"Emerald Gems" - book by Larry Lambrecht

[Tom_Doak]

I received this new book in the mail yesterday from the photographer Larry Lambrecht, who published it himself.  Larry has been traveling to Ireland for ten years to photograph the courses there, and has apparently put all his best work into one book.

The result is far and away the most beautiful book of golf photographs I've ever seen, with several pages devoted to each and every links course in Ireland and Ulster.  There are a handful I've never heard of, which are now on my list of courses to see.

The descriptions of the courses are the work of several different writers, none of them very long, but most of them spot on.

I don't even know how much the book costs -- it cannot be inexpensive, considering you could frame about 100 of the pages and furnish a large home with them.  Nevertheless, I've ordered two more copies for friends.  And I feel fortunate to have one.

[THuckaby2]

Sounds very cool, Tom.  So how does one get a copy?

Amazon search yielded something that may or may not help Larry's cause in this group.... the only item that came up was a calendar entitled:

Classic Golf: The Work of Rees Jones.

I am making no editorial comment, I have no axe to grind against anyone in the business.  Just full disclosure here and it was too funny NOT to mention given how people rail on Rees here!  

My question is serious in any case - I'd love to see this because Irish golf is very dear to me.

TH

[ddavid426]

Here is a site where you can order the book.  You can get a regular copy for $95 or a special edition for $300.

http://golfstock.net/products/golf_books.html

Individual prints are also available.  Looks fabulous.

[Mike_Cirba]

I think I'm going to write a book titled; "A Simple Life of Sobriety and Chastity - the philosophy of Mike Cirba".  

Seems from Tom Huck's post that ironic titles might be "hot".    

[Jimmy Muratt]

Emerald Gems is an incredible book.  I received my copy the other day and haven't been able to put it down.  The book is very large, I believe it's 15" x 10" and is filled with gorgeous pics.  Most of the courses have 3 or 4 large pics.  I have been collecting Larry Lembrecht's Irish Golf calendars that he puts out each year, he is an incredible photographer.  I think it's the best golf coffee table book to date.  

[Tim_Weiman]

Tom,

Thanks for bringing this to my attention. Looking over my collection of golf architecture books, I am struck by the fact that while there are many books about Irish golf courses, there really isn't anything of the quality of "The Sandbelt".

I'm happy to hear you think Larry has filled this gap.

[mike_malone]

I get his calendars every year--easy Christmas present for one of my daughters to give me.I love them.



  BTW    one of my office mates made a hole in one at Ballybunion Cashen course a few years ago .When he came back and entered my office to telll me about it,there on my wall was the July picture ----the exact hole he aced!!!Now he has a framed picture of his favorite hole.

[THuckaby2]

I think I'm going to write a book titled; "A Simple Life of Sobriety and Chastity - the philosophy of Mike Cirba".  

Seems from Tom Huck's post that ironic titles might be "hot".    

CLASSIC!!!!  

Oh man did that get audible yuks out here in Oakland... I am dying, Mike... and I KNEW you for one would love that calendar reference.  You can see how it was too good NOT to share....

So no ideas from anyone on how to get a copy of this Ireland book?  I still can't find it available anywhere on-line...

TH

[Tiger_Bernhardt]

Huck, you have been too busy defending the value of GD rating at KC. lol just kidding Look above to the website noted by ddavid426. I just ordered my copy.

[THuckaby2]

Aha!  Mental block here, my bad, Tiger.  Thanks.

And hey, I am not "defending" the GD lack of rating of TKC, I'm just trying to "explain" it....  

TH

[Jack_Marr]

You seem to be able to get this anywhere but in Ireland. Very strange, but I'll have to get a copy.

BTW, "Ireland and Ulster" - Donegal, Cavan and Monaghan are in Ulster but are part of the Republic. It's complicated. Ole. Don't mean to split hairs or anything, but...

[Tiger_Bernhardt]

Oh Jack, there is no problem with spliting a few hairs on issues of the day. But here it is all about the game. As long as a man can play the game in peace without fear of seeing the wrong side of a prison for a poorly played shot or spilling a drop from a pint, all of the emerald isle is wonderful to me.

[Jack_Marr]

That's true Tiger, but people here in Ireland also like a friendly argument now and again , even over issues that they know little about. It's half the fun. In fact, after a round, we don't talk much about the golf at all.

[ddavid426]

Just received the book as a birthday gift.  Unbelievable!  Great photography, great commentary.  This is a must for anyone considering a trip over or having already been.  Larry has truly captured the heart and soul of Irish golf.  

I hope he will do a similar book on Scotland.  I will be first in line to buy.