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

March 11, 2015

One Southern California Course Closes, One Opens (Again)

March 11, 2015/ Geoff Shackelford

Montesoro Golf & Social Club, once known as Rams Hill, has reopened after the beloved-by-all-who-played-it eastern San Diego County course closed due to water issues. Taking its placed on the inactive list is Malibu Golf Club, sitting on old Bob Hope-owned-acreage between the Pacific Ocean and Thousand Oaks, California.

Tod Leonard with the good news on the old Rams Hill (thanks reader Scott), bought for just $842,000 by investor and golf fan Bill Berkley, and resurrected for $10 million after the prior owners allowed the course to go to seed and sold off the irrigation heads.

Why would Berkley invest in such a troubled property?

“It’s just a very, very special place,” Berkley said. “If you play golf here, especially at dusk, and you look up at the shadows on the mountains, it’s such a beautiful backdrop.

“When I leave San Diego, I want to get out of the city and put that in my rear view mirror. Borrego gives you that. It’s those things, combined with a fabulous golf course that I think is one of the best in San Diego County.”

Samantha Masunaga of the LA Times reports on the closing of Malibu Golf Club, an 18-hole public course that has gone through various iterations, owners and visions for the future. The current ownership group filed for bankruptcy after severely over...something.

In its filing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in the central district of California, Malibu Associates said it had about $76 million in assets and about $47 million in liabilities. The club, which the company acquired in 2006, was valued at $75.9 million, according to the filing.

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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