This Week In John Daly Boondogglery: "when you run out of balls u run out of balls"
/John Daly appeared to intentionally pump balls into the 11th hole lake so that he could walk in from the Australian Open first round. From The Age:
Read MoreThe 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
Start Of The Lakes Back Nine Photo Gallery
/After the more intimate front where holes move back and forth on a smaller scale, The Lakes back nine opens with a tight short par four before exploding on a grand scale with several dramatic holes highlighted by striking water hazards.
Because of an approaching storm, I was only able to get solid shots of the first four holes of the back but I think you'll enjoy seeing the architecture and quality detailing work by Mike Clayton and his team.
The images show the narrow, short par-4 tenth, followed by the neverending three-shot 11th, the long 12th playing to a skyline green, and the fantastic driveable downhill 13th. From there the water takes over to set up what should be a dramatic finishing stretch before intimacy returns with the short par-3 18th.
Emirates VP Of Australasia Declares Tiger's Game Ready!
/Hey, I just copy and paste this stuff, but you do have to think that Tiger might find this statement released by the Emiraties Australian Open folks a little...embarrassing?
Read MoreFront Nine At The Lakes, A Photo Gallery
/The front nine at The Lakes doesn't get the respect it deserves because of the grand scale of the back nine and generally sad perception that great golf must be on a large, sharply undulating scale.
The first plays with water on the left--certainly not ideal--before crossing under a road and traversing back and forth on beautiful terrain. The holes are separated by sandy areas which look old and full of character despite having been unveiled less than two years ago.
The greens are large and bold, with a plethora of great hole locations and only a couple that struck me as not being of great interest. The tee complexes sit in the ground beautifully and offer plenty of options, as well as a model for "proper" tees. Little splashes of sand and scrub make the blend in beautifully, but never get in the way of setting up the hole.
But mostly, the front has the appearance of being a fun, challenging nine with a solid variety of holes if you can look past some of the routing constraints. Hopefully these images help supplement the television coverage starting Wednesday night at 11 p.m. ET. (Click on the photos page to see captions.)
Scenes From The Lakes Practice Round
/A few scenes from The Lakes, where spectators are respectful but definitely getting a front row seat. In this case, a Greg Norman, Geoff Ogilvy practice round on the front nine before a nasty thunderstorm later in the afternoon.
I'll have more to say and show you regarding the course (it blew me away), but in the meantime just a few shots. Note the number of tour bags on trollies! That won't continue during the tournament proper, but still fun to see.
Someone Saved Stevie's Career Today
/That's Robert Lusetich's take on Tiger's press conference in Sydney. He also explains how the encounter between the former soul mates happened.
Tiger And Stevie Summit Concluded; Tiger's Assured Stevie's Not A Racist
/Because of electrical difficulties my Qantas flight was late and I subsequently missed Tiger's Emirates Australian Open presser (the Golf Gods looking out for me?), but Dennis Passa and many others were there to report on Tiger's first public appearance since Stevie Williams uttered his regrettable words.
Read MoreThe Lakes As A Pre-Presidents Cup Venue
/In Golf World Monday, I penned an item about the mini-mini-mini-controversy over The Lakes as a pre-Presidents Cup venue based on Robert Grant story quoting Peter Thomson, who questioning the practicality for Americans playing The Lakes this week in advance of the Presidents Cup.
Read MoreStatement From Adam Scott Re: Stevie
/Issued by the Australian Open folks:
STATEMENT FROM ADAM SCOTT
I take this opportunity to address the comments that were made by my caddy, Steve Williams, at the Annual Caddy Awards Dinner this week in Shanghai, and the subsequent media reporting.
I want it made very clear that I do not support nor condone racism. I believe there is absolutely no room for racial discrimination in any walk of life, including the game of golf.
I have discussed this matter directly with Steve and he understands and supports my view on this subject. I also accept Steve's apology, knowing that he meant no racial slur with his comments.
On behalf of my team, I apologize personally to everyone that was offended by the reported comments. Please accept this apology so we can all move on.
I now consider the matter closed. I will not be making any further comment.
