Bloomberg: Inside The Masters Foundation Numbers
/Bloomberg's Michael Buteau takes
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
Take That Timmy: NFL’s Goodell Spotted In Green Jacket
/Leave it to Golf Channel Digital, who I shared a Georgia Peach
Read More2014 Masters First Round Reminders, Open Thread
/The Honorary Starters have
Read MoreVideo: Golf Channel Errie Ball Feature
/A few of you who saw my appearance on Live From yesterday asked about seeing the 1934 Augusta National flyovers, but because of rights issues they are not viewable online. However, the outstanding feaure airing just prior can be seen.
Produced by Scott Rude and narrated by Rich Lerner, it's feature on the only man still alive who played in the first Masters tournament: Errie Ball.
Big Oak Rumblings And Bumblings, 2014 Edition
/Didn't get to spend as much time as I'd like under the Big Oak, but the industry heavyweights were out in force at Augusta National's premier hangout not called Berckman's Place.
- Weather was a big topic, and not because of the beautiful forecast in Augusta. But instead because of the brutal winter's likely dent on the 2014 golf business. The Masters really is the start of the golf season this year, to the chagrin of many.
- Tom Fazio, Rees Jones and Robert Trent Jones amounted to the star architect presence. Fazio was said to be tight-lipped about any possible remedy to the 17th hole post-Ike’s Tree.
- New IMG owners Patrick Whitesell and Ari Emanuel were conspicuous in their presence, announcing to the world that Hollywood's super agency intends to continue its major presence in golf.
- Phil Scott talked about his first round with son Adam and confirmed that he’s never played greens so fast (and that was last Friday). Phil five putted the first green and never could manage the pace. The group consisted of two side-saddle putters and of course, Adam the anchorer.
- The Paulina Gretzky cover was still part of many conversations, with most not quite understanding the outraged side for helping fuel more attention to the photos.
- There was much chatter about Monday night's NCAA Basketball Final featuring a Drive, Chip and Putt sign-up promo during the first half. There was a sense among the Big Oak dwellers that CBS might have voluntarily posted the promo after seeing the successful event. It's hard to imagine that this was anything but a contractual obligation, albeit one that seemed out of place on a college basketball telecast. Then again, Fox is already promoting the 2015 U.S. Open...
Let the Masters begin!
Augusta National Hasn't Decided What To Do Post-Ike's Tree
/Chairman Billy Payne visited the media center for his annual State of the Masters press conference and talked about the club's plans for replacing the befallen loblollly. I summed up the Ike's Tree component here for GolfDigest.com
I did find it surprising that in answer to my question about suggestions he has received from armchair architect golfers, Mr. Payne said that no one has said anything to him.
Q. Golfers are notorious armchair architects. I'm wondering if you've received many suggestions for what to do with the Eisenhower Tree and maybe what was the most interesting that you have received.
CHAIRMAN PAYNE: I have not. I have read a lot that y'all have written about the subject and quotes from other players, but nobody's made a direct suggestion to me about it.
Alex Miceli wrote about the press conference and the continued afterglow of the Drive, Chip and Putt Championship.
Bob Harig covered Payne's answers related to possible walking rules officials in the wake of last year's Tiger drop mess.
Nantz: "I’ve never had anybody say, ‘Tell me about the ratings when Jack Nicklaus won in 1986.'"
/Judging by the traffic coming in, more people than ever will be on the grounds
Read MoreFinally! Scripting Of Masters Outfits Gets Proper Parody
/You'd have to be working hard not to see all of the Tweets and stories previewing what Jordan Spieth or Rickie Fowler will be wearing this week at the Masters.
So a very nice job by Tim Herron and his friends at Bogey Pro for finally doing what needed to be done: a send up of the out-of-control pre-Masters announcements of player outfit “scripting”. Herron, not playing in the Masters, tweeted what he'll be wearing around the house this week.
Ryan Herrington reports.
The Tweet:
Here’s what I’ll be wearing during @The_Masters tournament. Tumble dry low, everyone. pic.twitter.com/UZgR9moKfg
— Tim Herron (@PGALumpy) April 7, 2014Phil: "Masters Speed" Greens Give Less Than A Dozen A Shot
/Tuesday was the primary player press conference day
Read More2014 Masters Grouping Highlights
/The Masters site has the full list of players, times and images.
Read MoreTuesday Masters GolfDigest.com Live Chat: 1 P.M. ET
/You can log in
Read MoreMerchandise Addendum...The MacKenzie Plan!
/The Drive, Chip and Putt merchandise was taken out of the Masters merchandise pavillion for Tuesday and while my initial review still stands, there was this in its place and for just $25. Some might call it an ashtray, but my receipt says glass tray.
And yes, that's an Alister MacKenzie early plan for the course. We have a winner!
"Patrick Reed's never been the kind of player who's going to go anywhere quietly."
/Ian O'Connor files an excellent
Read MoreMasters: The All Important First Merchandise Center Report
/One group of items stood out in the Masters merchandise pavillion and
Read MoreA First Look Around Augusta National
/It's pouring, so I neglected to get into how dry and immaculate the course appears (Nick Masuda on the 10 am closure).
Instead, reports of shredding and other dire descriptions (Jim McCabe talked to past champs Sunday) had me expecting the worst when taking a Monday morning tour of Augusta National. It turns out that yes, a lot of trees suffered damage but in general, the place still looks beautiful and dare I say the damage did some good on the 7th and 17th holes?
I did.
Here's the full report (including flora and fauna), with images of the 17th and the 12th.
