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

November 11, 2015

Spieth, Pharaoh Part Of SI's Sportsman Of The Year Final 12

November 11, 2015/ Geoff Shackelford

Richard Deitsch lists the 12 finalists for SI's annual Sportsman of the Year. Unlike some recent years when there was a by-default sensibility, this year has some incredible candidates.

Serena Williams might have gotten my vote if she wins the Grand Slam. But she just missed out so this looks like a two-horse race between American Pharoah and Jordan Spieth. Working against Spieth is that in the eyes of the casual sports fan, he's the early speed in this race. Having dominated golf through July (and then again at East Lake in October), Pharoah wins the Triple Crown in June, wins the Travers, made the trek to Saratoga where he lost (but had nearly 20,000 show up for a training session), then broke a track record by five seconds in a stunning Breeders Cup Classic win his first time against older horses.

Spieth recorded one of the greatest years in the history of golf's modern Grand Slam and the PGA Tour. Had Tiger gone 1-1-4-2 while winning a big pot of cash, he holds on to cross the wire before Pharoah. But given that I've sensed even golf people do not understand the significance of 1-1-4-2, the sports world probably doesn't fully grasp how difficult that feat was to accomplish. Just look at Deitsch's description of Spieth's year:

The 22-year-old Spieth had his coming-out party in 2015, becoming the second youngest golfer to win the Masters and youngest to win the U.S. Open. He recently regained the World No. 1 ranking after a top ten finish at the WGC-HSBC Champions event in China.

Coming out party (2014). World No. 1 ranking regained (everyone on three, oy vey!).

In early voting at SI.com (warning, annoying autoplay video), the Kansas City Royals have a big lead over Pharoah, no doubt fueled by some clever vote campaigning by the Royals marketing department. Meanwhile 59% of the country not in Kansas, Missouri and two other midwest states, are voting for Pharoah:

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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