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

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

October 18, 2011

Towel Stockpiling Aside, Tiger & Joey Getting On Swimmingly

October 18, 2011/ Geoff Shackelford

Doug Ferguson's notes column from this week includes an item on Tiger Woods and Joe LaCava's first week only featuring one hiccup:

October 13, 2011

Sea Island Flashback Images

October 13, 2011/ Geoff Shackelford

With the McGladrey Classic underway, here are a couple of old views of Sea Island's most recognizeable hole, as created by the firm of Colt and Alison.

October 13, 2011

Golf Channel: First Two Fall Events Up 235%

October 13, 2011/ Geoff Shackelford

The Tiger-fueled Frys.com ratings bump was not the surprise here. The improved audience for the Timberlake/Shriner's event in Las Vegas is the most interesting thing in this release:

October 12, 2011

“I threw the hot dog toward Tiger Woods because I was inspired by the movie ‘Drive.'"

October 12, 2011/ Geoff Shackelford

Julie Johnson of the Santa Rosa Press Democrat tracks down the Tiger Woods "fan" who hurled a hot dog and ran onto the 7th green at CordeValle, only to be charged with a misdemeanor even after it is now revealed that it was a premeditated attack.

October 11, 2011

"Unfortunately, people have a few of their libations of choice, and do things that they probably don't normally do."

October 11, 2011/ Geoff Shackelford

According to Greg Beacham, reporting on Tiger's appearance in Hollywood and the announcement of the 2011 Chevron World Challenge field, the golfing great is handling Sunday's unruly-fan incident gracefully. Literally. Look at the big word he wheels out for hooch!

As the world's most popular golfer, Woods is aware of the risks he takes every weekend.

"Part of the lure of our sport is our access," Woods said. "Fans can literally reach out and touch you. You don't ever touch football players unless they jump in the stands. That personal interaction is what makes golf so special. We've been very fortunate over the years to have everything turn out positively.

"This guy was just trying to gain attention for himself, which he did. I've had another fan throw an orange in Phoenix one year. Unfortunately, people have a few of their libations of choice, and do things that they probably don't normally do."

October 10, 2011

"That frat boy crap doesn't work here!"