When one comes to the quality of the bunkers and other hazards we pass into realm of much dispute and argument. Primarily bunkers should be sand bunkers purely, not composed of gravel, stones or dirt. Whether this or that bunker is well placed, has caused more intensely heated arguments outside of the realms of religion, than has ever been my lot to listen to. C.B. MACDONALD
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
For Your Cleansing Consideration: 2011 Women's Amateur At Rhode Island CC
/AAC's Long Par-3's Drawing...Reviews
/State Of PGA Presser Draws A Whopping Two Questions
/Of course, you cynics are thinking that this speaks to the irrelevance of an organization that overpays its leadership and former leadership (ex-CEO at $300k four years after stepping down!), stuffs millions away in its coffers and takes the fourth of four majors to miserable climates.
Or it could have been the numbing opening remarks from PGA of America president Allen Wronowski. Wow, even Tim Finchem doesn't rally kill that hard.
Tiger Looking For A "W," His "Feels" Are Coming, "Reps" Taking Hold, Still Texts With "Fed"
/AAC Flashback: Remember When 500-Yard Par-4s Were Embarrassing
/"Just seems like you take a little bit of the skill out of it when it's that long a hole."
/Glory's Last Shot (Again) For Jerry Pate
/Doug Ferguson makes a strong case that the PGA of America has hit a new low with its mysterious exemption for Jerry Pate, who is making his “farewell to golf” this week...again.
This is ceremonial golf at its worst. The 57-year-old Pate confirmed as much Sunday when he finished the 3M Championship in Minnesota on the Champions Tour, where he tied for 73rd.
“I’m not going there with high expectations about my golf game as far as being competitive in the field,” Pate said. “But I’m going there for the enjoyment of just seeing old friends and playing the golf course.”
Paul Goydos, who shot 59 on the PGA Tour last year, is the first alternate. A little bit farther down the list is Chad Campbell, who tied for fifth last month in the British Open at Royal St. George’s.
But think of the gate, Doug!
What seems out of place with this invitation is that the PGA already gave one to Pate the last time it was in Atlanta.
That was 10 years ago.
“There are a few times in the history of the championship that we’ve looked at players who have won majors connected with a certain venue,” said PGA chief executive Joe Steranka.
But a former U.S. Open champion who already was given a chance to soak up the memories 10 years ago? For a major that promotes the strongest field in golf, that was a weak decision.
"Told it was downhill, Clarke hit back: 'It is. But it ain’t that much f***ing downhill.'”
/Stevie Vows To Stop Talking About Tiger; Admits Rage Spilled "Over The Top"
/After sleeping on his post round WGC Bridgestone comments, former Tiger looper Steve Williams tells Robert Lusetich that he was a "bit over the top" and that he had "a lot of anger" and "it all came out."
There was also this pledge which ought to last about two days:
“I said what I said but I’m not going to say any more about Tiger,” he said.
Well, until the book, right?
Cameron Morfit thinks Stevie has already said enough. And while I think he gives Williams a little too much credit, the point is sound: the Williams rage over his firing for "disloyalty" speaks to a sadder story: Tiger hasn't changed a bit.
He's saying Woods is unchanged, and after all the swing changes, portfolio damage, apologies and promises to become a better man, that's the biggest disappointment of all.
This seems like a good place to admit I don't know Woods, I never have, and I probably never will. Behind closed doors he might have changed. But it doesn't look like it from here, and not from where Williams sits, either.
"Atlanta Athletic Club’s formula of grasses will give rise to many new possibilities."
/PGA Bettors Loving Tiger At 15-1!?
/“He is getting there.”
/Robert Lusetich gets a reply from Steiny, who seems to be dangling some hope that Tiger will return at the PGA Championship in Atlanta.
Promo-Drenched PGA To Remain On CBS Through 2019
/Let's hope this extension includes language to tighten what is easily the sloppiest, least golf-friendly broadcast in the game.
CBS SPORTS, THE PGA OF AMERICA AGREE TO LONG-TERM EXTENSION OF PGA CHAMPIONSHIP BROADCAST RIGHTS THROUGH 2019