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

July 19, 2012

Rory On Freak OB Shot: "He could have headed it the other way."

July 19, 2012/ Geoff Shackelford

Deadspin has the video of Rory McIlroy "nearly decapitating" a fan, whose head sent the ball to an out-of-bounds no one knew existed.

McIlroy, who birdied 18 for a miraculous 67, took the incident in stride and even gave a clever quote according to Sportsmail Reporter's account in the Daily Mail:

Among those alongside Woods are four more major winners, namely Graeme McDowell, Ernie Els, reigning Masters champion Bubba Watson and Rory McIlroy - and that despite a double bogey on the 15th after his drive hit a spectator on the head, went 20 yards right and finished out of bounds by a few inches.

'He could have headed it the other way,' he joked before adding: 'The most important thing was that he was ok.

'I didn't realise there was out of bounds over there. I was shocked when I was told, but it's just one of those things and I thought I did well to keep my composure.'

Update on 2012-07-20 06:10 by Geoff

**Seems Rory also has put "schoolboy" Jason Blue up in a local hotel after finding out the lad had overnighted in a tent. Brian Keogh and Michael Doyle explain:

McIlroy said: “I hated the thought of him spending the night in a tent after getting that bang on the head.

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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