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

May 31, 2011

Video: The Runaway Golf Cart

May 31, 2011/ Geoff Shackelford

Now before you watch this YouTube video and laugh because no one was hurt and because it's funny, I have a confession to make.

It was the 1992 Champions Tour event at Rancho Park, then known as the Senior Tour and the tournament title was the Security Pacific Classic. I was looping for DeWitt Weaver, a super guy and long hitter. Before we teed off in the first round, about five drops of rain fell and DeWitt sent me to the car to get an elaborately designed, heavy plastic tarp that covered the entire cart, complete with loose flaps covering the entry point to the seating area. Needless to say, as it was my first caddying gig in a professional event, trying to put this silly thing on one of Rancho's dated carts just 15 minutes before the tee time was not fun.

Anyway, DeWitt finally got the heavy white plastic cover on and while the rain never materialized, I had to contend with this plastic thing throughout the front nine while he walked the fairways. I could not strap the clubs on the back, so I was constantly getting in and out of the cart, trying not to get the clubs tangled in the cover flap. After we finished play on the seventh hole, I was driving the cart up the hill toward the eighth tee behind defending champion John Brodie. As he parked and got out to hit his tee ball, my foot got tangled in the door cover portion of the plastic cover and I could not hit the brake. I nearly ran over the football legend.

Thankfully, he just thought I was a bad cart driver and no one really seemed to notice, but I'd managed to block out memories of the day I almost killed John Brodie. Until today, watching this European Ladies Tour posted video...

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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Thanks to @collin_morikawa for capping off a great week in style with the lowest final 36 holes in major history, and to the @pga and @pgatour for putting on a safe, well orchestrated week in tough circumstances. Nice of @stephencurry30 to stop by fo

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