golf with him a number of times and find him very companionable, as well as helpful.
That's about all there is to say; quite naturally I have no idea whether he would be in a position to accept, even if offered, the winter job at Augusta.
I really assume that you have already put out your lines and maybe have offered someone a contract. But as I said before, all this is completely gratuitous--so this letter can be burned without hurting my feelings in the slightest.4
With warm regard, As ever
