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

March 08, 2013

Like Hank's Job Wasn't Hard Enough Files: Now He Has To Teach Michael Phelps The Importance Of A Two-Handed Club Toss

March 08, 2013/ Geoff Shackelford

Chris Chase explains what happened with Michael Phelps' disastrously dainty one-hand, overhand club toss during his Golf Channel reality show trip to St. Andrews.

A fantastic GIF accompanies Chase's post.

As a connoisseur of club tantrums, I often remind aspiring club throwers that it takes great skill to pull off a one-handed, left-handed fling. And it's really not about strength or distance the club flies off the tee. Instead, the key is utilizing the core, keeping the elbow closer to the side, and reducing the vertical rotation that can put a strain on your shoulder. The connected core approach to the one-handed toss serves another purpose: preventing you from looking even more foolish than you already appear heaving your club out of frustration.

Look no further than master tantrum thrower Sergio Garcia's resplendent one-armed hurl from 2011. That kind of masterful technique won't come overnight, so be patient young Michael.

Blogger Chase agrees with my concerns, though his beef is more with club selection:

Slam the head into the ground. Snap the shaft over your knee, Bo Jackson style. Kick your golf bag to the ground while complaining that someone talked during your backswing. Go on an epic cursing rant about how you wish the Scots had stayed in the pubs and never invented this damn game. Anything but throwing your driver, Michael.

The video includes co-star Hank Haney analyzing Phelps' move:

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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