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
Analyzing Augusta National During Its Mid-Summer Surgery
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13th green, August 2021 (Eureka Earth)
Quadrilateral: The Drive To Produce Major Content
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Plus a quick roundup and links to The Open Final Qualifying results.
This one’s for all but if you like what you see, signing up is free.
Here is the R&A’s produced piece on Sam Forgan, who made it through qualifying to reach Royal St George’s.
A New Tee On Augusta National's 505-Yard Par-4 11th?
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Eureka Earth has posted another photo of the major work taking place to sand-cap and update Augusta National, with the latest view showing what appears to be the start of a new back tee at the 11th hole (very upper right corner of Eureka’s image).
Currently 505 yards, a more cynical mind might conclude the club is not expecting a distance rollback any time soon.
Another View Of Changes To Augusta National's 11th
/Looks like two trees remain judging by the well around them and the sand-capping work happening on the rest of the hole. Certainly progress in terms of restoring the old hole width and likely to produce some daring recovery shots. Not as far as some would go but this is exciting!
They're Just Doing All Sorts Of Things Down At Augusta National, Big Changes Coming To 11 And 15?
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Eureka Earth has posted new images of work taking place that could have a huge impact on future Masters.
First off, it would appear the long-term thoughts of a back tee on 13 remain alive and well, as some tree planting work appears to be going on with the long term in mind:
But the big ticket item: what appears to be a new back tee on the 15th hole based on the long platform extending into the 11th. Plus lots of sandcapping work elsewhere in the vicinity, including possibly around the 14th green.
The 11th tee shot will be impacted by this new tee, but barring new plantings or old ones coming back—it’s Augusta National after all—it looks like there is a dwindling tree population down the right side compared to the 2019 view below. I can’t quite figure out the carry number to get past the clump of pines remaining, but it would appear drives of a certain distance will be met with a much wider landing area.
I’m trying to contain my excitement until we know more but this is…exciting, unless trees are sitting in boxes just out of view.
2019 Google Earth view of the same area:
Some Intriguing Work Taking Place At Augusta National
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Eureka Earth posted photos of a new pro shop under construction but that won’t mean much unless you’re a member or guest.
But this latest post of work on the 15th and 17th is noteworthy because (A) they are not taking some of the Hootie-era anti-Jones/MacKenzie tree plantings out, and (B) some large areas of turf were removed. Most interesting may be what appears to be pretty significant shaping equipment in the 15th hole landing area and the 17th green looking like it’s set for re-grassing.
My guess? Instead of taking out the Hootie-era trees down the right, the landing area is getting softened to not send a good drive behind the left pines. Or it may be a less sexy thing like sand-capping the landing area and installing SubAir under the spectator walkway.
Wednesday Notes, Final Handicapping Roundup And Your 2021 Masters Viewing Guide
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The team over at The Quadrilateral had a busy Wednesday and a few software issues.
But in a nutshell all of the editions are available to subscribers, paying folks and even a spot for those who don’t want something free delivered once a week via The Quad’s Substack page.
Wednesday’s editions:
Final prognosticating tools, notes and fun prop bet analysis.
Happy Masters Thursday everyone!
Quadrilateral: It's A Fast And Firm Monday
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A fun and busy Monday at Augusta meant a wide range of notes, with a huge emphasis on player praise for a much better golf course than they played in November.
Sorry, but you probably know the drill by now. This one’s for paying subscribers. Thanks for understanding.
Thursday’s edition will go to all followers of The Quadrilateral though so sign on up!
Senator Rubio Asks If Commissioner Manfred Will Keep His Augusta National Membership
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One danger of wearing your Green Coat around Masters week: tipping the world to your membership in Augusta National.
I’m not sure I would have known Major League Baseball Commissioner was a member had he not been in green and who knows how Senator Marco Rubio became aware. But in the wake of MLB pulling its All-Star game from Georgia, the Senator from Florida is very upset at “woke corporate virtue signaling” and would like to know if it’ll extend to the Commissioner’s golf. (Apparently because Rubio’s state is next to Georgia’s he’s taken a keen interest in the matter.)
The full letter:
Masters Quietly Offers First-Ever Glamping Experience In 2021
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Google Earth view of Camp Masters
Not many people get to spend the night on the grounds of the 2021 Masters.
Few enjoy the privilege besides member accommodations in familiar cabins named after former Presidents, and the lucky amateurs choosing the Crow’s Nest.
But now Augusta National is offering its first ever “glamping” experience for select guests as part of the super-exclusive Berckmans Place hospitality operation. The glorified camping concept appears born out of the pandemic and allows lucky guests to pay a premium price for overnighting on the grounds of Augusta National.
In a prospectus obtained by GeoffShackelford.com, staging for the Berckmans Place glamp site is just beyond the 12th green on newly acquired land from Augusta Country Club. Club sources say the revenues will help pay for the expensive land acquisition.
Here is the document detailing the Camp Masters offering. No price is listed.
Augusta National Women’s Amateur: In Future Years Practice Rounds May Be Played Following Tournament’s Conclusion
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Always looking to fine tune their approach, the committee charged with running the Augusta National Women’s Amateur is considering moving the tournament’s practice round to a different day.
Currently, the “ANWA” underway near Augusta plays two competitive rounds at Champions Retreat and a 36-hole cut is made. The tournament is then stopped to allow the entire field a practice round at Augusta National whether or not the player has made it to Saturday’s final round.
The unusual tournament structure was created to avoid a club tradition.
“Johnny Harris has a popular Scotch foursomes game on Wednesday’s,” said a club source. “So moving the practice round to before the tournament just isn’t in the cards. Speaking of which, Trophy Room card games are also a big part of Mr. Harris’s Wednesday game.”
While playing the practice round after a winner has been decided might seem peculiar, sources within the club think it could make for great television despite the excitement created at the inaugural ANWA where Maria Fassi and Jennifer Kupcho dueled.
“The Club has looked at how the Par-3 Contest has turned into a family affair,” said the source. “Seeing the women smiling in a more relaxed setting and charting the greens could really grow the women’s game.”
Behind The Scenes Doc: ESPN Debuts "The One in November"
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ESPN is debuting "The One in November," billed as a “first-ever look behind the scenes” at Augusta National Golf Club” in advance of 2020 Masters tournament.
The 30-minute doc debuts Tuesday, March 16, at 7 p.m. ET. and has several more airings to come, including an ABC showing the Saturday prior to the Masters.
The pitch:
The 2020 edition of the Masters was unprecedented. Postponed to November from its traditional April dates and staged with no patrons for the first time in its history, the Masters overcame numerous new challenges in making the annual, world-class event a reality during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The film chronicles the days leading into the Tournament, following those on the grounds who are responsible for planning and executing a renowned and unprecedented sporting event. Viewers will see and hear from officials and executives from the organization, who offer a rare glimpse into their roles in preparing for the Masters.
Viewers also will see Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, honor Lee Elder, who was first Black man to compete in the Masters in 1975. Ridley announces Elder’s inclusion as an Honorary Starter at the 2021 Masters and the creation of the Lee Elder Scholarships at Paine College in Augusta. Other storylines include Cameron Champ’s experience as a first-time player in the Tournament, as well as preparations for the traditional Champions Dinner hosted by 2019 Masters champion Tiger Woods.
The film was produced by Augusta National Golf Club in association with Boardwalk Pictures. A preview wasn’t quite what I expected as behind-the-scenes intrigue, but it’s something different for sure…
Major(s) Notes, March 11, 2011
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This week we learned Augusta National’s tax bill, major concerns for two major favorites, horrifying Masters radio news and a progressive maintenance plan for the U.S. Women's Open.
2022 Drive, Chip And Putt Registration Opens, Stellar Set Of Regional Sites Await
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Parents and kids you probably know the drill by now: create an account and sign up for the next Drive, Chip and Putt in 2022.
And because it’s the world we live in, they’ve added Health and Safety Guidelines to read up on. But it’s all worth the opportunity to get to Augusta National or even the regional finals.
Now about the competition: Subregional, Regional and National Finals are again part of the equation.
Once again the USGA, PGA of America and Augusta National Golf Club have secured some amazing venues for the Regional Finals. So even if a trip to Augusta doesn’t happen, just making the Regional final will expose the youngsters to a very special place in the game. And Quail Hollow too.
From the DCP press release:
These regional venues, featuring several USGA and PGA Championship sites, include: Medinah Country Club, Oak Hill Country Club, Colorado Golf Club, Quail Hollow Club, TPC River Highlands, Pebble Beach Golf Links, TPC Scottsdale, Alotian Club, The Bear’s Club and Oakland Hills Country Club.
Saturday, September 11 | Medinah Country Club (Site of four USGA championships, including three U.S. Opens; and host of two PGA Championships and the 2012 Ryder Cup)
Sunday, September 19 | Oak Hill Country Club (Site of six USGA championships, including three U.S. Opens; and host of three PGA Championships, the 1995 Ryder Cup and two KitchenAid Senior PGA Championships. Oak Hill will also host the 2023 PGA Championship)
Sunday, September 19 | Colorado Golf Club (Site of the 2019 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship and 2010 Senior PGA Championship)
Saturday, September 25 | Quail Hollow Club (Site of the 2017 PGA Championship and the host of the 2025 PGA Championship)
Poor Presidents Cup.
Sunday, September 26 | TPC River Highlands (Site of the Travelers Championship)
Sunday, September 26 | Pebble Beach Golf Links (Site of 13 USGA championships, including six U.S. Opens, and the future site of the 2023 U.S. Women’s Open and 2027 U.S. Open; and host of the 1977 PGA Championship)
Sunday, September 26 | TPC Scottsdale (Site of the Waste Management Phoenix Open)
Saturday, October 2 | Alotian Club (Site of the 2013 Western Amateur Championship and 2019 Arnold Palmer Cup)
Sunday, October 3 | The Bear’s Club (Founded December 31, 1999 by Jack and Barbara Nicklaus)
Saturday, October 16 | Oakland Hills Country Club (Site of 11 USGA championships, including six U.S. Opens; and host of three PGA Championships and the 2004 Ryder Cup)
