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
Stevie Initially Denied Slur, Then Cited Context
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And we do seem to have different takes on which version of a--hole was used (or was it ar--hole..inquiring minds want to know!).
When asked if he used the words "black a***hole" he initially denied using the racially motivated language: "I did not say those two words."
However, he refused to clarify exactly what he did say on stage at the event, attended by more than 100 top players, caddies and golfing officials.
"Things get taken out of context," he said.
Regarding the context, these comments from Greg Turner probably best sum things up.
However, former New Zealand No1 Greg Turner said he did not think Williams could survive the media backlash, particularly in the United States.
"I can't see this ending well. There's some things you can't get away with and this is one of them. I have been trying to think of a context that might have been acceptable but can't come up with anything. I think this is a pretty big one," he said.
Scott Stands By Stevie: "While he's caddying, I hope he can caddie for me."
/Doug Ferguson, reporting from Shanghai where Adam Scott finished his round on a high note and then faced questions about the status of caddie Steve Williams following the loopers' controversial comments.
Read MoreKneejerk Poll: Should Adam Can Stevie?
/Cast your votes here...
Read MoreSteiny On Stevie: "It’s sad it’s come down to this.”
/Doug Ferguson, filing from Shanghai, tracks down Tiger Woods agent Mark Steinberg for comment on Steve Williams' racially provocative remarks.
Stevie Issues Statement: "I now realize how my comments could be construed as racist."
/Following his remarks at a dinner Friday night, Stevie Williams has issued this statement on his website:
Read MoreStevie, Stevie, Stevie: “My aim was to shove it right up that black --------.”
/Oliver Brown reports that Steve Williams, receiving a "tongue in cheek" award from his fellow bagmen for "celebration of the year," was asked on staged during a dinner at the HSBC Champions in Shanghai to explain his infamous celebration after Adam Scott’s win in the WGC Bridgestone.
Read MoreYani Could Play PGA Tour's Puerto Rico Stop If She Wanted
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Golfweek's Sean Martin has the scoop from Sidney Wolf, the tournament’s general chairman of the opposite Doral week event. Unfortunatly, Tseng's reps are hinting that they'll say no thanks."Let the transcontinental tour ragging begin anew"
/Steve Elling analyzes and posts the top 30 events of 2011 based on appearances by world top 200 players and the PGA Tour stomps on the European Tour 7&6.
Read MorePGA Tour Driving Distance Average Crosses 290-Yard Barrier
/Courtesy of the PGA Tour's communications department, the final, official and accurate 2011 PGA Tour Driving Distance average: 290.9.
Read MoreLuke: "I feel like even if I went to HSBC and won, they'd find another event to add."
/Steve Elling reports that Luke Donald called the PGA Tour's decision to delay a Player of the Year ballot mailing "sketchy."
Our POTY Campaigning Nightmare Isn't Over Yet
/Doug Ferguson reports that player-of-the-year ballots are not going out to the PGA Tour's finest yet after officials realized the upcoming HSBC Champions in Shanghai counts as an official win. Translation: the bordering-on-painful, utterly meaningless POTY debate...has been extended two weeks!
Read MoreMultimillionaires Bounce Back! Luke Wins, Answers "Critics"
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I learned something new with Luke Donald's shocking come-from-behind win at the final tour event of the year to capture the money title and most likely, various other awards: he has critics. Disney Storylines Mercifully Won't Include The Plight Of Multi-Millionaires
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The Luke Donald-Webb Simpson money title story has caused too many sleepless nights across the globe as these two starving students won't be dueling Sunday over bonus clauses. Instead, as Helen Ross note, there are some players to watch whose careers are on the line."Can you say, 'awkward?'"
/There's no need to sympathize with Justin Leonard and he'd probably be the first to say that, but it's still painful to read his saga with Ponte Vedra over his 2012 tour status while he plays (and leads through two rounds) this week's Disney event.
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