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 31, 2014

PGA President Letter To Members Insists Ted Had To Go

October 31, 2014/ Geoff Shackelford

Incoming PGA of America President Derek Sprague has written to a membership that may be questioning the punishment given to outgoing President Ted Bishop. It took seven paragraphs to get to the point of the letter...

Some of you have asked if the decision to prevent Ted's ongoing Board service is too severe. The Honorary President and Past President roles carry governing authority and voting power in our Association. Given Ted's unfortunate lack of judgment on a matter as important as diversity and inclusion, the Board felt strongly that he should not have voting powers that could shape the future of the PGA of America.

Troubling is the suggestion that his judgement was poor and can't be trusted going forward, yet the PGA of America will move forward with multiple initiatives started under Ted's tenure. Under the premise that the leader was flawed, then they should reconsider the merits of partnerships with Donald Trump, Ryder Cup task force Task Force), all venues selected during Bishop's tenure, all grow-the-game initiatives started, especally the Drive, Chip and Putt partnership and of course, the new buddy relationship with the PGA Tour?

Will this happen? Of course not.

The full letter:

Update on 2014-11-01 03:06 by Geoff

**The PGA has cancelled their President's Evening dinner at November's annual meeting. The dinner is a celebration of the outgoing president. The notice:

Update on 2014-11-01 03:38 by Geoff

**A Wilson Golf ad many of you emailed to me and suggested was far more offensive than anything Ted Bishop said has been moved to Private status on YouTube. I unfortunately did not capture or transcribe it, but it's best that it never see the light of day again.

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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