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
Q-School Change Creates Its First Known Drop-Out
/Sean Martin on Corbin Mills, the reigning U.S. Amateur Public Links champion,
Read MoreMore Q-School Demise Fallout: Walker Cup Captain Scouring Junior Ranks For Possible Players
/I think Scott Michaux was a bit stunned to find 2013 Walker Cup Captain Jim Holtgrieve scouting players at the Junior Invitational at Sage Valley, now in its second year of glorious excess. Holtgrieve confirms he is hitting the junior golf trail in anticipation of Q-School's demise causing top players to turn pro long before the Walker Cup at The National Golf Links.
“I’m going to be a little more cognizant about junior play because I think that’s probably where it’s going to go,” Holtgrieve said of the Walker Cup selection process. That’s a safe bet considering 2011 Sage Valley runner-up Patrick Rodgers made Holtgrieve’s 10-man roster last fall.
“Last year having Patrick Rodgers on the team was eye-opening,” said George Cunningham, 15, of Tucson, Ariz., who played in his second Junior Invitational.
Because of the pending changes to Q-School, Holtgrieve has received every indication that top American collegians Patrick Cantlay and Jordan Spieth will pass up hanging around as amateurs another year in order to participate in the final Q-School that hands out PGA Tour cards. Cantlay and Spieth were Holtgrieve’s top point-getters with 2.5 each in last year’s Walker Cup at Royal Aberdeen, and they would have been the expected leaders for next year’s campaign to win back the cup.
“Nobody is a lock, but there’s no doubt about it that both of them are great players and great ambassadors for the United States,” Holtgrieve said. “So selfishly I’m hoping they stay amateur and try to make the team again.”
Realistically, he knows that won’t happen. Because Holtgrieve understands that amateur and collegiate golf are all the unintended victims of the death of Q-School.
“Absolutely,” he said when the trickle-down consequence of Q-School’s demise was broached.
By the way, if you get weepy seeing the yellow jacket ceremony at the Junior Invitational presented by Electrolux, or nauseous at the sight of 16 year olds with caddies in white overalls, don't watch the final round highlights produced by PGA Tour Productions. They also had W on hand for the banquet.
"There is no doubt these changes are only designed to benefit the US tour and not designed with regard to implications on other tours."
/Ben Everill quotes PGA of Australia Chief executive Brian Thorburn about the PGA Tour's new year-round schedule
Read More"They're actually finding a solution before it becomes a problem."
/Ryan Moore defends the new Q-School/fiscal year calendar in the name of saving the fall events.
Read More"It has to be right the first time because you can’t cost someone their dream right out of the gate.”
/Rex Hoggard says the PGA Tour Policy Board is poised
Read MoreNobilo On Q-School Demise
/Considering he's such a passionate on-air presence who nearly always convinces me of his point, I expected a much more impassioned case for killing Q-School as an avenue to the PGA Tour from Frank Nobilo. But
Read MoreMcIlroy Two Clear Of Another Lowly Q-School Product
/Heading into the Honda Classic finale, Rory McIlroy is two clear of Harris English who, Doug Ferguson writes, had the audacity to make every cut in 2012 without having played the Nationwide Tour.
Read More"A great deal of the PGA Tour ongoing relevance in Korea owes itself to the Qualifying School."
/Ben Sellenger makes a strong case that top Asian players interested in playing around the world will choose the European Tour now that Q-School sends them to the Nationwide Tour. Besides a Jeremy Lin reference and reminding us that K.J. Choi came to the PGA Tour through Q-School, he writes (thanks reader Josh):
Read More"The new system undoubtedly makes it harder for outsiders to crash the PGA Tour’s party."
/Sean Martin says good players will make their way to the tour, but he also mourns the likely demise of stories like Q-Schooler John Huh's Cinderella run, which will not be possible if the PGA Tour policy board votes to approve changes (and since FedEx just re-upped for $35 million based on the proposal, I'd say the votes will be there!).
Read MoreHuh? Ponte Vedra Spinsters Prepare To Twist Q-Schooler's Huhnbelievable Win
/The Golf Gods do work in mysterious ways…but I think they are making their statement about the planned demise of Q-School as a vehicle to line more pockets and value prop up the Nationwide Tour!
Read MoreFollow The Money: PAC Okays Sweeping PGA Tour Changes
/Doug Ferguson reports that the PGA Tour Player Advisory Council rolled over became convinced to scrap Q-School for the PGA Tour to help attract a title sponsor for the Nationwide Tour. The rationale, not surprisingly, came down to money.
Read MoreFinchem Admits: "The system is not broken"
/In town to meet with the Players Advisory Council to discuss the Q-School revamp and move to a year-round schedule, Tim Finchem talked with Jill Painter and said the new season ending Nationwide v. PGA Tour 126-and-beyond was FedExCup inspired.
Read MoreQ-School Squabble: Van Sickle def. Herre 7&6
/Nice little debate in this week's SI/golf.com Confidential on Q-School, with Gary Van Sickle taking the case of keeping Q-School. Van Sickle notes that "the real story here is that the PGA Tour is scrambling to find sponsors to replace Nationwide."
Read More
