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
No Laying Up Pod: The Ode To The Old Course
/I’m honored to have joined others in this No Laying Up pod discussing the Old Course.
Check it out wherever you do your listening!
SOG 122: Enough LIV, Time To Talk the Old Course
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Rainbow at the 2015 Open (Geoff Shackelford)
It won't go away but LIV Golf and all its implications can take a back seat for the next two weeks as golf hopefully celebrates everything good about the game with an Open Championship at the Old Course.
Come along as Rod Morri, Mike Clayton and yours truly talk all things St Andrews.
Here is the Apple podcast option.
The State of the Game page where you can get links to your favorite podcast players.
R&A Warns: Don't Take ScotRail To The 150th Open
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On the 150th Open’s eve, the R&A is asking fans who planned to attend by rail to find other means of getting to St Andrews. This is a result of its on-going dispute between ScotRail and train drivers.
Last month Willie Rennie warned of the need for a contingency plan in this scenario.
Here is what the R&A sent to ticketholders:
Dear Ticketholder,
We are contacting you to provide an important update and guidance regarding travel to and from The 150th Open at St Andrews on 10-17 July.
Based on information we received at the start of this week and in order to minimise disruption for fans, unfortunately we have to advise all ticket holders that they should not travel by rail using ScotRail services to and from Leuchars when attending The Open each day.
All ticket holders should travel by road or use alternative public transport.
This is due to circumstances not in our control in which ScotRail will continue to operate a reduced timetable on the dates of the Championship as a result of its on-going dispute with ASLEF members (train drivers).
We cannot guarantee that fans using rail services will be able to get to and from Leuchars without disruption. There is a risk that fans who travel by train may find there are no services to get them home.
If you have purchased GolfLink tickets, you should contact ScotRail for a refund.
We are increasing capacity at our Park and Ride facilities to cater for more vehicles using the road network. We strongly recommend that fans purchase Park and Ride tickets in advance to minimise waiting times and to take advantage of a £5 discount.
If you are travelling by road for The Open, you should expect longer journey times and delays due to increased traffic and plan ahead for these.
All drivers should follow the directional AA road signage in place on designated routes for accessing the Park and Ride facilities and not use satnav or equivalent devices. Designated routes are being prioritised by Police Scotland and other traffic management measures to ensure everyone has the smoothest journey possible.
Alternative public transport, including buses and taxis, is available for fans to use. Local bus services are complemented by an express network that connects St Andrews with Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Cupar and Glenrothes. More information on bus services can be found via Stagecoach and Moffat and Williamson.
A designated taxi rank and private hire drop off/pick-up area will be in operation and is located at Petheram Bridge within walking distance of the course.
We appreciate that some fans will be disappointed with this update and that the resulting situation, not of our making, is less than ideal, but we wish to reassure you that we are doing all that we can to ensure your experience of attending The Open is a memorable one.
Please visit TheOpen.com for more information.
Kind Regards,
The R&A Ticket Office
Golf In Scotland (In The Black & White Era): Q&A With Steve Finan
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The Amazon US link.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Golf-Scotland-Black-White-Era/dp/1845359003/geoffshacke07-20
https://www.dcthomsonshop.co.uk/gifts/golf-gifts
Quadrilateral: Major(s) News & Notes, June 30th, 2022
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The Open nears and a key prognosticating angle surfaces. Details at 11!
In case you aren’t aware, The Quadrilateral is a year-round place for coverage of the events that matter and free of Strategic Alliances or dirty dictator money. It’s going to be an exciting month or so with links season and everything else in the game.
