Olympic Already On The Radar For A Sixth U.S. Open
/Ron Kroichick talks to an
Read MoreWhen 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
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
R&A Still Looking At Portrush Just Enough To Make Us Think They're Taking It Seriously
/Brian Keogh with comments from Monday's R&A press conference at Royal Lytham
Read MoreButler National Eyes 21st Century Membership Stance
/Teddy Greenstein reports that all-male Butler National is so desperate to return to the tournament stage, they might welcome Women-Americans. Strange times indeed!
Read MorePGA Closing In On Bethpage?
/That aging slugger put on waivers by the USGA has been scooped up first by the PGA Tour for the 2012 Barclay's and as Sam Weinman reports in Golf World Monday, the PGA of America now wants a piece of the action too. PGA CEO Joe Steranka confirms he made a recent scouting trip, with the 2019 PGA and 2024 Ryder Cup in mind.
Read MoreHot, Muggy Modern Designs "Worth A Look" For Future Majors
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Like the PGA of America needs more encouragement to take their tournament to the kinds of modern designs that Phil loves in Africa-hot climates, Ron Whitten offers up his nominees for courses worth a look now that Champion bermuda exists. Hard to argue with any of these…especially since none have a chance.Glory's Last Shot? Torrey Pines Makes First Overture For A PGA
/As we try to muster up interest in the default fourth major at the dreaded Atlanta Athletic Club, Ron Kroichick tries to understand why the West Coast is off the PGA of America's radar.
Read MoreOakland Hills To Get 2016 U.S. Amateur, In Talks For 2020 U.S. Open?
/Tim Twentyman of the Detroit News reports that Oakland Hills "is in negotiations" with the USGA "to host the U.S. Open as early as 2020, which is the next available date, according to a source."
Read MoreAronimink Eyes Another 500 Yards To Land A Major
/Joe Juliano talks to Aronimink club president Joe Brooks about courting both the USGA and PGA of America for a future major even as both have their venues selected through 2019 and 2018, respectively.
Read MoreBellerive Just Won't Go Away!
/Dan O'Neill reports the dreadful news that Bellerive wants to subject its Reestored course to a golfing public not really clamoring for yet another Reestored, humid, slog of a PGA venue.
Read MoreOlympia Fields Lands 2015 U.S. Am; Confirms USGA Has A Very Short Memory
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Bradley Klein delivers the news of a USGA return to a place thought to be off the radar for a major event. I doubt this is a setup for a return U.S. Open, despite the widespread and frankly, relentless clamoring for a 2023 Open return to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Jim Furyk's unforgettable triumph over the North Course.
This is probably more of a gift to an executive committee member for time well-served, not that there's anything wrong with that:
The 2015 Amateur will be contested on both the North Course and the South Course, with both courses sharing responsibilities for the 36-hole stroke play qualifier. It has yet to be determined which of the 18-hole layouts will be home to the match play segment of the championship.
Olympia Fields, founded in 1913, at one point included four courses, but gradually sold off some of its land. Its North Course, designed by Willie Park Jr. in 1922, has been home to the Western Open (1933, 1968, 1971), the PGA Championship (1925, 1961), the U.S. Open (1928, 2003), and the U.S. Senior Open (1997).The South Course evolved into its current configuration from a 1916 design by Tom Bendelow and was the subject of a major overall and partial re-routing by architect Steve Smyers in 2007-08. Smyers has been a member of the USGA Executive Committee since 2006 – the only professional course architect ever to have served in that capacity.
Why Does Attending A Major Need To Be Life Threatening?
/The confirmation of Quail Hollow--home to the PGA Tour's seventh major--as 2017 PGA Championship host came today with no mention of the potential for the kind of hot and humid weather that scorched the club's greens this summer and will likely lead to a green resurfacing project.
Next summer the PGA visits Atlanta in August, about the last place any sane individual wants to be and where they are also having issues with new greens. This, just after leaving Whistling Straits where the media opted not to take a harder look at the number of injuries once again caused by the Strait's steep faux dunes.
Gentlemen, Start Your Fluids: Quail Hollow To Get 2017 PGA
/Ron Green Jr. has the scoop, including the worst denial quote ever. Thanks to reader Harrison for this.
Read More"Who's going to drive the future of Colorado Golf Club?"
/In a world where you have clubs that would kill to host a major, then there's Colorado Golf Club.
It's kind of an amazing thing to read Anthony Cotton's story on Colorado Golf Club's shaky status and realize that the PGA of America sees it as a potential host site for future majors and yet, the place seems to have a corporate ownership situation that may doom the course.
