In golf construction art and utility meet; both are absolutely vital; one is utterly ruined without the other. GEORGE THOMAS
It’s back!
Twenty years later Tatra Press has kindly allowed me to bring back Grounds For Golf now that golf architecture is of more interest to the masses. A new Introduction looks at what’s driven the interest growth and two new chapters I had a blast adding (plus a few edits to keep things up-to-date).
The Amazon purchase page for the book arriving June 15, 2026.
Must Read: Christina Kim And Other Golfers Who Battle Depression
/There is a very powerful December Golf Digest story by Stina Sternberg that's a powerful, informative but in no way maudlin read (the print issue should hit your mailbox any day if it hasn't already, and the iPad edition is out).
Though Kim is the focus (and kudos to her for sharing her story to overcome the stigma attached to admitting issues with depression), she's certainly not alone.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, 14.8 million American adults--or 6.7 percent of the U.S. population--suffer from Major Depressive Disorder, and more than 30,000 Americans commit suicide every year. "It's a huge medical illness on the order of cardiovascular disease and diabetes," says Dr. Michael Lardon, a San Diego-based clinical psychiatrist who specializes in working with professional athletes and has been treating tour players, including half a dozen major champions, for 21 years. (This is the first year he has no LPGA Tour patients, but he currently works with 10 players each from the PGA and Web.com tours.) "Unfortunately, it lives in the background."
TigeRory Elaborate On Their Bond In Another Joint Interview
/"There might be some deeper lessons for golf from the 2012 elections than simply who won the White House and Capitol Hill."
/Changing Rio's Environmental Laws For Golf
/"Lord Moynihan wants Royal and Ancient to accept women members"
/Fun And Stress At Disney
/Monty's Gut Tells Him To Start Anchoring A Putter Even Though He Wants The Act Banned
/Yale GC: A Short History
/2016 Presidential Hopefuls: Hit The Links!
/Emily Kay does a nice job examining the most stunning Presidential electoral trend of all...pols who play golf in some form, at some point and in some way, stand a better chance of moving into the White House. (Thanks reader Todd.)
• 1980: Ronald Reagan (golfer) defeats Jimmy Carter (non-golfer)
• 1984: Ronald Reagan defeats Walter Mondale (non-golfer)
• 1988: George H.W. Bush (golfer) defeats Michael Dukakis (non-golfer)
• 1992: Bill Clinton (golfer) defeats George H.W. Bush
• 1996: Bill Clinton defeats Bob Dole (non-golfer)
• 2000: George W. Bush (golfer) defeats Al Gore (non-golfer)
• 2004: George W. Bush defeats John Kerry (non-golfer)
• 2008: Barack Obama (golfer) defeats John McCain (non-golfer)
• 2012: Barack Obama defeats Mitt Romney (the anti-golfer)
**Following on this theme, Ron Sirak makes the case that golf can bridge political differences.
No matter where you stand on the political scale -- the left side, the right, or somewhere in between -- the nation now, with so many challenges ahead, needs to find a balance. I'm not smart enough to know where the balance resides, but I am willing to trust that both the Democrats and Republican have people smart enough and noble enough to find it.
Golf gives us a perfect road map to follow. Presidents Eisenhower and Ford were both passionate golfers and they were both Republicans. Presidents Clinton and Obama, both Democrats, share that passion.
Report: Bevacqua To Be Next Overpaid PGA Of America CEO
/Phil: "I don’t think you can take away what you’ve allowed players to use, practise and play with for 30 years."
/
An AFP report quotes Phil Mickelson saying a ban on anchoring would be "grossly unfair.”
“It’s not an issue that I’m involved with, I understand both sides. It’s just that I don’t think you can take away what you’ve allowed players to use, practise and play with for 30 years. I think it is grossly unfair,” he said.
You may recall that Mickelson briefly toyed with the belly putter at the 2011 Deutsche Bank Championship.

