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

April 01, 2014

Donald Trump Closing In On Bandon Dunes Purchase

April 01, 2014/ Geoff Shackelford

Donald Trump has been spotted landing his west coast helicopter ("Pacific Gales") at Bandon Dunes Resort twice in the last month with Bandon founder Mike Keiser seen talking to Trump. The trips have prompted speculation that the two developers were discussing an arrangement. When contacted by cell phone, Trump initially denied the report, then confirmed that an outright purchase of the golf resort was the end goal.

"Mike and I have had great conversations, terrific conversations really," Trump said when reached for comment. "I've made an offer. He's talked all about the retail golfer. I've told him I don't know what the hell that is. So we've agreed to talk some more and I think I'll have something soon to tell you about."

Trump said Keiser initially showed little interest in selling the resort and that the two have philosophic differences about golf. However, Trump says Keiser has come around to his way of thinking.

"I showed him video of one of Saddam Hussein's old palaces," Trump said. "You know, before we bombed the *&^% out of it with a real President in the White House. Keiser really liked the use of gold trim on the toilet seats and especially the gold-plated sink stoppers. Did you know they don't even have sink stoppers in the rooms at Bandon? It's a dump, let's be honest. I'll put some money into the place and make it the greatest resort on an ocean in the world, outside of Trump International Scotland. It'll be way better than Pebble Beach, St. Andrews, anything you can think of really. Except Trump International Scotland."

Trump would not speculate on the name, then did just that.

"Trump National Pacific Gailes sounds great doesn't it?" the developer asked. "I mean, Bandon Dunes is fine, it's a nice brand, but what I can bring will elevate it to another level and a name change just makes sense. Stay tuned."

Keiser could not be reached for comment.

Real estate analysts contacted value the resort at well over $200 million.

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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