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
Irony Missed: Monty Eyes Senior Major Slam!
/Martin Dempster with the
Read MoreHoly Monty: Fails In His U.S. Open Bid, But Not Before Getting Some Quality Driving Time...By Himself!
/
For a man who lost his license over his proclivity to drive too fast, especially when Coldplay comes on the radio, and who cheated death in a car accident, I think it's fair to say the former Ryder Cup captain made a strange call to drive 900-miles home after the BMW at Wentworth and then return immediately after some tea and upon fetching a new putter.
But that's what this wire story claims:
"Who in their right mind would do that? But yes, I did," Montgomerie said. "I left Wentworth at 2pm, was home at 8pm, had tea with the family, left at 11pm and got here just after 6am."
A four‑under‑par 68 put the 48-year-old Scot on course to play in San Francisco next month, but he followed it up with a 72.
And the round featured the usual Monty dramatics:
Montgomerie missed out on a play-off by two strokes, so could look back on his pitch to the 17th hitting the flagstick and rebounding 15ft away, then lipping out from the same distance on the last.
You can view the Walton Heath Sectional results here and also count up the number of WD's, a qualifying tradition in England.
Monty Ends Record-Long Foot-In-Mouth Drought With Double-Insult Directed At American Golf Fans
/During a BBC 5 Live interview to plug his new/old book,
Read MoreMonty Gives Branson Lesson on Plane Wing; No Structural Damage Reported
/I know, predictable fat jokes aren't fair these days now that Monty has dropped so much weight that I did a double take when spotting him under the Big Oak.
So here are four minutes of your life you won't' be getting back. But before you move on, in those four minutes we learn Monty is helping Richard Branson launch the "Swingers Club" (yes, the same Monty who has been dogged by...anyway...). And best of all from the Virgin executive, there was this statement about Monty: "If not the greatest, one of the greatest golfers in the world."
I knew I'd get you to watch!
Monty Hoping To Inspire Afghan "Team" For 2016 Olympics
/I guess no one told him there are no teams in the Olympic golf, just individuals? Well, in his defense, common sense would tell you there'd be a team competition since team golf is often quite better than individual play.
Read MorePride Or Self Interest? Monty Slams Shortening Of Scottish Open
/I'll just say he does have a tendency to think of himself from time to time, but you also have to admire Monty's feeling that his nation's national championship deserves a full playing after freak storms caused the loss of Saturday play at Castle Stuart.
Read MoreMust See: Richard Gillot Impersonating Monty
/Thanks to reader Richard for the tip on European Tour player Alex Noren's blog. Over the weekend he posted this priceless Richard Gillot-imitates-Monty You Tube video.
You can see more of Gillot on his website and on a video page showing more of his Monty act and I believe a Miguel Angel Jimenez impersonation too.
Monty Fired By His Caddy On Monday, Posts 69 Thursday!
/Monty regrouped from getting fired by his caddie to shoot 69 at Wentworth. Paul Mahoney reports.
Read MoreMonty Continues To Insist He's Not Interested In 2014 Captaincy But Will Take The Job Only--ONLY--If Asked
/I thought this headline to Bernie McGuire's Reuters story was misleading: "Montgomerie Interested In 2014 Ryder Cup Captaincy."
That said, Monty sure can't shut his trap about the '14 Ryder Cup at Gleneagles, this time after Sandy Lyle suggested Monty would be a strong candidate.
"I don't know where Sandy is coming from but that's just his own opinion, I suppose," Montgomerie told reporters on the eve of the Andalucian Open on Wednesday.
"But whether or not I am captain in 2014 depends on how things go in 2012 and what the committee's feeling are.
"I am just there to support the Tour, as I've always said," Montgomerie added.
"Anyway, I am sure I will be involved because of my affiliation with Gleneagles whatever that might be.
"But if asked again, and because of my involvement for and with the Tour over the years, I would have to accept. Only if they wanted me.
"But they would have to approach me. I wouldn't be approaching them."
Sounds like someone still wants to run the ship!
"Twelve tournaments into the 2011 season and the European Tour finally turned up in Europe for the inaugural Sicilian Open."
/Alistair Tait is concerned that the European Tour's foundation is worth a "worry" after the tour finally showed up in Europe and only 27 of its 52 events are held on European soil. Yes, 52 events...sounds healthy to me!
Read MoreMonty Announces That He's Embracing Twitter!
/Bookmakers put odds on first regrettable/deleted Tweet by end of February at 1-5.
Here's the great news even though Monty has been sending out messages for oh, a year?
