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

December 09, 2014

Prayers Answered: Ryder Cup Task Force Meets!

December 09, 2014/ Geoff Shackelford

The Ryder Cup Task Force has pulled even in the PGA Of America Task Force Derby.

With just one more meeting of the Ryder Cup group (even a GoToMeeting confab), they will surpass March's newly-formed HackGolf/Millennial Task Force 2-to-1. **Breaking! The grow the game group met at the PGA Championship, retaining a 2-1 lead!

We know of this great mind-melding moment thanks to a Derek Sprague PGA Of America statement that suggests the meeting took place in person:

Ryder Cup Task Force Co-Chairman and PGA President Derek Sprague Statement:

“The Ryder Cup Task Force met today at PGA of America Headquarters in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. for more than four hours. It was a very productive meeting where all Task Force members were engaged in thoughtful dialogue. We discussed a wide array of issues including the selection process for Captains and Vice Captains and more. Today was the beginning of a process that is designed to create the conditions for long term Ryder Cup success. We have more work to do and look forward to gathering again to complete the work of the Task Force. Once we have significant news to report from these meetings, we will be happy to share that with you.”

Ryder Cup Task Force Members
Derek Sprague, Co-chair
Pete Bevacqua, Co-chair
Paul Levy, Vice President, PGA of America
Raymond Floyd
Rickie Fowler
Jim Furyk
Tom Lehman
Davis Love III
Phil Mickelson
Steve Stricker
Tiger Woods

You may recall that I secured the minutes to this meeting long before it even started.

As for the location of the meeting, it sounds like players called in while PGA of America brass stared at a speaker phone, ate Chinese takeout and took sips of Arnold Palmer's everytime someone mentioned Fred Couples over the four hours.

Rex Hoggard reports for GolfChannel.com.

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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Thanks to @collin_morikawa for capping off a great week in style with the lowest final 36 holes in major history, and to the @pga and @pgatour for putting on a safe, well orchestrated week in tough circumstances. Nice of @stephencurry30 to stop by fo

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