When one comes to the quality of the bunkers and other hazards we pass into realm of much dispute and argument. Primarily bunkers should be sand bunkers purely, not composed of gravel, stones or dirt. Whether this or that bunker is well placed, has caused more intensely heated arguments outside of the realms of religion, than has ever been my lot to listen to. C.B. MACDONALD
Available via Amazon (US): Golf Architecture For Normal People
Barnes And Noble (online and in stores)
Bookshop.org option to support local independent bookstores.
Reviews:
"Golf Architecture for Normal People . . . should be required reading for those who are not ashamed to admit they know little about the subject, and for those who think they do . . . . Golf course architecture geeks have trouble slimming their thoughts down to bite-sized chunks, but Shackelford has achieved a remarkable success here." —Independent (Ireland)
"From the relative newcomer who’s slowly getting hooked to those that have played the game for most of their lives and think they know a thing or two, Golf Architecture for Normal People provides a solid and sober perspective that will help everyone recognize why some golf courses are worth playing more than once while a single trip around others is all you’re ever likely to want or need." —Links Magazine.
“It’s a wonderful book. An easy read that arrives just in time for your summer reading list. If you’ve never thought about how an appreciation for course design could heighten your enjoyment of the game, you must check this out.”—The Peterborough Examiner
"As in his prior publications, in his newest book Shackelford shows a deep appreciation for what can be done to create a golf course that appeals to the broadest possible golfing audience…Shackelford’s prose is succinct, often witty, and accessible."—Cape Gazette
"Author, blogger and golf architecture expert Geoff Shackelford, who helped Gil Hanse design Rustic Canyon and restore 2023 U.S. Open host Los Angeles Country Club, taps into his passion by creating a guide that helps every golfer understand the nuances of course design. Published by Tatra Press, the 164-page hardcover book is a must-read for every golfer to better understand the game they love." —Golf Pass
"Shackelford provides an informative picture [and]...sprinkles in history lessons about those who planted the game's architectural roots, defines common terms and helps you hone your eyes when it comes to identifying some of the tricks of the trade."—FORE Magazine
"This new book does a great job demystifying golf course design ideas for average players, but can also be a beneficial read fro PGA Professionals and other golf course employees to get a better understanding of their home courses." —PGA Magazine
"She had bought the wedges and had been told they were conforming."
/It took a while, but the rush to make the groove rule applicable to 2010 USGA events without a simple way to test clubs has finally created an unfortunate situation, reports E. Michael Johnson.
Groove Rule Changes Ushers In Youth Movement!
/2010 Masters Saturday Clippings
/"No spinning the numbers: Grooves rollback a minor factor so far"
/Letter From Saugerties, The Grooves So Far
/Dear Geoff:
"You can never have too much interaction of information amongst stakeholders in any endeavor"
/Can You Feel The Love This Afternoon?
/Sadly, I'm going to miss this one. But there's always the transcript.
Teleconference With PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem and
PING Chairman and CEO John Solheim
"Notice Regarding USGA Forum on Equipment Rulemaking"
/"We'd be foolish not to consider it, although it is extremely controversial."
/E. Michael Johnson raises all sorts of interesting questions in considering whether manufacturers should offer non-conforming lines of equipment.
"We've looked extensively at possibilities in the nonconforming category," said Nate Radcliffe, metalwoods development manager for Cleveland Golf. "We'd be foolish not to consider it, although it is extremely controversial."
It's a category?
Now, 10 years later, might Callaway revisit nonconforming clubs? "Some think we may be likely to go down that path," said Dr. Alan Hocknell, Callaway's senior VP of research & development, "but one thing we hold highly at this company is authenticity. Playing by the rules is perhaps the most authentic part of golf. I'd say we're more likely to stay inside the rules than go outside them."
Which isn't to say Callaway hasn't looked at the landscape. Hocknell said the company has done consumer research and found golfers split on the topic. Then there's the business aspect. Any company entering the nonconforming arena is likely to be branded by its competition as making clubs for cheaters. "To have our brand positioned that way would be a huge risk," said Hocknell.
Two questions. Do you think this is a good idea for the game and would it be wise for manufacturers to go down this path?
It doesn't bother me much since the game is bifurcated with the groove rule change and if nothing else, just think, we wouldn't have to listen to the manufacturers whine about the big, bad USGA impacting quarterly profit margins!
“Everyone wants to be a pro, so why not act like one?”
/"Both parties acknowledge, however, that there may be special circumstances where the PGA Tour determines a special rule is necessary for its competition."
/"As you probably know, the Masters is conducted under the USGA's rules of golf; there is no intention to make an exception in this case."
/If you were hoping the Lords of Augusta would show some spine and tell PING Eye2 users to keep their wedges in cold storage for the 2010 Masters, think again. Steve Elling reports exclusively.