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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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

November 13, 2008

Ben and Bill Design To Get A Major?

November 13, 2008/ Geoff Shackelford

So says Greg Henry of the Denver branch of Examiner.com.

Speculation is that the PGA of America will announce it will hold a PGA Championship, the last of golf's four major tournaments, at the new Colorado Golf Club course in Parker, Examiner.com has learned.

PGA of America CEO Joe Steranka and Mike McGetrick, founder and managing partner of Colorado Golf Club, will make a "big announcement" at an 11 a.m. news conference at the club on Nov. 20, according to a press release for PGA of America. The announcement also may include a date for the tournament, which is usually played in August.

Two sources confirmed the announcement would be a "big deal," but refused to elaborate.

One source, who wanted to remain anonymous said, "I'm not at liberty to say anything because I don't want to steal the thunder of the PGA of America. But Joe Steranka doesn't just fly into town for nothing."

And in case you aren't aware, it's a Coore and Crenshaw design and...

The Colorado Golf Club only opened in 2006 and its clubhouse will not be complete until next spring. But the facility already has won a number of accolades from Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, Travel & Leisure Golf and Golfweek publications. If the news is true, hosting a PGA championship will only add to the Colorado Golf Club's appeal. Several of Colorado's biggest names, including John Elway, Dave Logan and Jay Cutler, are rumored to be among the members. The club also attracts numerous national and regional business and sports leaders as members in the private club about 27 miles south of downtown Denver.

Imagine Rees, a major played on a course with collapsing bunkers! What's the world coming to?

For more on Colorado Golf Club, check out the club's website. You can also view a gallery of course images.

The PGA has yet to select a venue for 2014.

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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