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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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

August 20, 2013

GHIN Outage: USGA Did Not Renew The GHIN.com Domain

August 20, 2013/ Geoff Shackelford

The United States Golf Association's Golf Handicap And Information Network (GHIN) was rendered inoperable on all digital platforms late last Wednesday, August 14th and all-day Thursday, August 15th. Two sources confirm the online handicap computation service and registry was out of commission because the USGA did not renew the GHIN.com website domain before the expiration date.

In a statement, the USGA says there was an issue with "auto renewal."

"The GHIN Service experienced an issue with its domain name auto-renewal process on Thursday which caused a temporary disruption in service. Appropriate action was immediately taken, and the site is fully operational. We apologize for any inconvenience and assure our customers that steps are being taken to prevent this from happening in the future."

I queried my Twitter followers and several reported getting an "unable to join network" message all day Thursday, while those using the GHIN mobile app were required to re-enter their handicap number and log-in information.

A search of GHIN.com reveals that the address was created on August 15, 1996, updated on August 15, 2013 and now expires on August 14th, 2014. In the FYI department, USGA.org and USOpen.com both expire on October 5, 2013.

Perhaps Fox Sports could supply a down payment on their new television money to help the USGA cover the two, sometimes even three-figure cost of renewing domains.

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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