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 07, 2011

The Lakes As A Pre-Presidents Cup Venue

November 07, 2011/ Geoff Shackelford

In Golf World Monday, I penned an item about the mini-mini-mini-controversy over The Lakes as a pre-Presidents Cup venue based on Robert Grant story quoting Peter Thomson, who questioning the practicality for Americans playing The Lakes this week in advance of the Presidents Cup.

Casting aside the obvious appearance fee perks, Grant followed up by talking to Geoff Ogilvy, Craig Parry and Mike Clayton about the pluses and minuses of The Lakes.

Clayton on the idea of this week being devoted to playing for one of the world's oldest titles.

"It's a crazy argument to say they [the eight Americans] shouldn't be playing the Open. I mean, what's that about? I think in years to come no one would know who played in The Presidents Cup, but they'll all know who won the 2011 Australian Open. Far be it from me to criticise Peter [Thomson]. Many times I've read what he's written and disagreed with it but then, years on, I've thought, 'Yes, he was right about that.'"

I'll be reporting from The Lakes starting today, with some insights into the course posted ASAP (I'm still getting over driving on the wrong side of the road and 16.5 hours on a plane).

In the meantime, The Lakes offers a super course tour on their website.

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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