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

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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

May 14, 2010

Follow-Up: 17th Hole Club Selection Data And Jeff Young

May 14, 2010/ Geoff Shackelford

Jeff Young (right) has the tricky task of trying to find out what clubs players have pulled. It's not an easy task! (click to enlarge)Jeff Young turned out to be one of the really fun parts of my story on the 17th hole and its stagehands. Besides being a super nice fellow, he had some great insights into what is going on at 17 tee where he was collecting what clubs the players hit and sending the information to the announcers. He was kind enough to produce his data from the four days, for those who are interested:

17th Hole Club Selection
Provided by NBC spotter Jeff Young

Sunday Play
8-irons used: 8 times
9-irons used: 36 times
Wedges used: 25 times

The Week
8-irons used: 16 times
9-irons used: 147 times
Wedges: 266 times

Considering the hole is 137 yards, played that yardage Sunday, it does make me wonder if it might be time to add a little length to the hole. Then again, a fun anecdote of the week just didn't fit my story and it might suggest that length is not needed.

Adam Scott arrived at the tee with the wind at about its peak for the afternoon. The shot called for plenty of club (obviously) and perhaps some sort of semi-knockdown play. Scott briefly debated the shot and pulled a pitching wedge.

Also on the tee was former Players Champion Craig Perks, stationed behind Scott and announcing for PGA Tour Radio. As a courtesy, Jeff Young would flash the club when Perks didn't get the signal from the caddy. When Young showed the clenched fist for wedge, Perks tilted his head at Young, who reciprocated with a shoulder shrug suggesting he couldn't believe it either.

As soon as Scott hit his shot, Young, who had been turning around to watch where balls ended up on the video screen, didn't bother this time, instead turning to me and saying, "That one doesn't have a chance."

The wind knocked it about 8 yards short of the green into the lake.

I looked over at Perks who was looking back at Young, who also looked over at the former Players Champion. Both just shook their heads in disbelief at the selection. I joined them in amazement.

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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