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)
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
State Of The Big Businesses Surrounding Pro Golf
/
Recent earnings and lagging technology highlight a need to reassess a pre-pandemic vision of streaming and gambling on every shot.
Patrick Reed Sues Brandel Chamblee And Golf Channel
/
Oh the gifts keep on coming!
Quadrilateral: Major(s) News & Notes, June 23, 2022
/
Congressional’s 10th and 18th (PGA of America)
Faldo Goes Out On His Terms; Immelman To Step Into CBS Lead Analyst Chair
/Announcers have been known to hang on too long and while there were hints Nick Faldo was less engaged in his announcing prep of late—who could blame him given some of the nonsense in pro golf—he’s decided to retire.
Based on a letter he posted to Twitter, Faldo has traveled enough and will continue with his design and Faldo Series work. (I won’t be surprised if he’s drawn back in by the chance to work a major here or there but for now, he’s signing off at the 2022 Wyndham Championship after 16 years.)
John Ourand had the initial news of Trevor Immelman’s hiring to replace Faldo.
Monahan: “Why is this group spending so much money--billions of dollars--recruiting players and chasing a concept with no possibility of a return?”
/
Doug Ferguson files an AP report on PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan’s booth visit—finally!—blasting the Saudi Arabia government backed golf league. Facing questions from Jim Nantz, a severely overdue dicussion about the money source took place on national televsion.
Speaking of the folks who brought us 9/11, journalist carvings, beheadings galore and high oil prices because it’s fun for the Crown Prince—Monahan offered this:
“It’s not an issue for me, because I don’t work for the Saudi Arabian government,” Monahan said, a veiled dig at the notion of being a free agent. “But it probably is an issue for players who chose to go and take that money. I think you have to ask yourself a question: Why.
“Why is this group spending so much money — billions of dollars — recruiting players and chasing a concept with no possibility of a return?” he said. “At the same time, there’s been a lot of questions, a lot of comments, about the growth of the game. And I ask, ‘How is this good for the game?’”
Monahan also focused on the relative integrity of PGA Tour competition compared to the first LIV stop.
“You’ve got true, pure competition, the best players in the world here at the RBC Canadian Open, with millions of fans watching. And in this game, it’s true and pure competition that creates the profiles and presences of the world’s greatest players. And that’s why they need us. That’s what we do,” Monahan said.
