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
On Como: "It’s been inspiring, and fun, to watch his career progress, like watching that band make it from the local bar to the Billboard charts."
/As attention turns to the Hero World Challenge and Tiger's return, many eyes will be on his newly named swing "consultant" Chris Como.
PGATour.com's Sean Martin knows Como from Westlake Golf Course in Thousand Oaks, and reminisces about the early years of Como's development as an instructor and about the role of public courses like Westlake.
It’s been inspiring, and fun, to watch his career progress, like watching that band make it from the local bar to the Billboard charts. His sacrifices have been plenty -- moving around the country to work under top instructors, taking night classes for his masters in biomechanics while working full-time and going into debt to buy his first Trackman.
It’s all paid off.
He's told me many times that golf instruction has never felt like work. He didn’t make the sacrifices to become rich and famous; he was just pursuing his passion. Each golf swing is a puzzle, played out over three dimensions and influenced by innumerable variables, that he wants to solve. It's constant stimulation for a curious mind.
Farrell Evans reflects on what Como faces as an instructor and the burden of taking the job.
Harmon, Haney and Foley can each claim great success with their famous employer. By Tiger's reckoning, as judged by his decision to leave them for other teachers, they had all failed to help him sustain a dependable swing that supported the evolution of his body, advancements in golf technology and the predicament of injuries.
Video: The Uh, Lumberjack Pre-Shot Routine!?
/Butch's Stable Signs Off On Snedeker Addition To The Barn
/Video: CBS Comparison Of Bubba And Jack's Swings
/Really neat stuff from CBS's Memorial final round telecast with Peter Kostis analyzing Bubba Watson's swing, then weaving in Jack Nicklaus's, only flipped to show the Golden Bear lefthanded.
Swing geeks rejoice!
Hank Explains Tiger's Neutral Grip Change
/Sounds so, so sexy I know.
But for those interested in the swing,
Tool Time: How Trackman Is Changing The Game
/Butch Working With Rickie After Asking Phil To Approve
/SiriusXM Adds Haney, Stenson, Poulter To PGA Tour Radio
/"He didn't consider he played full-time golf until he was nine."
/Video: Sean Foley On Charlie Rose
/Lexi's Win, The LPGA's Future And The Key To Her Putting Success
/Justin Rose's Win: Vindication For Sean Foley, England
/Nice story by Steve DiMeglio on Justin Rose's win as vindication for the often unfairly criticized instructor Sean Foley.
The criticism has been relentless at times, which Foley, by the way, deflects with ease, so much so that Rose, even while holding the U.S. Open trophy was asked if the victory was affirmation of Foley's instruction.
"I feel like my golf game has gotten better and better every year. I've picked up distance and I'm hitting the ball straighter. And for me to come into a U.S. Open and feel like this is one of my legitimate chances to win a major is a testament to my ball striking. So I got to give a lot of credit to Sean," Rose, 32, said. "I would say it's more than just a player/coach relationship. I regard him as a true friend and I regard him as someone who, if I ever had a question upon golf or upon life, he would be very much at the top of my list.
"He's a very mentally, I think, a very interesting character and very strong mentally. And he passes that on as well."
John Huggan also looks at this as a big win for the English male golfing contingent who were beginning to wonder if they would ever win a major in the 21st Century. He also points to a Derek Lawrenson interview with Rose prior to Merion where the U.S. Open champion made this frank statement:
"If we're really honest, I think it has now reached the point where it's down to the fact if we (the English) can handle the pressure we will win a major and if we can't, we won't."