Best "beginners" architecture books

[John Shimp]

I've read Shackleford's survey on golden age designers and doaks "anatomy" but am not sure where to go next?  

I'm sure there must be dozens of threads on this but I couldn't find a good one.  Thanks in advance for the advice.

[Ian Andrew]

Definately George Thomas's Golf Architecture in America.

Fairly straight forward and full of excellent information, still one of my favourites of all time.

[Jimmy Muratt]

Another great book is Shackelford's "Grounds for Golf".  I think it's really one of the best modern books on golf architecture.  There are also some excellent drawings by Gil Hanse throughout the book.  Definitely a must read and he makes it very easy to understand.

[Jim Johnson]

John,

Hurdzan's "Golf Course Architecture"
Klein's "A Walk in the Park" and/or "Desert Forest Golf Club" and/or "Rough Meditations"
Shackleford's "Alister MacKenzie's Cypress Point Club" and/or "The Art of Golf Design"
Brydy's "The Augusta National Golf Club"
Any of Daley's "Golf Architecture: A Worldwide Perspective" series

JJ

[Tommy_Naccarato]

John,
As with many of the titles mentioned above, I would also heartily suggest The Architectural Side of Golf by Wethered & Simpson, as well as The Links by Robert Hunter. All of them can be obtained in reprints, which are of a very good quality.

[gookin]

My favorite is Scotland's Gift Golf by Macdonald

[Tyler Kearns]

David,

While I enjoyed "Scotland's Gift" as well, the amount of pages dedicated to architecture is limited.

TK

[Bill Gayne]

I would suggest keeping a list of titles and watch Ebay. All of the books listed come up on a regular basis and most at a significant discount. The only exceptions being Doak's Confidential Guide and early first edition stuff like Golf Architecture in America.

Even recent publications such as Bunkers, Pits, & Other Hazards, I've already been able to buy on Ebay at a substantial discount.

[Brian Phillips]

For once I agree with Tommy, The Links is one book that I carry around with me often and a great beginner, wake up call type book.

Any book by The Shack is worth every single dollar.

Brian

[wsmorrison]

I found "Grounds for Golf" by Geoff Shackelford a worthy read for anyone interested in golf architecture.  There's a lot of excellent material packed into the book.  As Brian said, any book by Geoff is worth it!

[Andrew Summerell]

I would add Paul Daley's books to this mix, 'Golf Architecture: A Worldwide Perspective', vol.1,2,3.

[John Shimp]

Guys,
Thanks for all of the good thoughts.  I'll start trying to make a dent.

[Garland Bayley]

I think Shack's Lines of Charm gives an interesting insight into the thinking of the old dead guys.