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

November 29, 2011

Another Course For Tasmania?

November 29, 2011/ Geoff Shackelford

David Fleming reports on the unveiling of plans to eventually develop a new course on the other side of Tasmania near Hobart, developed in part by professional golfer Mat Goggin (headed back to the PGA Tour in '12) and to be designed by Ogilvy/Clayton.

Recently the Mat Goggin Foundation received State Government approval to prepare a master plan for a 300ha parcel of heath/links land on the eastern side of Seven Mile Beach.

A member of nearby Royal Hobart Golf Club in his younger days, Goggin would often go to a takeaway shop, the Oasis, at Seven Mile Beach.

"I'd look at the area and think what a great spot for a development such as a golf course," he said yesterday.

"It is easy terrain to make a great golf course, and we intend to take a minimalistic approach.

"We want to show respect to the natural landscape.

"This place has got unique topography and undulations and we believe we can make a world-class course.

"We have got a two-year window to prepare a master plan and we want to make sure we do all the proper groundwork, such as consulting with the local community and attaining all the necessary approvals."

The course will be designed by world-renowned golf course architect and veteran Australian golfer Mike Clayton, of Ogilvy/Clayton Golf Course Design.

You can see an overhead of the site in this press conference preview story from a couple of days ago.

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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