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

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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

November 08, 2005

Another Look at Augusta

November 08, 2005/ Geoff Shackelford

The Atlanta Journal Constitution's Steve Hummer gets a glimpse of the new look Augusta National (easy registration req.).

The evolution of this course mirrors the evolution of the game. The pulsing conflict between course design and the design of club, ball and from-the-heels swing is being played out continually on these grounds.

Amazingly, Hummer cites the same exact Jones quotes that appeared in the breathless Scott Michaux piece that appeared Sunday. (What a coincidence!)

Note this image accompanying the story by photographer Rob Brown. It shows the trees planted on the par-4 11th. If you ever wonder why some view the tree planting so negatively (besides the obvious departure from the Jones-MacKenzie philosophy), just look at this image.

One of the greatest, most awe inspiring moments for anyone who knows anything about Augusta is the stroll down 11 fairway (or for spectators, 11 rough). Not only do you take in the view of the par-4 green, but also that much anticipated glimpse of the famous par-3 12th (so you can start thinking about it).

The open area between 11, 12 and 13 is unique and adds to their drama. Now the golfer must be down the left side of 11 or wait until after his approach has been hit to take in a full view of the 12th.

The grand, open nature added a large scale feel that only increases the intimidation factor (for some). But finding itself more enclosed, the scale has less impact.

Geoff Shackelford

Geoff Shackelford is a Senior Writer for Golfweek magazine, a weekly contributor to Golf Channel's Morning Drive, is co-host of The Ringer's ShackHouse is the author of eleven books.

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