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

December 12, 2011

Finchem Vaults 5 Spots In SBJ's Most Influential List; Gets Unusually Flattering Photo Too

December 12, 2011/ Geoff Shackelford

Sports Business Journal has presented their annual listing of the most powerful suits in sports working to do their best to emasculate our favorite pastimes, and boy are there are a lot of people I haven't heard of captured by photos of emotive hand gestures. PGA Tour Commish Tim Finchem, who vaulted five spots to No. 14, gets a really nice Getty image captured during the summer months when his brown hair has been lightened by the Florida sun and even better, he's not in a navy jacket or sporting awkward hand movements.

They write:

Despite a down economy and Tiger Woods’ continued playing woes, Finchem came through by working at the CEO level to bring millions of new sponsorship dollars into the sport. He also generated raises in new nine-year TV contracts with CBS and NBC, while embracing the tour’s youth movement, which helped shift the conversation away from Woods.

Even better news, Finchem figures to vault another spot or two next year in the Commissioners list since he currently trails a lameduck baseball commissioner and the guy who keeps nixing trades but wants us to believe he never could have rigged a draft lottery.

1 Bud Selig
2 Roger Goodell
3 David Stern
4 Gary Bettman
5 Tim Finchem
6 Brian France
7 Larry Scott
8 Don Garber
9 Mike Slive
10 Lorenzo Fertitta/Dana White

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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