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

March 07, 2016

First Rio Test Event Pictures Surfacing!

March 07, 2016/ Geoff Shackelford

As much as I'd love to be watching the golf played this week in Rio, the Olympic test event is best played in semi-privacy with the big reveal coming this August.

Still, with luminaries assembling in Rio to watch the Strapffs and Barcellos' of the world test out Gil Hanse's Rio Olympic course (Bob Harig explains), we have to at least enjoy the driplets appearing on social media.

From Alexandre Rocha showing the course with a mini-review:

First look at the Olympic Course in Rio today. Didn't get to play but walked all 18 holes. Let's just say that the World is in for a treat in August...Gil Hanse did an amazing job! The place is brand new and yet it looks like it's been here forever. Long, fast greens, plenty of bunkers and a bit of a raw look that reminds me of golf in the British Isles. Did I mention hard?! Really hard!

A photo posted by Alexandre Rocha (@alexrochagolf) on Mar 7, 2016 at 1:15pm PST

A couple more looks at the beautiful course. Can't wait to get started tomorrow... I've been told I will be given the honor of hitting the very first shot ever tomorrow as I will be the first to hit on the first group. I can't describe how thankful I am with this opportunity. #rio2016🇧🇷 #HailState

A photo posted by Alexandre Rocha (@alexrochagolf) on Mar 7, 2016 at 1:18pm PST

Big stars are racking up major miles!

I'm in great company here next to two of Golf's biggest personalities. In the white shirt is Mr. Mike Davis, Executive Director & CEO of the USGA and wearing the navy blue hat and kaki pants is Gil Hanse, Olympic Course architect.

A photo posted by Alexandre Rocha (@alexrochagolf) on Mar 7, 2016 at 1:37pm PST

The one and only Instagram post from Olympic golf Rio. So far:

The setting for golf's return to the Olympic Games this August. #olympics #olympicgolf #golf #rio2016 #riodejaneiro #2016olympics #golfcourse

A photo posted by Olympic Golf (@olympicgolf2016) on Mar 1, 2016 at 12:31pm PST

My chat with Gary Williams on Morning Drive explaining why it's a better scenario not to see the "test event" on TV with stars this week:

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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Labor Day Sunday sunset shots, in reverse order. Today saw the highest recorded temperature in LA County. 🥵

Better than most sunset

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!

@tigerwoods practicing at Harding Park, 2020 @pgachampionship Monday. He looks focused and flexible. Watch the first shot, his tee ball on the 4th with such a full throttle swing he had a bit of a Greg Norman follow-through. With an unfriendly breeze

Unorthodox at the (almost) top, Classic at the finish. @matthew_wolff5 @thegenesisinv

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