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

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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 05, 2014

Torrance & Smyth Getting The Keys To Team Europe's Club Cars

March 05, 2014/ Geoff Shackelford

James Corrigan reports that European Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinley will be handing the keys of two carts to Sam Torrance and Des Smyth on Thursday, still leaving Monty with hopes of an assistant captaincy in spite of his deplorable driving record.

Torrance and Smith seem like the perfect counter-offensive to Tom Watson's selection of Ray Floyd and Andy North, as the two captains vie to see how many assistants they can stockpile who today's players cannot relate to in any fashion whatsoever.

Neither appointment will be a surprise. Smyth has long been a mentor to McGinley. “Des chaperoned me for the first five years on Tour,” McGinley said. The 61-year-old played in two Ryder Cups and was Ian Woosnam’s assistant at the 2006 Ryder Cup in Ireland. McGinley is extremely close to his countryman; as he is to Torrance.

With September’s match taking place at Gleneagles, Torrance obviously ticks the home box, particularly as it is by no means certain that the host country will be represented in the playing ranks. Torrance was McGinley’s first captain, in 2002 at the Belfry, and his brave tactics in stacking the top order of the singles with his best players made a huge impression on the Irishman.

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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