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

October 04, 2012

Hanson Confirms That Captain Ollie Won't Be Teaching Courses On Team Communication Any Time Soon

October 04, 2012/ Geoff Shackelford

One of the great unanswered questions from the 2012 Ryder Cup: why was Peter Hanson warming up Saturday afternoon, expecting to play, only to find out 20 minutes before that he was not playing the four-balls?

It seems Captain Winning Outright Is Different Than Retaining The Cup either hadn't made up his mind or had not the near Masters winner this year he would not be playing Saturday.

From an unbylined Sky Sports report:

Asked if he spoke to Olazabal, Hanson added: "I did a little bit, but it's hard. You're part of a team and when I got notified 20 minutes before we teed off on Saturday I got very upset.

"I didn't take that very well, but I just locked myself in a dark room and stayed there for a couple of hours.
"You don't want to let your bad feelings affect the other guys. It's all about getting out there and supporting your teammates, so I was out there Saturday afternoon walking the fairways.

"I think in that respect I didn't damage the team and that was the main thing. You can't let your ego affect the rest of the team.

"I was so sure I was going to play, so I actually went out and played a couple of holes Saturday morning and did my warm up early in the day.

"When I got notified I was actually filling in the pinsheet (hole positions) in my book, so that's probably why I got so upset. I was already in game mode."

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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