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

October 11, 2014

Shark On America's Failure To Lead, Obama, High Taxes, Over-Regulation And The Possibility He Won't Golf Again

October 11, 2014/ Geoff Shackelford

Having regained his color after nearly cutting off his hand in a chainsaw accident, golfer-turned-vintner-turned-Fox-Sports lead USGA analyst Greg Norman appeared on the Fox Business Network to talk about everything America is doing wrong. Including, unbeknownst to him, harboring wealthy, bombastic Australians.

The Living Brand, as he will be forever known now that he's refined the absurd self-designation in this interview ("I love being a living brand"), said he just picked up a club for the first time this week. Future Shark Shootout appearances, however, appear in doubt.

“Well we don’t know yet, we don’t know. I had my first swing in the gym the other day, not hitting a golf ball but just swinging a light weighted golf club and it definitely feels different. I mean I have to build up a lot of the muscle that was torn away here. Chainsaw does a good job, when you chainsaw a log you see all those chips come out, a little bit of flesh in there too.”

The Living Brand lamented America's current foreign policy, corporate tax rate and said the "leadership’s not too hot," explaining that the "leader of the free world should be laying out long term plans" like Greg Norman does for his family of brands when they convene for an annual shareholders shin-dig in Colorado.

Wondering about why things were so "over-regulated," The Living Brand criticized President Barack Obama's leadership on all issues but thankfully, brought the conversation back to what really matters. His ownself.

“I love being a living brand,” he said, “I love growing it, I love seeing opportunities out there and the global market place is just extraordinary right now.”

If only America weren't dragging it all down!

The Guantanamo-ready clip:

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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