When 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
Forever Golden: Nicklaus Turns 75
/DVR Alert: "The Making Of A Champion" On Fox Sunday
/Barbara Nicklaus To Get The '15 Bob Jones Award
/Jack: "The average golfer always wants to relate to the pro, and I don't think the average golfer can relate to the pro today"
/Met Golfer On Ferry Point
/The Australian & Jack: "Why not do more than just the greens?"
/Golden Bear Defends Jameis, Too
/Jack: “(Europeans) just played better," Task Force "Overkill"
/Jack: Rory Can Win 15 Or 20 Majors
/Appearing on ESPN Radio's "Mike & Mike" Wednesday, Jack Nicklaus said he thinks Rory McIlroy can win 15 or 20 majors. He's raised the bar on his Rory praise in light of a win at The Open, and why not?
Bob Harig reports:
"I think Rory is an unbelievable talent," Nicklaus said. "I love his swing, I love his rhythm, I love his moxie. He's got a little swagger there, it's a little bit cocky but not offensive. I like that. I like the self-confidence in a young man. He's got an unbelievable amount of speed in his golf swing, he obviously hits the ball a heck of a long way. And he hits in there consistently and how he controls it.
"It depends on what he feels his priorities are, and that's his call. I think Rory has an opportunity to win 15 or 20 majors or whatever he wants to do if he wants to keep playing. But you just don't know what the guy's priorities are going to be in life 10 years from now."
Jack: "I would probably hit it another 20, 30, 40 yards I suppose."
/Video: Jack On Trends In Golf Architecture
/Jack: "Absolutely" You Must Pick Tiger For Ryder Cup
/Bay Hill & Memorial To Get 3-Year Exemptions For Wins
/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!