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

May 01, 2018

Two Short Course Openings: Sand Valley's Sandbox, Prince's Himalayas

May 01, 2018/ Geoff Shackelford

Social media watchers have known these two were coming for some time, still it's fun to see a pair of great "accessory" courses opening to play on the same day: Sand Valley's new "Sandbox" course by Coore, Crenshaw and The Boys, and the rejuvenated Himalayas nine at Prince's Golf Club by Mackenzie and Ebert.

A few images, starting with Sand Valley where I'm sure we'll see more as the opening day play proceeds:

Fun run around Sandbox at @sandvalleygolf ... Coore/Crenshaw hits another homer with this short beauty ... also, how about those tee markers

A post shared by Shane Bacon (@shanebacon) on Apr 30, 2018 at 2:32pm PDT

It's hard to believe the May 1 opening of the Sandbox, our 3rd golf course, is less than 6 weeks away. We're very excited to invite our followers to join us for a special event to celebrate the opening of The Sandbox. The opening day event includes three days of golf, camaraderie and evening panel discussions with Michael Keiser, Jr. and Bill Coore moderated by @shanebacon of FOXSports and Andy Johnson, founder of @fried_egg_golf golf blog. Click on the link in our bio to learn more...Let the countdown to golf season begin!

A post shared by Sand Valley Golf Resort (@sandvalleygolf) on Mar 23, 2018 at 6:17am PDT

Prince's 3200 yard nine makes a 27-hole day there appear to be essential. Here is a Golf World UK story pre-project on the planned work.

On our way to the opening of the reinvigorated Himalayas 9 at Princes. After a day of torrential rain, a sigh of relief that the sun is shining! Should be a good day.

A post shared by Mackenzie & Ebert (@mackenzieandebert) on Apr 30, 2018 at 11:56pm PDT

A lovely touch by Princes featuring what must be one of the best stories in golf of the famous Laddie Lucas. #NewHims

A post shared by Mackenzie & Ebert (@mackenzieandebert) on May 1, 2018 at 9:17am PDT

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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