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
Major(s) News & Notes, February 9, 2023
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We hardly knew ye: the Swilcan patio is gone. A final analysis on the St Andrews Links Trust boondoggle.
Major(s) News & Notes, August 25th, 2022
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Major season is over but we still have news! And I withheld more analysis because doctors say you’ll live longer restricting your PGA Tour/LIV/First World schedule issue news.
No Laying Up Pod: The Ode To The Old Course
/I’m honored to have joined others in this No Laying Up pod discussing the Old Course.
Check it out wherever you do your listening!
Golf In Scotland (In The Black & White Era): Q&A With Steve Finan
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The Amazon US link.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Golf-Scotland-Black-White-Era/dp/1845359003/geoffshacke07-20
https://www.dcthomsonshop.co.uk/gifts/golf-gifts
Schwartzel Holes Out A Holes After Glorious Above-Shoulder Club Hurl
/I do wonder what master club hurler Tommy Bolt would make of Charl Schwartzel’s throwing angle here, given the potential damage to the shoulder and irrefutable evidence provided of an intentional throw (as opposed to grip slippage). But this fit of rage at the Valspar undoubtedly elevates him into elite club throwing world status.
But all was right in his world a few holes later when he holed out from 194:
Quadrilateral: Major(s) News & Notes, February 10, 2022
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Plus, a very historic Augusta National image sells and I’ve got a few more details on the recent course work courtesy of John Boyette, who debuts a much needed pre-Masters newsletter.
Plus, Masters v. Super Bowl tickets, Old Course-adjacent real estate moves and a bunch of Reads.
2022's Major Venues: Ranking The Intrigue Factor
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The Quadrilateral has lumped the nine men’s and women’s major venues of 2022 into one package and done what any self-respecting publication would do: rank them. I should probably also rank where this year ranks on the list of great venue years but one ranking is enough for now. Too many exciting venues sporting shiny new paint jobs to celebrate!
