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

September 13, 2017

Wow: Jason Day Drops Longtime Looper For Buddy

September 13, 2017/ Geoff Shackelford

George Savaricus reports that Jason Day will have a new bagman this week, dropping longtime supporter and mentor Colin Swatton for "high school roomate" Luke Reardon.

We officially are witnessing a bizarro trend: top players wanting a "mate" or "buddy" or fellow lad guiding them around because the older, wiser caddie was...too old? Not hip? Prone to not engaging in full smooching-up mode 24/7? Or, just merely to blame for the overcompensated, over-pampered boss stinking it up?

In this case, the move is especially perplexing give Swatton's guiding hand, as detailed by Day, in helping the Australian rise to No. 1. The sheer amount of melodrama Swatton has had to endure makes him sainthood worthy.

Anyway, as Kevin Casey points out, it'll probably be a short-lived playoff run for Reardon unless his man shows some of the old form.

Have it confirmed @JDayGolf is making a change on the bag this week @BMWchamps will have Luke Reardon caddy for him
— George Savaricas (@GeorgeSavaricas) September 13, 2017

Update on 2017-09-14 03:32 by Geoff

**Bob Harig on the split for ESPN.com, which will have Swatton working as a non-traveling instructor going forward.

"Sometimes the chemistry just doesn't work,'' said Day, 29, who has referred to Swatton as a father figure. "He's been my coach since I'm 12. Obviously this is a very hard time for both of us with regards to we had a relationship for so long, my caddie for 11 years.

"My attitude is not good coming to the golf course because of things he can't control, obviously. It's not a good formula for success out here.''

Day will have to have another caddie at the Presidents Cup due to visa issues, reports Will Gray for GolfChannel.com.

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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