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

October 26, 2012

Ryder Cup Spat Settled: Hanson And Ollie Make Up

October 26, 2012/ Geoff Shackelford

You may recall that Captain Communication neglected to tell Peter Hanson his playing status in Saturday afternoon's four-balls at Medinah until about 15 minutes before Hanson would have needed to be ready to go.

Hanson blasted Jose Maria Olazabal's communication skills but now the two have sat down in China and agreed where Hanson will send his Christmas card to the captain after all, reports Fatiha Betscher.

“So I do understand where Peter is coming from and the best thing is that we left Medinah as a team, a winning team, and we will still be a team.

“I don’t take his comments personal even though it was tough on him. But then it was tough on me because I would have loved the opportunity of what I did on the Friday.

“And at the end of the day we got the fantastic result we needed, so I am looking forward now to receiving that Christmas card from Peter, and many more Christmas cards.”

By the way did you know Europe did not merely retain the Ryder Cup, they won it?

That modest reminder from the Captain, who was not content with a tie due to "rules being rules," and who missed a golden opportunity for a historic sportsmanship opportunity, may surpass Monty's career total of Captain-win-reminders by...Christmas.

“The three vice-captains here, and I know Thomas (Bjorn) is not competing this week, but they knew how much it meant to me to win the Ryder Cup,” said Olazabal.

“But in the list of my achievements in my career, including my two Major wins, to win the Ryder Cup was unbelievable and it ranks Number One."

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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