When one comes to the quality of the bunkers and other hazards we pass into realm of much dispute and argument. Primarily bunkers should be sand bunkers purely, not composed of gravel, stones or dirt. Whether this or that bunker is well placed, has caused more intensely heated arguments outside of the realms of religion, than has ever been my lot to listen to. C.B. MACDONALD

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

March 30, 2009

The Donald Files: Madoff And Club Championship Exemption Edition

March 30, 2009/ Geoff Shackelford

Deborah Soloman interviewed Donald Trump for the NY Times Sunday magazine and besides his hilarious stuff about how well his businesses are doing, there was this on Bernie Madoff and golf:

I hear you are personally acquainted with Bernie Madoff, who visited your country club in Palm Beach.

I met Madoff a number of times at Mar-a-Lago. He loved golf, and I’d also see him at my golf club, which is nearby. One time he said to me, “Why don’t you invest with me?” I said jokingly, “No thanks, I can lose my own money.”

What do you think will happen to Ruth Madoff?

The wife should be put in jail on the other side of the hallway from him. I think she’s guilty, his sons are guilty, and I think that many of the people in the firm are guilty. He had 16,000 clients, and he’s one man. What, he’s going to send out every envelope every week?

But perhaps my all time favorite Donald anecdote I actually read right over the first time through this piece. Thankfully reader Clark didn't miss this gem from Beth Ann Baldry's note on Morgan Pressel. The italics are mine (since I missed it the first time):

Morgan Pressel has stepped onto the caddie carousel. Her longtime caddie, Jon Yarbrough, told her in the offseason that he took a job on the PGA Tour. Pressel found a replacement in Dylan Vallequette, who then quit after Singapore to head for the European Tour.

So who’s the big guy on Pressel’s bag this week? Donald Trump’s caddie, Barry Cesarz. Pressel often practices at Trump International and asked Cesarz, nicknamed “The Rock,” whether he might be interested in carrying her bag for two weeks.

Cesarz agreed, even though it meant ducking out of the club championship. Trump gets a bye in the first two rounds, putting him straight into the semifinals.

“Ownership has its privileges,” Cesarz said. “I got a better offer. He understands.”

He gives himself a bye into the semis. Now that is one special man.

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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