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

December 01, 2016

Growing The Game Files: B-Listers Descend On Bakers Bay!

December 01, 2016/ Geoff Shackelford

You may recall the wild and crazy antics of A-listers Rickie and Jordan, joined by B-listers Smylie and Justin last spring. The sport declared an inevitable, but untraceable "grow the game" factor stemming from their semi-naked romps at Bakers Bay. The super-exclusive resort loving the free publicity and bridge to the vaunted millennials. I disagreed and certainly understood the hostile "get off my lawn" reaction, but stand by my view that it was all a bit much.

The #SB2K16 group reconvened in New York this fall to little acclaim for reasons unclear, and now the B-listers have been joined by some youthful wannabes for the "winter meetings" that no shortage of folks lauding those wild and crazy antics shared on Snapchat (and then screen-grabbed somewhat creepily wishing they could join in the fun, even though 99.9% of golf courses would eject you for the behavior).

So I ask, in the spirit of discussion: if PGA Tour players running around on a green and leaving a cake behind for others to clean up is kosher, should the sport do a little soul searching? Or at the very least, bring the stymie if all hell breaking loose is so darned cool?

Bros👬 Birdies🐥⛳️ & BirthdayCake🎂! ➡️Happy Bday @smyliekaufman10! 😂😂😂 @ccwhitsett @budcauley @francieharris @fairwayfinds @justinthomas34

A video posted by GolfBalled.com (@golfballed) on Nov 30, 2016 at 11:49am PST

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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Thanks to @collin_morikawa for capping off a great week in style with the lowest final 36 holes in major history, and to the @pga and @pgatour for putting on a safe, well orchestrated week in tough circumstances. Nice of @stephencurry30 to stop by fo

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

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