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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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

April 01, 2014

Bruce Jenner Under Consideration To Become First Female Member Of The Royal & Ancient Golf Club Of St. Andrews

April 01, 2014/ Geoff Shackelford

While the expected names have surfaced in rampant speculation over who might be a leading candidate to become the first female member of the Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St. Andrews, bookmakers have quietly moved Olympian Bruce Jenner up their lists.

"We still feel the Queen is a solid choice at 4-1 after she opened at 3-1," said PaddyPower's director of international marketing, Ronan Lard. "Condoleeza has been a popular choice, which is why she's down to 6-1 after opening at 9-1. However Mr. Jenner, excuse me, the soon-to-be-Ms. Jenner, has been quite popular after he/she was seen playing golf at a charity event. The punters appear to think that having once had a penis sets her up nicely to be more relatable to the old boys at the Royal and Ancient."

Jenner has moved to co-second choice favorite with Ms. Rice at 6-1 after opening at 75-1.

Sources close to Jenner believe the southern California resident is thought to be interested in joining the Royal and Ancient should an invitation be extended. Unlike Queen Elizabeth, Jenner is an avid golfer when not filming segments for the reality smash hit, Keeping Up With The Kardashians, said to be a favorite show of R&A Chief Executive Peter Dawson. Reporters spotted season 1 and 2 DVDs of the show in Dawson's bookcase last week when the upcoming membership vote on female members was announced.

Jenner won the decathlon at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal and carries an impressive 5.3 index playing out of Sherwood Country Club.

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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