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 08, 2015

Video: Schmitz Talks About Ace We May Never See

October 08, 2015/ Geoff Shackelford

Easily one of the coolest stories of the year was the U.S. Mid-Amateur final with a pro jock (you know, a caddy, a looper) Marc Dull, taking on a healthcare services guy (Sammy Schmitz), a former DIII golfer whose wife and friends worked hard to get there for the finale. Oh, and then they play a great match with a historic shot.

Schmitz makes a hole in one on a par-4 to win!

Naturally, the USGA, armed with millions upon millions in revenue couldn't get their partners at Fox to share some video recorded or dvote a freelance video team to record some of the final day proceedings. (Or maybe it's all been sent off to the film processing lab for future viewing?)

If there is no video of the U.S. Mid-Amateur final in the 21st century, that's pathetic on a level that is unacceptable for a group with nearly $400 million in the bank. I repeat: $400 million! Yet no video from a championship that is comprised and followed by their core constituency.

Anyway, let's focus on Schmitz's win over Dull that was everything the mid-am was supposed to be.

Pete Kowalski has some fun anecdotes at USGA.org on Schmitz's win and sets up the epic ace.

Jeff Babineau files a more extensive and really outstanding game story for Golfweek.com on Schmitz, the match and the ace.

Schmitz, before heading to the airport or maybe en route, talked to Rich Lerner at Golf Channel about his win and the historic shot. Oh, and heading to the Masters.

Update on 2015-10-09 05:08 by Geoff

**Adding insult to injury, the USGA was apparently asking spectators to not Periscope or Tweet the match. Thanks to the readers who pointed this out here, here and here.

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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