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
Wesley Bryan did it with Hashtag Chad Coleman on the bag in Mexico, beating our old friend Brad Fritsch in a showdown of the Web.com's two best players this year.
Royce Thompson on the trick shot master's second win of 2016, setting him up for a battlefield promotion with one more.
A.J. Voepel on a Callaway social media challenge that turned into a looping gig while Bryan brother George was off pursuing his own golf career.
Forget the amazing 6-year-olds, look at the clubhead speed this 2-year-old is generating.
A video posted by Fookes Golf Coach (@fookesgolf) on Apr 14, 2016 at 2:52pm PDT
**Discussed today on Morning Drive.
He's happy, he's trying trick shots, he's playing the Pebble Beach Pro-Am for himself, not his sponsors. Woohoo!
Working on my short game #HoopedIt #MarkWahlbergIsPretty #ATTProAm
A video posted by Bubba Watson (@bubbawatson) on
Loving the winter time blues inspiring all sorts of creativity, not that our desert dwelling friends are experiencing tough weather.
First, in the Don't Try This At Home Division, Russell Grove has his ball teed up by a paragliderer.
A video posted by Russell Grove® (@russellgrove777) on Jan 31, 2016 at 1:42pm PST
Trick shot veteran Mathias Scholberg and the strongest hands in golf are at it again:
International recording raconteur Matty has paired with up-and-coming artist Joris, who both got our attention with their shots hit just about anywhere in the world. Let's hear it for Generation Z!
Pinehurst Golf Academy's Kelly Mitchum, the only golf instructor proud of his ability to three-putt, is back at it again.
The clip, courtesy of Alex Podlogar:
**We discussed this gem on Morning Drive.
Surely the good folks at Franklin Pierce University could find a way to pay student Brandon Knight more than the $500 he won for draining a full court, halftime putt?
Nice job by Connor Foley to capture this and Sportscenter to post it:
A video posted by SportsCenter (@sportscenter) on
Motorcrosser Taylor Robert says, "When your buddy casually tosses you a Red Bull and there is a random guy playing golf in the background 😳😳😳 Good times messing around with @pat_smage and @russellgrove777 in my backyard yesterday."
Okay, so it was a little more orchestrated than that. Big points for the creativity and execution of this, though I could think of easier ways to hit a ball and drink a Red Bull.
A video posted by Taylor Robert (@taylor_robert33) on Jan 22, 2016 at 9:17am PST
Ok, just standing on one of those medicine balls is a nice feat.
The rest of Kevin Carpenter's trick shot is mighty impressive...(H/T to Golfweek's Kevin Casey):
Finished my practice on the range @ADGolfChamps and @GolfTrickBoys turn up for a spot of practice before their show! pic.twitter.com/G9PPN4yVf9
— Chris Wood (@Chris3Wood) January 20, 2016
Geoff Shackelford is a Senior Writer for Golfweek magazine, a weekly contributor to Golf Channel's Morning
Copyright © 2022, Geoff Shackelford. All rights reserved.
