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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Amazon Australia

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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

July 13, 2010

2010 Golf Graduation Ceremony, University of St. Andrews

July 13, 2010/ Geoff Shackelford

Watson, Palmer and Harrington, not backed by Luca Brazi, but instead, Peter Alliss over Palmer's shoulder (Click to enlarge)I was lucky enough to drive by Younger Hall this week and see where Bobby Jones accepted the Freedom of the City and delivered the greatest impromptu speech in the game's history. Even luckier to get inside to see this hallowed ground, and still more fortunate to have a ticket to today's "Golf Graduation Ceremony" whereupon Honorary Degrees were bestowed upon Padraig Harrington, Arnold Palmer and Tom Watson, along with honorary R&A professional Jim Farmer and Richemont CEO Johann Rupert.

Besides all of the expected pomp, circumstance and inevitable throat lumps when The King got choked up over the outpouring of affection from the packed house, the ceremony included lovely performances by the St. Salavator's Chapel Choir and in a moment of good fortune, a rare chance to brush up on my Latin and an early tour through the history of the game delivered by St. Andrews Principal Dr. Louise Richardson, who mercifully cut things off sometime before the Gutta was introduced in favor of allowing the patient and well-behaved crowd a chance to see their legends take the Academic Procession to the streets.

A few images from the day, click on them 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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