The only course that will remain difficult under all conditions will be one that is designed and kept for golf of a stereotyped, monotonous character, and this makes a most uninteresting proposition. BOBBY JONES

Available via Amazon (US): Golf Architecture For Normal People

Barnes And Noble (online and in stores)

Amazon Australia

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

“Shackelford will guide the reader to an enriching understanding of design. Consider it a primer on the fascinating subject of course architecture. If you don’t know what a template hole is, or a Biarritz, or a Redan, or a Punchbowl, you will be gently educated, and perhaps enjoy playing a course with any of these holes that much more. There’s a lot here, packed into 160 pages.” LORNE RUBENSTEIN, ScoreGolf

January 27, 2006

Week In Review, Jan 22-28: USGA Jet Use

January 27, 2006/ Geoff Shackelford

The week kicked off with the first exclusive to this site and ended with a pair of notable contributions.

Scrutinized was the USGA's use of private jet travel for its president (and controlled by the sitting president). The first follow up looked at the cost based on published estimates, another highlighted the comments of USGA Executive Director David Fay, while we wrapped up the quest for details with a firm no from USGA spokesman Marty Parkes.

More interesting than my musings were reader comments, which are viewable here and here, and which would seem to indicate that the USGA has an image problem.

Former USGA Executive Director Frank Hannigan wrote to this site and raised many issues that will be analyzed next week (I know, you can't wait).

In other news, David Davies joined the technophobic agenda crowd while Chris Lewis looked at the future of the game and wasn't wild about what he saw.

Bill Kratzert talked to Garry Smits about the repercussions of the Tour TV deal and its 2007 departure from ESPN.

Again, reader comments were very interesting on Taylor Made's use of michellewiegolf.com. Thanks again to reader Tuco for the heads up, and to all of the readers who helped out this week. I couldn't do it without your help.

My latest Golfdom column arrived just in time for the PGA Show. The hate mail has slowed...for now.

Tiger Woods talked about the changes to Augusta National and offered some wisdom about setting up the course when its wet.

And finally, there were so many great comments this week on various posts (thanks for the contributions, please keep it up), but I'd hate to not recognize the input of touring professional Sean Murphy. He commented on Jeff Rude's story, where Murphy was mentioned (and constructively criticized).

Geoff Shackelford

Geoff Shackelford is a Senior Writer for Golfweek magazine, a weekly contributor to Golf Channel's Morning Drive, is co-host of The Ringer's ShackHouse is the author of eleven books.

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Labor Day Sunday sunset shots, in reverse order. Today saw the highest recorded temperature in LA County. 🥵

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Thanks to @collin_morikawa for capping off a great week in style with the lowest final 36 holes in major history, and to the @pga and @pgatour for putting on a safe, well orchestrated week in tough circumstances. Nice of @stephencurry30 to stop by fo

@rorymcilroy, 15th fairway, 2020 @pgachampionship @tpchardingpark. Hoganesque!

@tigerwoods practicing at Harding Park, 2020 @pgachampionship Monday. He looks focused and flexible. Watch the first shot, his tee ball on the 4th with such a full throttle swing he had a bit of a Greg Norman follow-through. With an unfriendly breeze

Unorthodox at the (almost) top, Classic at the finish. @matthew_wolff5 @thegenesisinv

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