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
Rahm's Gone
/Assessing why a major championship-focused player is making the move to LIV and leaving the PGA Tour in trouble. The announcement is made on Fox News.
What McKinsey Told The Crown Prince
/The New York Times obtains documents prepared by the maligned consulting firm projecting revenue scenarios for Saudi's golf league.
I review the highlights and ties to the LIV v. Golf Establishment battles.
Plus, links to a Year In Review podcast from McKellar.
Major(s) News & Notes November 3rd, 2022
/All of that and more in The Quadrilateral’s weekly (free) news and notes.
R&A Chief: Open Will Remain Open
/In John Huggan’s wide-ranging interview with Martin Slumbers, the R&A Chief addresses several issues of the day, from Trump Turnberry’s status to Open qualifying to Greg Norman. He makes clear that any talk of bans is not on the table.
Greg Norman Calls On The Five Families To "Grow Up"
/Plus, WSJ's look at the "secretive" OWGR and another McKellar pod.
McKellar Pod: The Meaning Of MENA With James Corrigan
/Lawrence Donegan reconvened the McKellar podcast to discuss the latest LIV moving parts. This time the guest was The Telegraph’s James Corrigan, the first to report of LIV’s sudden partnership with the mysterious MENA Tour. I joined the conversation to discuss the move, what all this means and to have a frank discussion about where this all goes.
The Apple listening option below, or the Google option, or just subscribe and get it in your favorite podcast player!