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

December 14, 2016

Tim Finchem Gets A Green Jacket?

December 14, 2016/ Geoff Shackelford

The bar was dropped, broken, stolen and put in a dumpster when Roger Goodell got a green jacket and the chance to store expensive wine year-round at Augusta National. So it won't be a huge shocker if outgoing Commissioner Tim Finchem turns up at the Masters sporting one of Gene Sarazen's late-in-life size 32's.

An Augusta National membership presented by the tour policy board (!?) was reported in an unbylined Golf.com report, which also lists other parting gifts for the longtime leader of the PGA Tour.

According to the source, Finchem received a spot in the upcoming AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am -- with the award-winning Thomas Keller serving as his personal chef for the week -- and he will be honored at the 2017 Memorial in Dublin, Ohio.

I get that he made a lot of people a lot of money and undoubtedly will get some NetJets time to jet out to Monterey for a First Tee "meeting" that won't be held at Pacific Grove muni.

However, if the early signs are as encouraging as they seem with Finchem's replacement, Jay Monahan, a year from now Finchem's legacy will be that of someone who stayed on too long and pushed out too many decent people because they dared to let their hair turn grey.

Should an annoyed President Trump go after the PGA Tour's tax-exempt status and retirement program after Finchem short-sightedly departed Doral before knowing the outcome of the election, the fond memories will die even faster. But the lavish parting gifts will remain.

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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