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

October 13, 2015

Rory, Dubai All In On Irish Open For Three More Years

October 13, 2015/ Geoff Shackelford

It wasn't that long ago we were a little uncomfortable when Tiger's foundation became a beneficiary of the Deutsche Bank Championship in what seemed like a back door appearance fee.

But as we've seen with the world schedule stretching players, those ties to a player--whether Tiger and his foundation or something more loosely associated with a home course endorsement deal like Ian Poulter and the British Masters--there hasn't been much downside to active players having associations with events.

The Irish Open appears to have been saved by the final months of the George O'Grady administration (nice work James Finnegan), though may be created with Rory rules re-writer Keith Pelley. The event may even thrive thanks to Rory McIlroy and Dubai Duty Free's involvement going forward for another three years, as reported by Brian Keogh at the Irish Golf Desk. The purse is going up and McIlroy is lobbying people like Tiger to play.

The only "eh" news in this is the venue talk, which hasn't been quite at the Scottish Open's level since Royal County Down hosted the Irish Open in 2015. Then again, not much can sniff a venue of that world-class character.

From a follow up post by Keogh:

Officially, the 2017 Irish Open will still take place at the Lough Erne Resort in Co Fermanagh, though there is some uncertainty in industry circles that this will now go ahead following the sale of the resort to a US buyer since it was awarded the tournament last year.

With the Portstewart Golf Club confirming last week that they are keen to host the event on their famous Strand links, and with former Irish Open venues such as Adare Manor and Mount Juliet undergoing facelifts, a future strategy for the event appears to be taking shape.

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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