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

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

May 29, 2015

Podcasts! State Of The Game 56 With Koehler & More

May 29, 2015/ Geoff Shackelford

This week Terry Koehler, who is spearheading the rebirth of one of golf's most beloved equipment companies, joined Rod Morri, Mike Clayton and myself to talk about The Ben Hogan Equipment Company. He shares some "Mr. Hogan" stories and of course we talk about the state of the game. Though I'm pretty sure those who play the "roll back the ball" drinking game will be disappointed.

Longtime readers know I'm a big podcast fan, and I can't recommend enough the latest Scottish Golf Travel Podcast with Ru Macdonald, Graylyn Loomis and guest Ran Morrissett of GolfClubAtlas.com fame. Though I sensed some tongues were punctured talking about a few courses, it's still a great listen, with Ran's thoughts on Scotland and Cabot Cliffs. All the SGTP shows are worth a listen and I'm looking forward to enjoying episode 64 about one man's trip to Scotland with hickories.

Meanwhile our colleagues Lawrence Donegan and John Huggan have lured Dottie Pepper to talk to ByTheMinGolf's podcast and as always, Pepper has many great insights. Here's the iTunes link. Android users are on your own. And if you are new to the podcast world, I can't recommend Overcast enough as a one-stop app that manages your subscriptions and just works.

As for State of the Game 56, here's your MP3 link, your permalink to this show, the directory of past shows link, iTunes subscription option and the option to listen below:

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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@rorymcilroy, 15th fairway, 2020 @pgachampionship @tpchardingpark. Hoganesque!

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