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)

Amazon Australia

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

“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

June 13, 2006

Book Award Renamed

June 13, 2006/ Geoff Shackelford

A nice move by the USGA...

USGA BOOK AWARD TO BE RENAMED IN HONOR OF HERBERT WARREN WIND

Far Hills, N.J. – The United States Golf Association has announced that its top literary prize, previously known as the USGA International Book Award, will be renamed in honor of famed writer Herbert Warren Wind.

The Award, which will henceforth be known as the Herbert Warren Wind Book Award, was established in 1987 to recognize and honor outstanding contributions to golf literature while attempting to broaden the public’s interest and knowledge of the game of golf. The Award is presented annually by the USGA Museum and Library Committee.

Wind, who passed away in May of 2005, is the only writer to win the USGA’s highest honor, the Bob Jones Award. He received the honor in 1995, during the Association’s centennial celebration. For nearly 30 years he was a volunteer on two USGA committees dedicated to celebrating the best values of the game: the Bob Jones Award Committee and the Museum and Library Committee. His portrait hangs in the UGSA Library, where one can also find his 14 books, countless essays and articles, and numerous introductions to reproductions of the classic literature of the game. He was a long-time essayist for both The New Yorker and Sports Illustrated. Among his many contributions to golf, he is credited with naming “Amen Corner” at Augusta National Golf Club, site of The Masters Tournament.

The first winner of the USGA Book Award was Al Barkow’s Gettin’ to the Dance Floor in 1987, and the most recent recipient was John Strege, for When War Played Through: Golf During World War II.

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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