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

August 07, 2014

Video: Chamblee & Nobilo Hollerin' At Valhalla Over Tiger!

August 07, 2014/ Geoff Shackelford

After Tiger continued his mediocre play at Valhalla, the real drama came following the PGA Championship opening 73 when his camp and detractors spun the day. (Bob Harig's report here on Tiger's round that left the four-time PGA Champion two back of 64-year-old Tom Watson, who played in the afternoon when there was actually a little breeze.)

Fitting that in the birthplace of Muhammad Ali, Golf Channel's Brandel Chamblee and Frank Nobilo had it out on air over Trackman and the state of Tiger's shaft lean. It provided some of the most gripping Live From chatter in years! (Though we Issues Show guests are taking some credit for leaving behind some feisty vibes on the set less than 24 hours prior.)

John Strege transcribed some highlights from the sparring here. But if you want a more literary take on Tiger's swing, Matthew Rudy posted this earlier for GolfDigest.com's The Loop after talking to various instructors.

I just hope Brandel and Frank can recover from this row. And by the way, a hearty congratulations to Frank on officially receiving Team Tiger Marching And Chowder Society Status tonight! Tiger might even award you a clever nickname out of this, like Frankie or Nobsy!

Update on 2014-08-08 12:55 by Geoff

**Brandel took to Twitter to make clear there is nothing to see here...move along.

For those who thnk Frank&I were abt 2come to blows. A)He'd kill me B) I can outrun him C)We argued over Shakespeare 2nts ago D)I respect him
— brandel chamblee (@chambleebrandel) August 8, 2014

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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