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

February 25, 2010

Waste Management Thursday

February 25, 2010/ Geoff Shackelford

Walking around TPC Scottsdale Thursday I sounded like Jake and Elwood crashing through a mall avoiding the state police: "this place has got everything."

But that's what is most impressive about the Thunderbirds' presentation of the Waste Management Open: they seem to have thought of everything. The details are staggering, but it's the little stuff I love: Facing portable toilet doors away from play; little balloons alerting folks to first aid stations (you may see those on television); the sheer variety of spectating and entertainment options (Collective Soul at the Bird's Nest tonight!).

It's hard not to walk the property and wonder why every tour stop isn't here taking pages of notes. (I'm told there has been a new dynamic injected into the event by Waste Management, but more on that tomorrow.)

The 16th hole scene was a tad disappointing in that fans seemed a bit disengaged. But it's only Thursday and as Adam Schupak writes, there's more fun to come. And everything I've seen still makes it one incredible setting.

Some images from Thursday, and apologies if the sizes are off but my server is struggling a bit with resizing for some reason:

Camilo tees off No. 17 en route to an opening 62. And yes, my camera is silent. (click image to enlarge)

The 16th hole Thursday. Lots of booing or cheering all set to the sound of constant chatter (click to enlarge)The 16th hole has its own merchandise tent with hole-specific items (click to enlarge)

Doves clearly prefer rye grass seed (click to enlarge)

Charley Hoffman on the 17th...the shoes? He's not a former Oregon Duck. He's on the Waste Management payroll. (Their company colors are green and yellow.) (click to enlarge)

Player bags are stored outside the media center. And it's clear that red, black, white and yellow test well with manufacturer focus groups (click to enlarge)

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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@rorymcilroy, 15th fairway, 2020 @pgachampionship @tpchardingpark. Hoganesque!

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