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)
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
Even Captains Get The Local Rules Sheet Reading Blues
/The Walker Cup "Blackout"
/In this week's Golf World Monday, I explain who is most to blame for premature sign-offs of the unusual Walker Cup online coverage.
"Respectful" Team USA Defers To GB&I In Walker Cup
/2011 Walker Cup Final Day Open Comment Thread
/Several milestone moments await during day two of the Walker Cup, where the U.S.A. trails Great Britain/Ireland 7-5...
- Will the ESPN3.com telecast end with four singles matches still on the course, as happened Saturday?
- Which American will be the first to make a well-intentioned but ultimately embarrassing 9-11 reference in summing up where he found the energy to finish off his opponent?
- Will the U.S. team's bond, forged over straight-to-video films and the comfort in knowing John Peterson was not there to help win matches, motivate the Yanks enough to overcome a two point deficit?
It all starts at 9:15 a.m. ET.
The Walker Cup Is Here...
/U.S. Walker Cup Captain Goes On The Defensive?
/The U.S. Walker Cup captain Jim Holtgrieve was asked about his team in today's pre-Cup press conference.
Q. The last American Walker Cup team to come over here, to Royal County Down, proved to be very special. On paper do you think this team looks even better?
JIM HOLTGRIEVE: You know, I know what's been going on with all the conversations. These ten young men are a very, very strong, talented team. Every one to me could beat each one of them any day of the week. I will just tell you that comparing them to the three teams that I played on, it's the most talented ten young men I've ever seen play in a Walker Cup amongst the three teams that I played on.
Excellent answer. Next quest...oh wait...there's more?
Obviously we have a process. We select the guys, and these ten young men earned their way onto this team. They're not only talented in playing golf, but they're very respectful young men who honour the game and have a lot of respect for each other, which has really been quite a daunting -- not a task, but a daunting observation from me. I'll just say that they're just ten great players.
Sounds like the Captain anticipated a John Peterson question!
Walker Cup "Broadcast" Times
/College football, U.S. Open tennis and a lousy deal with ESPN means the Walker Cup is buried on ESPN3.com. It's a shame Golf Channel doesn't have the rights on a weekend when there is no PGA Tour or Nationwide golf to compete with.
Here is the "broadcast" schedule, including Sunday's "Encore" show on ESPN2 from 3-5 ET.