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

October 18, 2015

Johnny! Silverado To Host PGA Tour Five More Years

October 18, 2015/ Geoff Shackelford

Ron Kroichick with a few details on today's PGA Tour telecast announcement: Frys.com is out and Safeway is in for five years of lightly-viewed fall golf. (SportsTVRatings says opening day of the 2015-16 PGA Tour season averaged 193,000 viewers Thursday).

The story suggests the Frys.com folks are still interested in hosting at The Institute, the ultra-exclusive club they've created near the tournament's old host, Cordevalle. I'm not sure anyone is on the edge of their seat to see that one, but nice to know they still care.

Update on 2015-10-19 02:35 by Geoff

**The full press release:

Safeway joins PGA TOUR as title sponsor of Napa tournament
Safeway Open to remain at Silverado Resort and Spa through 2020

PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. and NAPA, Calif. (Oct. 18, 2015) – The PGA TOUR announced today that Safeway is the new title sponsor of the Safeway Open, formerly known as the Frys.com Open. The five-year agreement runs through 2020 with the PGA TOUR event remaining at Silverado Resort and Spa for the duration.

The Safeway Open dates back to 2007, with the event moving from CordeValle Golf Club in San Martin to Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa in 2014. With its present location, the event has become a popular stop for players, their families and fans, a credit to the allure of the Napa Valley and Silverado Resort and Spa. The tournament will continue to bring top PGA TOUR competition to Northern California and further its charitable and economic efforts in the local community, thanks to the long-term commitment of Safeway and World Golf Hall of Fame member Johnny Miller, partner of Silverado Resort and Spa.

“We are delighted to have Safeway involved with the PGA TOUR starting in 2016,” said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. “We have had a tremendous partnership with Albertsons, Safeway’s parent company, on the Web.com Tour, with the Albertsons Boise Open generating more than $1 million for local charities each of the last nine years. The Safeway Open will have a similar model in place to help build on what is already a well-established event in Napa.

“We’d like to thank John Fry, Kathy Kolder and everyone at Fry’s for their tremendous support as title sponsor of the event since its inception in 2007. Thanks to their involvement, the event has become a pivotal stop in the season-long race for the FedExCup and has raised more than $6 million for charity in the last eight years.”
“We are honored to partner with the PGA TOUR, Silverado Resort and Spa, the Lagardère Sports events team and the legendary Johnny Miller in staging a first-class event that showcases the beauty of the Napa Valley and world-class golf on the PGA TOUR,” said Robert Miller, chairman and chief executive officer of Albertsons, parent company of Safeway. “With 244 Safeway stores in Northern California, we are committed to making a difference in the lives of others by giving back to local and regional charities in the area through the net proceeds of the tournament. Our five-year commitment as the title sponsor of the Safeway Open gives us the perfect platform to continue to grow our giving in the communities we serve our customers.”

Silverado Resort and Spa hosted the PGA TOUR from 1968-80, producing a prestigious list of winners including Jack Nicklaus (1969), Ben Crenshaw (1980), Tom Watson (1978) and two-time winner and tournament host, Johnny Miller (1974-75). In addition, Silverado was a Champions Tour venue from 1989-2002.

“This is great news,” said Johnny Miller, the 2014 tournament honoree. “A big thanks to Bob Miller and Safeway for their commitment to keep this wonderful PGA TOUR golf tradition going in Napa. I am thrilled the tournament will remain at Silverado where I lived for many years with my family on the North course and have developed so many special life-long friends and memories.”

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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