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

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

September 13, 2012

"Monty Determined To Stay Out Of Olazabal's Way," Except When Second Guessing The Euro Captain On Sky Sports

September 13, 2012/ Geoff Shackelford

Bernie McGuire on the always modest, selfless and humble-to-fault Colin Montgomerie vowing to stay in his Sky Sports booth and away from the fawning masses not be seen as a disruptive force at various official Ryder Cup events.

Monty revealed he’s been invited, but also has politely declined, three official functions afforded as the immediate past European Captain – the Opening Ceremony, the Gala Dinner and the Closing Ceremony.

“I’ve been invited to all three events but then I am commentating for SKY on the Opening Ceremony, so I can’t be in two places at one time,” said Monty.

“I’m afraid I will leave the Gala Dinner to the teams as I don’t want to be part of that.

(Insert your Monty missing meal joke here.)

“Again, the Closing Ceremony I will be commentating, so I have politely declined all three.

“That’s not my role and I don’t want to get in the way of Ollie as it’s his week, as it is for Davis (Love 111), so it’s not a week for former captains.”

Our Monty, always thinking of others!

McGuire also reveals that only three Euro team members will be coming over on the official team plane, which could make the traditional visiting-team-returning-with-Cup-on-tarmac photo a tad awkward.

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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