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 17, 2012

The Donald Moving Forward With Second Scottish Course

November 17, 2012/ Geoff Shackelford

Daily Express writer Paula Murray reports on plans moving forward for a second course at Trump International Links near Aberdeen.

The new layout will go at the southern end of the property.

Dr Hawtree said the second course would be more “relaxed” than its “high-flying neighbour” and explore the “beauties of the land behind the dunes”. He added: “The sea of heather-clad undulations, the isolated small lochs, the network of burns and the higher ground behind this land provides fine views of the whole links.

“Not to be outdone, the second course will rise up into the dunes at the southern end and nod in acquaintance to the 4th and 5th holes of the first course.”

The new links will take shape on the vast site overlooking the North Sea. Meanwhile, Trump and his team have revealed that 10,000 people played the course during the first four months.

My math puts that at about 90 players a day from the July 10 opening to the course's closing at the end of October. Not bad for a £150 and up green fee.

Meanwhile in other Trump news, Rebecca Gray says YouTube has pulled (again) the "Donald Trump Does Bohemian Rhapsody" single for reasons unknown (not a copyright issue according to the creators).

This week, the soundtrack to the video, which was produced to highlight the bitter dispute between Trump and the residents of Aberdeenshire's Menie estate, was released as a single and there were even claims it could be a contender in the battle to become the Christmas 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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