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

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

“Shackelford will guide the reader to an enriching understanding of design. Consider it a primer on the fascinating subject of course architecture. If you don’t know what a template hole is, or a Biarritz, or a Redan, or a Punchbowl, you will be gently educated, and perhaps enjoy playing a course with any of these holes that much more. There’s a lot here, packed into 160 pages.” LORNE RUBENSTEIN, ScoreGolf

August 07, 2015

"Golf designer digs up a classic at L.A. Country Club"

August 07, 2015/ Geoff Shackelford

David Wharton filed a Column One L.A. Times

July 29, 2015

State Of The Game 59: The 2015 Open And UK Golf

July 29, 2015/ Geoff Shackelford

It's just Rod Morri asking Mike Clayton (still in the UK) and myself questions about The Open at St. Andrews, links golf and more. But there's just so much to talk about!

As always you can get it on iTunes or wherever podcasts are distributed.

Or get the MP3 here.

Check out past shows here. Or listen below:

July 09, 2015

Video: Taking Your Golf Pilgrimage To East Lothian

July 09, 2015/ Geoff Shackelford

Two years ago I filed this piece for Golf Digest about the importance of making East Lothian ("Scotland's Golf Coast") the sight of your golf pilgrimage. Not only does the area afford several of the most important places that shaped the game's history, but the opportunity to set up shop in one general area to enjoy a more centrally located golf vacation beckons.

After playing Glen Golf Club this evening (aka North Berwick East Links), I'm more convinced than ever that this is the planet's most idyllic place to experience the links game at its purest and most diversified. What a perfect, breathtaking and endearingly bizarre set of holes. (More on Glen tomorrow).

In the meantime, here's an UnShackled video to encapsulate my feelings for this special place. Check it out...

June 15, 2015

Guess The Masthead Inhabitants!

June 15, 2015/ Geoff Shackelford

I haven't a clue what the prize will be, perhaps Lee Wybranksi's 2015 U.S. Open

June 01, 2015

Video: Callaway Live Appearance

June 01, 2015/ Geoff Shackelford

Episode 3 of Callaway Live is now archived for you to see

June 01, 2015

Callaway Live At 6 PM Pacific Time Monday: You've Been Warned

June 01, 2015/ Geoff Shackelford

Callaway's new Live show hosted by Harry Arnett kicked off with a wonderful half-hour chat involving broadcasting legend Dick Enberg, who sounds as good as ever.

Episode 2 at a TopGolf featured some great visuals but audio problems that turned several people into Marcel Marceau impersonators, an issue I know won't be replicated Monday from Callaway's Carlsbad headquarters when yours truly steps into the Lion's Den.

And yes, technology questions are on the table, which should make this awkward...in a fun way!

Tune in at 6 PM Pacific Time, that's 9 Eastern for those of you East Coast elite who aren't used to doing the math.

Here's the link. And it should be viewable on all devices.

May 04, 2015

Video: Discussing What Makes A Great Par 3

May 04, 2015/ Geoff Shackelford

We talked about great par-3s today on Morning Drive

April 23, 2015

State Of The Game Podcast 55: Another Magnificent Masters

April 23, 2015/ Geoff Shackelford

Gil Capps, author of The Magnificent Masters and overseer of Golf Channel's Editorial Research Unit, joined us again to recap the Masters and talk about a few other matters with Rod Morri, Mike Clayton and myself.

Yes, we are a few weeks past the Masters but this is often the best time to reflect and I think you'll enjoy the discussion. Gil's book on the 1975 Masters is now available in paperback.

As usual, you can listen here, download the MP3 here, listen via iTunes or subscribe to the show there too. Or listen here:

February 19, 2015

Video: Part 2 Of Pebble vs. Riviera

February 19, 2015/ Geoff Shackelford

Through 9-holes the match is all even after Pebble Beach's ocean stretch of holes 7-9 walzed over Riv's architecturally disrepaired stretch, setting up the toughest call of the day: Riviera's 10th vs Pebble's 10th. Both American classics...who will start the back off with a win?

UnShackeled part 2:

February 18, 2015

Video: (1) Pebble Beach Vs. (2) Riviera

February 18, 2015/ Geoff Shackelford

The Brothers Morrissett introduced me to the joys of using match play to settle the most vital debate of all: "which course is better." By no means a perfect argument-settler, match playing holes somehow ends up working itself out over 18 holes.

In another installment of the UnShackeled series, I match up the two best designs on the PGA Tour and two of my favorite courses on the planet (even if both have seen betters days architecturally, something that factors into this match).

So here goes, the first nine of top seed Pebble Beach taking on Riviera. The back nine and match victor will be resolved tomorrow.

February 03, 2015

Video: Torrey's 3rd, 4th, 5th UnShackeled

February 03, 2015/ Geoff Shackelford

Longtime readers may recall a while back various informal surveys of how the site could be better and high on the list was more video and in particular, more architecture.

I'm not sure this will satisfy that desire entirely, but this is a pilot for a series of web-friendly videos in that vein. With the Farmers Insurance Open soon to start, there is no better time to look at the underwhelming stretch of holes 3-5 at the overwhelmingly beautiful Torrey Pines South.

Play begins Thursday, but in the meantime, my quick take on what should be a stellar three hole stretch.