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
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/This Week In Golf Channel Ratings: Friday Shark Shootout...
/Video And Poll: Who Is Your 2013 World Player Of The Year?
/Video: Jason Dufner Shanks A Putt
/Video: Top Hole-In-Ones From 2013
/Valuing A Sense Of Place: R.I.P. World Challenge At Sherwood
/Quick Roundup: Zach Johnson Edges Tiger In Sherwood Finale
/Video: Zach Johnson's All-World Challenge Hole-Out
/Sherwood's 15th Turns Into Amen Corner On Steroids
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/Viewer Discretion Warning: Two 19th Hole Episodes This Week
/Not one, but two all-new Grey Goose 19th Holes air Thursday and Friday nights. They feature former USGA Executive Director David Fay, author John Feinstein and yours truly all gracefully refereed by Golf Channel's Steve Sands.
Topics will cover the incredible 2013 season's best players, favorite moments, best rounds, and of course plenty of commentary about Tiger, Rory, Phil and others.
The first show airs Thursday, December 5th and the second show on Friday, December 6th at 8:30 PT, 11:30 PM ET.
Earlier this year, the trio debated Bethpage as a Ryder Cup venue back in August before it became official. A similar discussion this time around will include places we'd like to see golf return to ala Merion and The National Golf Links.
Hope you'll tune in!