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

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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

March 30, 2007

For Sale: A Donald Ross For $1.6 Million

March 30, 2007/ Geoff Shackelford

Ray Finger reports on the city of Elmira, New York possibly putting Mark Twain Golf Course up for sale.

Elmira is looking for investors interested in buying and operating the Mark Twain Golf Course if the city decides to sell the facility that is valued at $1.6 million.

The municipal golf course is among several city assets that include a former post office building and vacant parcels on Hudson Street that officials are considering selling to help eliminate a $3 million deficit, City Manager John Burin said.

As of Thursday, six information packages were being mailed to people who have expressed interest in the possible purchase of the golf course, Burin said during Elmira City Council's biweekly workshop. Interest is coming from California, North Carolina and the local area, he said.

When City Council meets Monday, it will amend an earlier resolution that starts the process for officials to explore the possibility of selling the golf course. The meeting is to begin at 7 p.m. at Elmira City Hall.

"This is another step in the process that we have to take to be able to make the decision whether or not we will be selling the golf course," Burin said.

And...

The 204-acre, 18-hole golf course located in the town of Horseheads was designed by renowned golf course architect Donald Ross. Its potential sale would include equipment storage buildings and the 8,166-square-foot clubhouse that has an apartment, snack bar and men's and ladies' locker rooms.

"That's a steal, $1.6 million," said Councilman John Corsi, R-3rd District, retired manager of the golf course. He asked whether state approval was needed to permit the sale and how long that might take.

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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