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
Post Genesis Instagram Wrap: Tiger, Bubba, Kraft, Shark
/The Tiger Woods 12th hole follow-through finally got the homages it deserved.
Bubba's got a charity challenge going after win 3 at Riviera.
A retro image from the old L.A. Open days featuring Ben Hogan on Riviera's 5th tee (I believe).
Greg Norman could have a career in harness racing.
2018 Genesis Open Preview, Instagram Style: Tiger, Wahlberg, Cubs, Sugar Ray, Wesley, Champ, Thomas, Bell, Tirico
/An intentionally lively pro-am atmosphere had the Genesis Open beginning to feel like the old L.A. Open days, with some star power adding a needed jolt following the event’s comatose Northern Trust/Championship Management years.
So to set things up, an all-Instagram post with a few helpful links for you dinosaurs who like to read!
Tiger and Mark Wahlberg teed up in the pro-am. The Forecaddie notes Marky Mark’s antics that included, yes, AirPods the whole way. Golfweek's Eamon Lynch on Woods’s final preparations that included some socializing and another driver tweak. Tiger Tracker, who went for seconds today in the media lunch room, sums up everything he saw.
Tiger wowed the little guys who came out to watch, including Jaden Soong, a fellow Dodger fan and sweet swinger of the club.
Wesley Bryan teed it up with Sugar Ray Leonard.
Sifford Exemptee Cameron Champ took delivery of a Trackman, hopefully one with extra CPU for his swing speed. Check out slide two for some big numbers, if that’s your thing.
I never talked to more players who put the 10th hole down as goofy instead of architecturally interesting. The old photo/new photo comparison I posted on Instagram offers clues to some of the issues, but not all.
And with thoughts of 1992 always on minds when Tiger plays Riviera, how about this cool Sportscenter with Mike Tirico setting up the piece as he’s hosting the Winter Olympics for NBC this week?
91k Likes, 851 Comments - Tiger Woods (@tigerwoods) on Instagram: "Enjoyed playing in the Pro-Am with @markwahlberg. Looking forward to round 1 of @genesisopen..."
81 Likes, 7 Comments - Eamon Lynch (@eamonlynch) on Instagram: "Tiger and his cubs at Riviera."
1,167 Likes, 44 Comments - Jaden R. Soong (@jadenrsoong) on Instagram: "What an amazing & awesome moment from @tigerwoods @genesisopen for me, @ronniegolftennis..."
3,269 Likes, 27 Comments - Wesley Bryan (@wesleybryangolf) on Instagram: "Ready for this week to get underway @genesisopen"
1,162 Likes, 30 Comments - TrackMan (@trackmangolf) on Instagram: "Cameron Champ taking delivery of his TrackMan 4. Cameron was ranked as the no. 1 amateur in the..."
259 Likes, 7 Comments - Geoff Shackelford (@geoffshac) on Instagram: "Another one for fans of then and now pictures: Riviera's driving range used to be home to a pitch..."
1,921 Likes, 59 Comments - Zira Golf (@ziragolf) on Instagram: "16 year old Eldrick Tiger Woods playing the LA Open at Riviera in 1992 🔥🐐 @tigerwoods #goat"
Instagram: Some Golfers Age More Gracefully Than Others
/Gary Player is still tinkering with this swing and some Rory McIlroy-inspired posture looks pretty strong.
Jack Nicklaus tests a putter and some sock style that works at certain clubs in Australia and Bermuda.
And then there's Greg Norman.
2,414 Likes, 129 Comments - Gary Player (@gary.player) on Instagram: "Golf is a funny game that we all know a hell of a lot about nothing. Here I am in my 6th decade as..."
334 Likes, 13 Comments - Brad Faxon (@bfaxon) on Instagram: "The great Jack Nicklaus having some fun calling my @scottycameronputter 'off market'. Maybe he..."
2,590 Likes, 92 Comments - Greg Norman (@shark_gregnorman) on Instagram: "After 63 revolutions around the sun, time to celebrate!!"
Sunday Instagram, Special Pebble Beach Edition: Potter Wins, Faldo's Ace, Fitzgerald's Pro-Am Win, Bryson At Cypress
/Ted Potter Jr. not only beat the world’s best player, a former No. 1 and a Hall of Famer. Even better, he did it during a round that bogged down badly at the end, providing more time to take in the views and terrible places his golf ball could go.
Jason Day took an interesting path to par at Pebble Beach’s 18th. His emotional post-round interview helped make up for an oddly dull final round given the many interesting contenders.
Nick Faldo’s ace at the 7th, Nantz National Golf Links, has gone viral. As it should!
Kevin Streelman and Larry Fitzgerald won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am at -29. Fitzgerald certainly took advantage of his 13 handicap in the grand tradition of other former winners.
Bryson DeChambeau posted a stellar shot of Cypress Point's 15th.
5,158 Likes, 17 Comments - PGA TOUR (@pgatour) on Instagram: "With rounds of 68, 71, 62, & 69, Ted Potter, Jr. is the @attproam champion! 🏆"
13.6k Likes, 268 Comments - Golf Gods (@golf_gods) on Instagram: "Nick Faldo hits an ace at Jim Nantz's backyard re-creation of Pebble Beach's 7th hole! 🙌 🎥 -..."
5,755 Likes, 74 Comments - Bryson DeChambeau (@brysondechambeau) on Instagram: "Some days are better than others. This was a solid one! Looking forward to a good day tomorrow...."
Instagram: Larry The Cable Guy, Karrinyup, Snow In France, Nantz And The Danger Of Recovery Shots
/Larry The Cable Guy and Colt Ford appropriately broke in the silly new flower bed on Pebble Beach's 8th.
The bunkers are Lake Karrinyup Country Club, host of this week’s European Tour event, look sensational. Renovation work by OCCM Design.
The 2018 Ryder Cup venue looks so peaceful with snow. Things won’t be so calm in September.
Jim Nantz broadcasts himself playing his backyard 7th hole at Pebble Beach.
Finally, remember that lakes are silty.
252 Likes, 10 Comments - AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am (@attproam) on Instagram: "If you're looking for a good laugh today... @gitrdonegram @coltfordmusic"
731 Likes, 4 Comments - European Tour (@europeantour) on Instagram: "Rise and shine, Australia. ☀️#WS6Perth"
2,243 Likes, 42 Comments - Ryder Cup Europe (@rydercupteameurope) on Instagram: "Chilly day in Paris ❄️🇫🇷 #RyderCup #TeamEurope"
907 Likes, 42 Comments - Andrew Perloff (@andrewperloff) on Instagram: "Jim Nantz goes for winning shot in tournament we held in his backyard."
35 Likes, 14 Comments - Back Nine Golf™️ (@backnin9golf) on Instagram: "A swing and a miss. This isn't a triathlon"
Golf Instagram: Cypress Point, Hogan At The Crosby, An Alarming Fashion Trend And A Wild Trick Shot
/Luke Donald played the 16th at Cypress Point. Some of his peers heckled him in the comment section.
Ben Hogan tees off on Pebble Beach’s 18th during the Crosby. Guess he wasn’t bothered by people getting too close or standing in the landing area.
Floral prints apparently are the new...stripes? There's a sense they'll be big in the golf shirt world in 2018. Consider yourself more than adequately warned.
Mathias Schjoelberg shows off the strongest hands in golf again, and this time holes out.
4,869 Likes, 180 Comments - @lukedonald on Instagram: "Cypress Point is my all time favourite place to play in the world, it just doesn't get any better..."
279 Likes, 10 Comments - Ben Hogan Golf (@benhogangolf) on Instagram: "Besides the gallery on the left in 1951, what looks different on 18 at Pebble? @attproam..."
63 Likes, 3 Comments - GolfThreads Blog (@golfthreadsblog) on Instagram: "Prints continue to be one the strongest trends in golf fashion. 👉📱Follow the link in our profile as..."
765 Likes, 32 Comments - Mathias Schjoelberg (@mathiasschjoelberg) on Instagram: "The happy hump day pop🐪🦁 @leovegassport @leovegassverige . . . @golf_gods @golfballed..."
Good Day Of Golf On Instagram: Pebble, Shepard, Braid, Carnoustie With Snow And Perth's Tee Markers
/We’re going to see plenty of daytime Pebble Beach this week given the stunning weather, so I’m glad the PGA Tour posted a DJ Piehowski nighttime image from 2016 showing the 7th green.
Driving range bags at Bear's Club note your major wins and if you don’t have a Grand Slam trophy? You still get our name, your ball preference and your place next to the big winners.
Carnoustie got a nice dusting of snow. Hopefully no dustings of fertilizers for this year’s hosting of The Open Championship.
On February 6, 1971, Alan Shepard hit a golf ball on the moon with a specially made club that is on display at the USGA Museum. Look at the thought that went into this contraption!
February 6th was also James Braid’s birthday…in 1870. Second from the right. Five-time winner of The Open.
There should be extra stiff fines for any European Tour player who takes out his rage on this week’s ISPS Handa tee markers.
8,440 Likes, 40 Comments - PGA TOUR (@pgatour) on Instagram: "Sleep tight, golf fans. 🌌"
3,619 Likes, 44 Comments - Jack Nicklaus (@jacknicklaus) on Instagram: "With 30 Tour pros as members of The Bear's Club, you can tell at the range that we are definitely..."
1,634 Likes, 14 Comments - The Open (@theopen) on Instagram: "Home of The 147th Open @carnoustiegolflinks has a dusting of snow today, but don't worry it doesn't..."
641 Likes, 8 Comments - United States Golf Association (@usga) on Instagram: "One small step for man, one giant leap for the game we all love! On February 6, 1971, Alan Shepard..."
1,702 Likes, 13 Comments - The Open (@theopen) on Instagram: "On this day in 1870, five-time Open Champion James Braid was born. 📸 L-R is Harry Vardon, Ted Ray,..."
958 Likes, 7 Comments - European Tour (@europeantour) on Instagram: "This week's tee markers.👌 #WS6Perth"
A Few Instagrams As Pebble Beach Week Kicks Off, 2-5-18
/The weather forecast is sublime for this week’s AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. Apologies to those hoping America’s elite got rained on all week.
For reasons unclear, there is a sizable gold-brick of a flower bed off the 8th tee at Pebble Beach. Maybe it’s a placeholder for the restoration of Chandler Egan’s imitation sand dunes? Natural, it does not look.
Lee Westwood photographed one of the world’s most venomous snakes, a King Brown, when it appeared on the Lake Karrinyup CC range where he’s getting ready for the European Tour’s ISPS Hander World Super 6 in Perth.
For those still suffering a Super Bowl hangover, The Onion addresses the difficult conversation many football fathers are having with their sons...about what it means to control the ball long enough to be deemed a runner.
1,328 Likes, 10 Comments - Pebble Beach Resorts (@pebblebeachresorts) on Instagram: "It's @attproam week! 🎉🙌 Joining us? Be sure to use #mypebblebeach so we can share your favorite..."
4,597 Likes, 49 Comments - @chrisodonnell on Instagram: "Number 8 showing some color this year. #attpebblebeach @attproam"
934 Likes, 63 Comments - Lee Westwood (@westwood_lee) on Instagram: "🐍 a King Brown mooching about on the range 🏌🏽♂️ Think I'll take a ☕️break! #4thdeadliest"
10.1k Likes, 186 Comments - The Onion (@theonion) on Instagram: ""God, this so awkward, he was watching the Super Bowl last night, and now he has so many questions..."
The Best Of Golf Instagram, Super Bowl Weekend 2-4-19
/Matt Kuchar almost brought the house down with a Waste Management Open ace at 16 Sunday.
Nick Price sitting in his first USGA Annual Meeting as a member of the Executive Committee with a grin that can only say, "what have I gotten myself into?" I view this as legitimate punishment for skipping the last two World Golf Hall of Fame ceremonies.
A side view of Pebble Beach's 17th after Chandler Egan and Robert Hunter's big, and still-largely-uncredited-during-AT&T-week renovation. The work took place prior to the 1929 U.S. Amateur and introduced strategy and naturalness to the course.
Who says dogs can't see what's on TV?
17k Likes, 160 Comments - PGA TOUR (@pgatour) on Instagram: ""Kuuuuuuuuuuuuch!!!" - Fans at the 16th hole."
652 Likes, 2 Comments - United States Golf Association (@usga) on Instagram: "Honored to welcome three-time major champion and World @golfhalloffame member Nick Price to the..."
86 Likes, 12 Comments - Jay Revell (@jdrevell) on Instagram: "#tbt The 17th green at @pebblebeachresorts from the time of Chandler Egan and Robert Hunter. Egan..."
5,815 Likes, 724 Comments - 멍지네 (@mongji_mom) on Instagram: ". . 피자 한판 시켜야겠네... . 저 선수들은 모르겠지? 가온이가 수도없이 뽀뽀하고 있다는걸... . 가온이가 농구 보는 모습이 재미있게 보였는지 미국 지역방송에도..."
Random Weekend Fun On Instagram: 1-21-18
/Tommy Fleetwood picked up where he left off in 2017 by defending in Abu Dhabi. Love the passion in this image.
Sergio Garcia won the Singapore Open in the first asking with an all new bag of Callaways, including the Chrome Soft X and new Toulon putter.
The Euros are feeling better about their prospects at the Ryder Cup already, counting down the days after wins by Rahm, Fleetwood and Garcia to kick off the year.
Sugarloaf Social Club posted a fun hipsters treasure map to the PGA Show floor.
Jack Nicklaus turned 78 and the PGA Tour posted the best gallery of images capturing the birthday boy.
And I want to be 3 years old again.
11.5k Likes, 56 Comments - European Tour (@europeantour) on Instagram: "He's done it again 👊🏻 @tommyfleetwood_1"
18.4k Likes, 236 Comments - Sergio Garcia (@thesergiogarcia) on Instagram: "Couldn't ask for a better start to the year than winning the #SingOpen2018 with the new..."
2,263 Likes, 49 Comments - Ryder Cup Team Europe (@rydercupteameurope) on Instagram: "🗓 Tick tock...⠀ #RyderCup #TeamEurope"
223 Likes, 13 Comments - Sugarloaf (@sugarloafsocialclub) on Instagram: "⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Like a treasure map, but for golf prom."
12.1k Likes, 39 Comments - PGA TOUR (@pgatour) on Instagram: "⏩Swipe thru ⏩ 10 rarely seen photos of the man they call the Golden Bear. Happy birthday..."
131 Likes, 12 Comments - Dennis Sales Golf (@dennissalesgolf) on Instagram: "Which way to the golf course? Never to young to start driving a golf cart."
The Last Two Days In Golf Instagram, 1-20-18
/Gary and Vivian Player are celebrating 61 years of marriage. She's a saint!
Another swell drone view of a desert course hosting this week’s CareerBuilder Challenge.
Jordan Spieth’s been plugging phase two of his Under Armour shoes, with media from Shadow Creek and Top Golf Las Vegas.
They’re piling up Christmas trees to restore dunes in St. Andrews. Go figure.
A nifty trick shot, though not original, impressive given the tightness of the lie.
4,510 Likes, 143 Comments - Gary Player (@gary.player) on Instagram: "Celebrating 61 years of marriage today with my special sweetheart. I asked her to marry me when I..."
562 Likes, 6 Comments - Channing Benjamin ⛳ (@channingbenjaminphotography) on Instagram: "Challenging Lies ⛳ (📸@channingbenjaminphotography) PGA West Stadium Course (Hole 2)"
4,148 Likes, 17 Comments - Under Armour Golf (@uagolf) on Instagram: "When the sun sets, the lights go up @topgolflasvegas. #Spieth2 #TeamUA"
208 Likes, 2 Comments - St Andrews Links (@thehomeofgolf) on Instagram: "Don't fix what's not broken. The 'old trees for new dunes' initiative was a roaring success again..."
807 Likes, 42 Comments - The Golfing Thing (@thegolfingthing) on Instagram: "Tag someone who would skull this shot 150 yards #golfing #golfer #pga #golfcourse #instagolf..."
Best Of Golf I Saw On Instagram, 1-18-18
/Grayson Murray slid down the PGA West Stadium's 16th face, and nearly tested the surface with his landing and club.
A 13-year-old named Oscar Murphy took down Dustin Johnson in the European Tour's Beat the Pro Challenge and got to play with his hero Rory McIlroy in Abu Dhabi. Look at the composure!
The time the Bryan Bros played Augusta National with the late chairman Hootie Johnson. Wesley Bryan makes his Masters debut this year.
And Fraserburgh in the snow.
20.1k Likes, 267 Comments - PGA TOUR (@pgatour) on Instagram: "We're all kids at heart. ❤️"
10.9k Likes, 143 Comments - European Tour (@europeantour) on Instagram: "Dreams do come true... 👀 13 year old Oscar Murphy takes down World Number One Dustin Johnson in..."
3,257 Likes, 25 Comments - Bryan Bros Golf (@bryanbrosgolf) on Instagram: "Here is a picture from when we played Augusta National 10 years ago. Crazy that in less then 3..."
36 Likes, 3 Comments - Fraserburgh Golf Links (@fraserburghgolf) on Instagram: "Firm fairways this morning ❄️"
