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
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, December 8th, 2022
/Another busy week in the world of golf surrounding the majors.
As always, you can subscribe here and read more about The Quadrilateral. It’s going to be a big 2023 so make sure to sign up and join as a paid subscriber for some serious, big time, I can’t wait exclusives!
The Majors Should Freeze Purses
/I get to point out things they cannot. Fun times.
All in the latest Quadrilateral.
Major(s) News & Notes August 11th, 2022
/You can always sign up here to receive the weekly Quad free and support independent coverage. You can read more about the whole newsletter thing here!
Old Soul: Revisiting The Ties Between Augusta National And St Andrews
/Updating a previously published story with the 2022 Masters in mind.
The story in question from Golf World in 2010.
While not embedded with the latest Quadrilateral entry honing in on the 5th and 11th holes at Augusta National, here is Joe McDonnell’s look at the 5th hole through the years.
Quadrilateral: Great PGA Tour, Don't Get Cocky
/Will the PGA Tour let the Saudi victory go to their heads and negatively impact the future?
That’s the question I ask in light of history and upcoming issues that players could influence.
A big portion is built around last week’s events and news broken late Sunday of a previous hostile merger big.
Quadrilateral: Major(s) News & Notes, February 10, 2022
/Plus, a very historic Augusta National image sells and I’ve got a few more details on the recent course work courtesy of John Boyette, who debuts a much needed pre-Masters newsletter.
Plus, Masters v. Super Bowl tickets, Old Course-adjacent real estate moves and a bunch of Reads.
2022's Major Venues: Ranking The Intrigue Factor
/The Quadrilateral has lumped the nine men’s and women’s major venues of 2022 into one package and done what any self-respecting publication would do: rank them. I should probably also rank where this year ranks on the list of great venue years but one ranking is enough for now. Too many exciting venues sporting shiny new paint jobs to celebrate!
Significant Augusta National Design Artifact Up For Auction
/An early Amen Corner rendering features Alister MacKenzie's handwritten notes and is up for auction.
Here is the listing at The Golf Auction.
Readers who have committed my Golden Age of Golf Design to memory will recognize the plan from page 163. For reasons I don’t recall and apologize in advance for, we did not include a similar rendering of the fifth hole that appeared with the auction item.
Forget Disneyland, The Braves Are Going To Augusta
/Thanks to reader GS for Jeff Passan’s look back at the Atlanta Braves’ improbable late season turnaround and behind-the-scenes anecdotes that included this:
The celebration at Minute Maid differed by the square foot. In one area, Pederson was running up to Terry McGuirk, the Braves' chairman, and yelling: "We're going to f---ing Augusta! Hell yeah! I f---ing told you." McGuirk, a member at Augusta National, had told players that if they win a World Series, he can swing getting them a tee time.