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

August 08, 2021

U.S. Women's Am Champ Survived 12-For-2 Playoff, Three Matches After Falling 2-Down

August 08, 2021/ Geoff Shackelford

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You have to admire the resilience of U.S. Women’s Amateur Champion Jensen Castle surviving a playoff and several down moments, only to prevail in Sunday’s finale at Westchester CC. Oh, and she opened stroke play qualifying with a 79!

Adam Woodward’s game story from Harrison, New York included this:

After surviving a 12-for-2 playoff just to advance from stroke play, Castle was apparently meant to be a champion. For the third time in six matches this week, the Kentucky junior came back from 2-down, this time against Arizona junior Yu-Chiang (Vivian) Hou, to win the 121st U.S. Women’s Amateur, 2 and 1.

“It still hasn’t registered. I mean, it feels like just another tournament,” she said moments after the win on just one hour and 45 minutes of sleep. “But then I sit back and I’m like, ‘This is a USGA event with so much history.’ All the exemptions I didn’t even realize. I was just lucky I could play.”

David Shefter’s game story for the USGA official site touches on the incredible nature of Castle’s win given all of the holes she put herself in, becoming the Castle is the third No. 63 seed in USGA history to win a title since seeding began in the mid-1980s.

Castle defeated Yu-Chiang (Vivian) Hou, 2 and 1 in Sunday’s 36-hole final at Westchester CC.

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

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