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

February 17, 2021

2021 Genesis Preview: Riviera Can't Play Any Faster And There Is No Rain In Sight

February 17, 2021/ Geoff Shackelford

Riviera is ready but devoid of the usual tournament build out (Geoff Shackelford)

Tiger Woods is hosting but not playing following end-of-2020 back surgery. We might see him Sunday to hand out the stunning trophy and three-year exemption that goes to the $9.3 million Genesis Invitational winner.

Without fans due to the pandemic the parrots and sea breezes will have to provide the ambient noise. But a stellar field with 8 of the world top 10 should put on a stellar show this week. Riviera is immaculate, amazingly firm for this time of year, and drying out as I type thanks to crisp Santa Ana winds.

Brooks Koepka had this to say about the course:

BROOKS KOEPKA: It's as fast and firm as I've ever seen this place. It will be interesting to see what happens. I think scores will be a little bit higher just because you see a couple balls on the greens releasing a little bit more than they have in maybe previous years. I'll tell you what, the greens are flying, so it will be interesting to see, especially if the wind picks up, what they'll do with it; if they slow the greens down a little bit, maybe not cut them, just roll them. It will be interesting to see how the week plays out.

Yes it will!

As for prognosticating, three players with local or Riviera ties who are coming in on form and worth a longshot look: Max Homa, Cameron Tringale and Doug Ghim. The first two are southern Californians, the latter was runner-up in the 2017 U.S. Amateur at Riviera coming off a T5 in the American Express and a T21 last week at Pebble Beach.

Rob Bolton breaks down the field here and puts his money on the big names.

First round play starts at 6:40 am off both tees and here is the full tee time list.

And don’t forget there is significant Golf Channel bonus coverage thanks to PGA Tour Live supplemental coverage. CBS is on for three or so hours each weekend day. Enjoy!

The Genesis Invitational airtimes:

First Round Noon-2 PM, 2-6 PM, 6-8 PM ET Golf Channel (PGA Tour Live bonus coverage)

Second Round 2-6 Golf Channel

Third Round 3:00-6:00 PM (CBS)

Final Round 3:00-6:30 PM (CBS)

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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