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

November 25, 2014

Podcasts! State Of The Game With Lloyd Cole; Scottish Golf

November 25, 2014/ Geoff Shackelford

Podcasting is making a comeback (if it ever went away) thanks to the breakout murder mystery Serial, highlighted by David Carr in this week's New York Times media column on the continued strength of podcasting.

This is a convenient setup for not one, but two podcasts to consider for your Thanksgiving travel plans.

I recently sat in for episode 42 of the Scottish Golf Podcast with Ruairidh Macdonald to chat about Scotland golf travel. If you are planning a trip or thinking about one, check out the many fine episodes covering an array of important topics here and follow the show and/or Ru on Twitter. You can also subscribe via iTunes or via your preferred podcast app (my new favorite IOS app: Overcast.)

Meanwhile, after using his music to open State of The Game for 49 episodes, we finally got Lloyd Cole to appear while on break from touring and hickory golf. Cole recently released Standards in the United States where it was recorded and which has been the focus of his international touring over the last year.

Reviews of Standards have been oustanding, including The Independent suggesting it is Cole's best work, the Mail saying it's "a vibrant set full of wry wordplay," and 4-star reviews from the The Mail, Big Issue and The Independent. (His record label's purchase page including vinyl option, iTunes $9.99 download, Amazon CD $12.99 purchase. I highly recommend!)

As usual, Rod Morri, Mike Clayton and yours truly covered an array of topics, including how Lloyd got started in the game, his love of hickories and Hogan, the state of the game and how his affection for the sport is viewed by his music fans.

You can download the show as an MP3 here, listen to the show directly here, grab it on iTunes here or listen below. There is also this directory of past shows. Happy Thanksgiving!

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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Labor Day Sunday sunset shots, in reverse order. Today saw the highest recorded temperature in LA County. 🥵

Better than most sunset

Thanks to @collin_morikawa for capping off a great week in style with the lowest final 36 holes in major history, and to the @pga and @pgatour for putting on a safe, well orchestrated week in tough circumstances. Nice of @stephencurry30 to stop by fo

@rorymcilroy, 15th fairway, 2020 @pgachampionship @tpchardingpark. Hoganesque!

@tigerwoods practicing at Harding Park, 2020 @pgachampionship Monday. He looks focused and flexible. Watch the first shot, his tee ball on the 4th with such a full throttle swing he had a bit of a Greg Norman follow-through. With an unfriendly breeze

Unorthodox at the (almost) top, Classic at the finish. @matthew_wolff5 @thegenesisinv

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