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

September 18, 2010

Prescription Sleep-Aid Consortium Convenes Emergency Meetings After Golf Channel's Announcer-lite Telecast

September 18, 2010/ Geoff Shackelford

Just kidding!

I didn't watch the entire telecast because a nap was indeed induced (thanks GC!), however after a very slow start I found the announcer-lite telecast quite enjoyable.

Play featured none of the usual announce chatter and for the most part was not missed. Jerry Foltz and Curt Byrum jumped in at select times with just enough commentary to keep us aware of what was happening, a nice contrast to the annoying instruction and interview scenes. But the real star of the show was Hunter Haas, saddled with a wireless mike.

Golf Channel wisely featured him prominently both live and in a tape package that made for great entertainment, highlighted by a wild assortment of self-deprecating comments including my favorite after missing a putt: "padding those putting stats."

You can relive the day, Foltz's Tweets and many viewer comments here.

A few quibbles:

-Just a moment ago came in the form of graphics instead of a live voice. I guess it beat hearing Mark Rolfing saying it.

- We still weren't exempted from the inevitable corporate drone interview. And it was early in the telecast. Oy!

- We learned that one benefit of the NBC-Golf Channel merger could come in the form of new boom mikes. Golf Channel staffers had to get so close to the players that they were constantly in shots. That would go over real well on the PGA Tour, especially when they were standing on the wrong side of the ball. I know, I know, we're talking about former standard-bearers brought out of retirement for $25 a day, but still, this will need work if they ever get the PGA Tour's finest to cooperate.

So, if you watched, what did you think?

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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