"There seems to be an epidemic of stealing of golf balls in the country," said Mr. W. Synnott, solicitor, when he defended a caddie, aged 15, who was charged at Bray Children's Court yesterday with stealing 7 golf balls at Greystones Golf Club on October 30.
"It was encouraged," he added "by the ease with which they can be sold. It is a recognised thing for golf caddies who find balls to sell them. The difference between the finding of a golf ball by a caddie and stealing it was not very great."
District Justice Price - I thought that they were supposed to hand in the balls, when they found them.
Superintendent O'Reilly, who prosecuted - It is very reprehensible conduct on the part of any member of a club to buy such balls. Clubs have rules that they should not buy them.
Mr. Synnott - As a matter of fact, they do buy them.
Superintendent O'Reilly said that four of the balls were taken from the motor car of a Mr. Robinson and three from a bag in the club, belonging to Mr. Montgomery.
Mr. Synnott, pleading guilty, said that the boy's father would not allow him to act as a caddie again.
The boy was bound over to be of good behaviour in his father's bail.
The Irish Times
November 19th, 1938.