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
What happens in Vegas...ends up in the newspaper!
Thanks to reader NRH for Norm's Las Vegas Journal-Review item on Anthony Kim continuing his image rehab at the Bellagio during this week's tour stop.
"He is one loose cannon," said a dealer, who said Kim may have set a personal record for F-bombs while playing high-stakes craps over the weekend.
Maybe it was the heartbreak of not securing a European Tour card for 2011?
Classic finish to today's Frys.com event today, classic post round remarks by champion Rocco (as always) and classic call by Oosterhuis in advance of Rocco's fourth (!?) hole-out of the week.
The video does not include epic shots by Alex Prugh, Bo Van Pelt and Rickie Fowler driving the green at the same hole.
One reader likened it to a "club invitational-sized" crowd for the McGladrey Classic. I thought that was kind. But they certainly do seem to be sticking to their 7500-a-day gallery limit!
Meanwhile, Monday is auction day for Sea Island, as J. Scott Trubey reports. Just all around good vibes!
After two years of doubt, a measure of clarity should come Monday for Sea Island in the form of a bankruptcy auction.
The remaining assets of the bankrupt Sea Island Co. — the five-star Cloister and Lodge hotels and four celebrated golf courses among them— will be sold to the highest bidder at the headquarters of Atlanta law firm King & Spalding.
Walter Driver's old stomping grounds where diversity makes for prime Awkward Family Photos material!
But an auction is required by bankruptcy law, and a competing group of bidders has brought drama to a community known more for tranquil marshes, elegant hotels and plush service.
“We’ll be holding our breaths on Monday,” said Jane Fraser, a Sea Island member and resident.
The partnership of Oaktree Capital Management and Avenue Capital Group won a lengthy bid process to acquire the storied resort for $197.5 million. Its offer, known as a “stalking horse bid,” is said to honor Sea Island memberships, keep Sea Island’s 1,400 employees and retain Sea Island Co. scion A.W. “Bill” Jones III as chairman and CEO.
A competing team made up of Starwood Capital and Anschutz Entertainment is also cleared to bid at Monday’s auction.
The dreaded third person self references reared as he discussed sticking with the European Tour.
"I don't want to be dictated to by having to go to America to play FedEx Cup when it doesn't really mean that much to me," said the 37-year-old. "It doesn't mean enough to me anyway.
"I think they (the PGA Tour) would like me to go and be a member there, but as of Monday evening I became an individual again and I do what's right for Lee Westwood now."
Steve Elling's sendup, I mean, write-up of the fourth FedExCup finale probably means Tim Finchem won't be nominating him in any Hall of Fame lifetime achievement category meetings. Doesn't mean it's not spot on though.Geoff Shackelford is a Senior Writer for Golfweek magazine, a weekly contributor to Golf Channel's Morning
Copyright © 2022, Geoff Shackelford. All rights reserved.
