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

June 08, 2016

Fox All In On Drones, Comprehensive VR At U.S. Open

June 08, 2016/ Geoff Shackelford

A couple of exciting developments from Fox Sports for those hoping to see the golf tournament coverage bar raised, as the Sahil Patel reports for Digiday (h/t Awful Announcing) that drones are a big priority at the network hosting U.S. Open coverage.

Patel writes:

For instance, it’s trying to marry drone footage with augmented reality, which Fox Sports has previously used to create features such as the glowing puck in hockey and the yellow line for football. With drones, it wants to develop features such as “visualized wind” for golf.

It all falls under the Fox Sports Lab label, which is the umbrella term for all of the different experiments Fox Sports is doing with emerging technology. Its work with NextVR to develop virtual reality experiences falls under this banner. So does its golf range finder, which required five different technology companies working together to create.

“You spend a lot of money for the right to broadcast certain things,” said Davies. “To be able to differentiate yourself by showing people something new or different from what they’re normally used to, it’s worth the investment for us.”

And on the VR front, where the PGA Tour and Masters have shown a strong interest, Next VR will be assisting Fox's coverage for Samsung users with all of the right gear. Fox is taking things up several levels with roving coverage, a first in golf (I'm almost positive).

NextVR’s multi-camera broadcast of the tournament includes live four-hole multi-camera coverage and provides immersive views of the tee boxes and greens at Holes 9, 17 and 18, in addition to roving coverage between neighboring Holes 10 and 12. The broadcast also includes a video on demand lineup featuring a narrated behind the scenes look at Oakmont Country Club, live look-ins at Oakmont’s driving range, golf tips and features on each hole.

NextVR and FOX Sports – through its FOX Sports Lab initiative – will deliver live and expanded virtual reality offerings from the 116th U.S. Open Championship, airing June 16-19, 2016.

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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