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

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

June 02, 2014

Pinehurst Gets It's No. 9, Buys National Golf Club

June 02, 2014/ Geoff Shackelford

A short John Dell story on Pinehurst resort purchasing the Jack Nicklaus-designed National Golf Club, which is located in the Village of Pinehurst.

And the press release that went out today, just a week shy of the two-week U.S. Open(s) extravaganza.

PINEHURST ACQUIRES NATIONAL GOLF CLUB
Named Pinehurst No. 9, course will be available immediately to members, early July to resort guests

VILLAGE OF PINEHURST, N.C. (June 2, 2014) – Pinehurst Resort & Country Club today announced it has completed the acquisition of National Golf Club under terms finalized with current club owners, the Robinette family. The Jack Nicklaus Signature Design course, also located in the Village of Pinehurst, opened in 1989 and is the only course by the famed designer in the Sandhills region.

The course will be named Pinehurst No. 9 and is immediately available to Pinehurst Country Club members. Pinehurst Resort guests will begin play at No. 9 in early July.

“We’re very excited to add this ninth course to our offering and look forward to welcoming National’s members to the Pinehurst Resort & Country Club family,” said Jay Biggs, SVP of Golf and Club Operations for Pinehurst. “The golf course presents a challenging test in a beautiful setting that complements our eight other courses.”

The acquisition of National Golf Club reflects Pinehurst’s continued emphasis on enhancing amenities for members and resort guests. Pinehurst recently completed a $4 million renovation of its clubhouse and has plans for an expansive, multi-million dollar aquatics facility targeted for completion in summer 2015.

The GolfNow page with reviews and info on the former National Golf Club.

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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