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

November 13, 2008

Trump National Monterey Peninsula Airport!

November 13, 2008/ Geoff Shackelford

Oh wait, I'm sorry, just TNMP. But the airport landing pattern right by the Nicklaus-designed Pasadera Country Club. Thankfully, The Donald wants to buy it, as Marie Vasari reports.

No deal has been signed, but Trump met with Pasadera's members last week to outline his vision for the private golf club, confirmed Larry Glick, vice president of strategic development for the Trump Organization.

"Yes, there's interest," said Glick. "I love the area, it's premium land, and I think it would fit great for the Trump brand."

Pasadera is attractive on many fronts, said Glick: Not only the course and its clubhouse, but the surrounding area and the course's proximity to Monterey Peninsula Airport.

Glick wouldn't disclose what the company might pay for the golf club, other than to say "we're getting it at a very good price," nor the sum the Trump Organization intends to sink into improvements.

Those improvements would include course beautification and the addition of some trees, he said, along with a new name — Trump National Golf Club Monterey Peninsula.

The peninsula will never be the same.

The private club is owned by Lee Newell, Fred Bates and Tom de Regt through their Monterey-based New Cities Development Group. They purchased the development in late 1997 from an East Coast group.

Pasadera Country Club is situated on 565 acres off Monterey-Salinas Highway, with a 38,000-square-foot clubhouse with dining and conference facilities, a fitness center, a swimming pool and tennis courts. Its par-71 golf course was designed by Jack Nicklaus. Golf memberships start at $120,000, social memberships at $25,000.

"The Monterey area is optimal for us," said Glick. "I get about 50 proposals over my desk each month, and if I look at one, it's a lot."

Wait, didn't Gordon Gekko say that to Bud in Wall Street about Bluestar Airlines? And we know how well that turned out.

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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