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

November 14, 2016

Zurich Details Confirmed: Fowler/Day, Rose/Stenson On Board

November 14, 2016/ Geoff Shackelford

The Zurich Classic's move to a 2-man team event in 2017 was announced on Morning Drive by the PGA Tour's Andy Pazder, who confirmed all of the exciting details. Here is Pazder's longer interview on Fairways of Life with Matt Adams.

The long overdue arrival of a radically different format kicked off in grand style with Rickie Fowler announcing that he will be partnering with Jason Day, while another Zurich "ambassador" Justin Rose, will team with Ryder Cup partner Henrik Stenson to create a powerful Gold-Silver medal duo.

Eighty two-man teams will play foursomes Thursday and Saturday and fourballs Friday and Sunday with a Friday night cut to 35 teams. Pazder confirmed that the "conversation" started on Tuesday of this year's Zurich Classic, but was definitely initiated by the tour.

As I noted on Morning Drive, this is the beginning of what is hopefully Jay Monahan's prioritization of fan-friendly initiatives. Combined with the possible shifting of the PGA to May and a season end by Labor Day with a few fresh formats, and things are moving in a sensible and exciting direction.

There is also a natural inclination to believe that if the players respond to this as many assume they will, that some other tournaments in less-than-perfect calendar spots will want to provide a fresh format. That's my view anyway. Maybe a truncated team match play, a mixed event or something else we haven't thought of.

Either way, anyone who has played two-person formats knows that the pressure of playing with a partner is not necessarily easier, meaning those precious FedExCup points will be well earned.

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.

What Is The Quad?

Latest Post From The Quad:

Revisiting a Royal Melbourne Major

TheQuadrilateral.golf

_______

Book

Golf Architecture For Normal People now available for pre-order!

INSTAGRAM

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

MASTERS.com

BOOKS BY GEOFF

Recent Posts