From Nick Faldo's Foreword:

In The Future of Golf, Geoff Shackelford pulls no punches. He fervently believes that the game he loves is in danger of being ‘crushed’; that it is ‘less fun’ that it used to be, and is in danger of being ‘overrun by selfish business interests’. In essence, Geoff’s contention (or charge) is that the supposed custodians of the game have dithered when confronted with rapid, significant advances in technology and in so doing have meekly surrendered control to the all-powerful equipment manufacturers – whose motivation is seemingly singular and short-sighted. No doubt there are some who consider Geoff’s views reactionary and think him some kind of a golfing romantic; personally, I think he is a realist, and I applaud his determination to speak out and encourage others to take action – A.S.A.P.

Latest Reviews For The Future of Golf

There were lots of little stories that always pop up at Augusta. It started with more talk about the ball and how it is getting out of control. If you see the big picture it is important that we keep an eye on it as it is making so many courses either obsolete or go through expensive redesigns to keep them current. In order to keep the cost down, we need more people to play, not less! I don't normally advertise books, but if you want a good background on the problem and where it is potentially going buy a copy of Geoff Shackelford's Future of Golf. Jerry Pate recommended it to me on the Champions Tour last year and it is indeed an interesting read."
Frank Nobilo, on Nobilo.com, May 25, 2005

"The excessive importance of excessive length has ramifications for the game at large. Data indicate that golf is stagnating, as Geoff Shackelford points out in his important and provocative new book The Future of Golf: How Golf Lost its Way and How to Get it Back."
Lorne Rubenstein, The Globe and Mail, April 28, 2005

"Short in page count but long on intelligent opinions about the game of (the subtitle is "How Golf Lost Its Way in the 21st Century and How To Get It Back"), Shackelford provides plenty of thought-provoking storylines in this affordable and worthy addition to any golf library. This collection, a mix of previously published essays (from Golfdom, The Los Angeles Times, LINKS and Golf World, among others) and new prose, hits the sacred cows fairly hard. Just look at some chapter titles: 'The USGA: Asleep at the Wheel;' 'Technology: Failing to Make Golf More Fun, More Affordable or More Interesting;' and 'How Professional Golf Has Set a Dreadful Example in its Reaction to Deregulation.' But Shackelford doesn't just fly off the handle looking for headlines; he clearly loves the game, writes eloquently about it, and wants it to thrive in the future. He says make it fun and affordable, stop auctioning off tradition, and regulate the golf ball to save classic courses and the sport itself. He also provides a new perspective on golf course rankings and the inner workings of the USGA. Somebody get this guy a regular column in a major golf publication soon." Verdict: Birdie
Tom Mackin, Travelgolf.com

"Shackelford, the son of former UCLA basketball great Lynn Shackelford, has emerged, at a young age, as one of the game's vital voices, a passionate historian and guardian of the game's traditions. What he currently sees from equipment manufacturers, course designers and, especially, the United States Golf Association distresses him. Final Scorecard: Shackelford is not subtle in his sledgehammer criticisms, so if you're looking for a feel-good tale, this is not for you. But if you're passionate about the game's future, about its past and about what's right for the royal and ancient game -- and if you love to read anti-USGA rants -- this is your baby."
Brian Murphy, San Francisco Chronicle

"...thought-provoking views of the current golf world...if you have a pass ion for the game, it's a significant read."
Jim McCabe, Boston Globe

"What Geoff Shackelford has collected here reflects the views of many and makes a lot of sense, as well as proposing some solutions. He names names and fingers the perps. By the end of this book, you are ready to demand mass resignations from just about every institution of authority in golf. The Future of Golf is entertainingly written, building its case by example rather than by over-emphasis. It's a gutsy book."
Golf365.com (click here for full review)

"...a powerful account of how the USGA was asleep at the wheel during two decades of decisive technical innovation that has now overwhelmed most (classic) golf courses. His proposed reforms to simplify golf and get it out of the hands of big business make this a modern version of Thomas Paine's revolutionary best-seller, "Common Sense," in 1776. Don't expect it to win the USGA International Book Award, though it's precisely the wake-up call folks in Far Hills, N.J. (and Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.) should take it seriously."
Bradley Klein, Golfweek

Endorsements

"Geoff Shackelford is a sane voice from deep in the trees. In his new and important book, The Future of Golf, he's here to tell us that bigger is not better. His call is the same one Henry David Thoreau made from a different wood: 'Simplify, simplify.'"
Michael Bamberger, Sports Illustrated writer and author of To the Linksland

"As a golfer, open your mind when reading this treatise on the sport and its future. We all must consider where golf is headed and how best to protect the traditions of the game. I think The Future of Golf is vitally important."
Ben Crenshaw