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

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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

February 11, 2014

The Donald Moves Into Ireland, Buys Doonbeg!

February 11, 2014/ Geoff Shackelford

Thanks to Brian Keogh for the post about Tony Leen's Irish Examiner report on The Donald buying Ireland's Doonbeg, renaming it Trump International Golf Links Ireland.

Keogh's report is free of about forty pop-up ads, so take your pick. From Leen's story, a good chuckle to start the day:

“I am thrilled to announce that we have purchased yet another incredible golf resort.

“From Trump National Doral, Miami to Trump International Golf Links, Scotland, known as ‘the greatest golf course in the world,’ we only have the best. Doonbeg is an already terrific property that we will make even better - it will soon be an unparalleled resort destination with the highest standards of luxury,” said Mr Trump today.

Update on 2014-02-11 19:44 by Geoff

**Jason Deegan analyzes the purchase and writes:

Doonbeg, originally developed by Kiawah Partners of South Carolina, has reportedly never turned a profit and continued to sink in debt since opening its course in 2002 and stone-laden lodge in 2006, but that didn’t deter potential buyers looking to cash in on its fabulous location and first-rate facilities.

The purchase seems to be a natural fit for Trump Golf, which continues to make headlines. Earlier this week, Trump unveiled the redesigned Blue Monster at Trump National Doral, Miami.
Doonbeg sits in a key location in the golf-rich southwest section of the Emerald Isle less than an hour’s drive from the Shannon Airport. It’s a simple half-hour’s drive to another legendary links course at Lahinch and the Cliffs of Moher, a series of stunning 700-foot seaside cliffs. The nearby village of Doonbeg provides a perfect snapshot of Irish life. Stop by Comerfords Pub for a performance of traditional Irish music. Or eat fresh seafood, the local catch from Doughmore Bay, at Morrisey’s Bar & Restaurant.

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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