Best Golf Course Architecture Books

« **on:** January 17, 2002, 06:51:32 PM »

3 years ago I became really interested in golf course architecture. I've been lucky enough to work at and play on a Ross original here in Indianapolis. It's been a good education, but I want to read more books on architecture. I've only read five or so books about golf course architecture, and I was wandering what everyones favorite books are? I just want to know what books I should look into getting.

« **Reply #1 on:** January 17, 2002, 07:30:57 PM »

Solario,
There is a large selection of books, some of which are quite expensive. The affordable choices are Anatomy of a Golf Course by Tom Doak; The Links by Robert Hunter (reprinted by Flagstick Press); Golf Architecture in America by Thomas (reprinted by Sleeping Bear Press); Geoff Shackleford's books are a good choice too. There are many more but those will certainly get you off to a good start. Good reading!

« **Reply #2 on:** January 17, 2002, 07:47:29 PM »

Solario,

There have been a couple of recent threads on this subject. I'll try to bring them up for you as a public service...Stay tuned.

« **Reply #3 on:** January 18, 2002, 12:08:09 PM »

Thanks for the suggestions. Sorry if you have already had this thread I just joined the website a little while ago.

« **Reply #4 on:** January 18, 2002, 07:39:18 PM »

Solario
It depends on what you want to learn. If you are interested in the general history of design Cornish and Whitten's 'The Architects of Golf' and Shackelford's 'Golden Age of Golf Design' are tremendous. If you are interested in strategic theory there are quite few including Alister MacKenzie's 'Spirit of St.Andrews' and George Thomas's 'Golf Architecture in America'. If you look at the bibliography of Cornish and Whitten's book you'll find a comprehensive list of titles on the subject. Probably the most underrated book is Doak's 'Anatomy of a Golf Course', it contains the thoughts and theories of numerous architects - past and present. It wouldn't be a bad start.

« **Reply #5 on:** January 19, 2002, 03:04:21 PM »

Anything not written by Geoff Shackleford.

« **Reply #6 on:** January 19, 2002, 03:20:50 PM »

"Doctor"
How many good (or even ordinary) golf books have you written? Zero I suspect. An unnecessary attack under the guise of anonymity. Pathetic.

Ran
Given that this question of the best golf architecture books comes up so regularly, perhaps someone might volunteer to write a piece on this topic and have it under a separate heading on your topic list on the left side of the screen, so that it becomes a reference source for newcomers and others. Any merit in this thought?
cheers
Neil

« **Reply #7 on:** January 19, 2002, 03:35:00 PM »

All the previously listed books are superb but one of my very favorites Wethered and Simpson's "The Architectural Side of Golf" has not been mentioned. An original version is virtually unattainable but the reprint is available and is a beautiful facsimile.

« **Reply #8 on:** January 20, 2002, 12:24:01 AM »

Neil,

I abree with you.

Ran,

Could you not just create another link like the others on the side and people could give thier opinions in the same way we give opnions on the different courses you have up?

« **Reply #9 on:** January 20, 2002, 01:45:52 AM »

Doctor,

Whilst everybody is entitled to their opinion (and we can all agree or disagree) that comment is in very poor taste. As a newcomer to golf course architecture I have found Geoff's books to be fantastic.

Neil and Brian,

What about the "Golfers Five Foot Shelf" on the LHS under "In My Opinion"? This covers the subject pretty well I thought.

« **Reply #10 on:** January 20, 2002, 02:49:01 AM »

I've just spent a very enjoyable day cruising through Shackelford's "Masters of the Links" for the first time. A fascinating collection of "pearls of wisdom" for the enthusiast interested in furthering their knowledge of golf course architecture.
In total contradiction to the opinion of "The Doctor".

Doak's "Anatomy of a Golf Course" is the best comprehensive book on this subject I've read.

Take Danny's excellent advice re the "Golfer's Five Foot Shelf."

« **Reply #11 on:** January 20, 2002, 08:33:12 AM »

Doc, you take the cake with the comment in most poor taste today. Master's of the Links is one of the best books that all green committee members should read. GS's CPC book is a wonderful look at this great course, weaving pictures and comments from Hunter and Mackenzie, almost as if the text was written in the 30's. Golden Age.... has some of the best collections of classic pictures that can be seen anywhere!
I suspect Doak's book on PD will be a modern version of GS's CPC book, but actually written by the archie...can't wait. Hope that someday Bill Coore will also let us get inside his head, SH, FH??

« **Reply #12 on:** January 22, 2002, 08:36:18 PM »

Of course, as has been alluded to, there are many interesting books on architecture, design and history. Yes, history! To me history should play into ones interest. A good general book that got me started in my education was "The Golf Course" by Geoffrey Cornish and Ronald Whitten.

« **Reply #13 on:** January 23, 2002, 01:22:11 AM »

The Doctor has succeeded in achieving exactly what he wants - to stir you. Pathetic maybe, but whatever his motifs are he has won.

It's just like someone posting a scathing attack on Pine Valley or Cypress Point, saying they are both pathetic, while not justifiying their opinion. Imagine the response from this DG.

Some people are so pathetic that they can only get their kicks from talking bulls**t and watching others try to fight back. I'd put The Doctor into this category.

« **Reply #14 on:** January 23, 2002, 09:15:48 PM »

Chris, if that's winning, then it is a strange, pyrrhic victory for "the Doctor" whoever he is.

The Golfer's Five Foot Shelf is a nice piece but it is on the topic of all golf books. I'd like to see one written specifically for golf architecture books only. Any takers out there in budding authorland?
cheers
Neil

« **Reply #15 on:** February 11, 2002, 04:56:16 PM »

I'm back...

Sorry it took me so long to get back here but some of us actually are working on improving on the state of golf architecture.

Mr. Shackleford while having great photos and research will never impress me until he gets some real design and construction experience. Sorry, I will not be led down that road.

By the way have you read anything by Mr. Thomas or Mr. Hunter.

« **Reply #16 on:** February 11, 2002, 05:14:13 PM »

Doctor,

Once you are done with working on improving the state of architecture, take a trip to Rustic Canyon in California. Im sure the design associate, Geoff Shackelford, will love to take you around the course and explain what real architecture is about, you may even learn something, imagine that, wouldn't that be embaressing learning from someone who "only writes" books.

Im sure travelocity.com have cheap return flights Stupidsville and Egosville, so you have no excuse.

« **Reply #17 on:** February 11, 2002, 09:07:02 PM »

Anyone who wants to see a complete listing of both excellent golf books & excellent golf course architecture books should email Dan King. At one time he had compiled a list of all his many books complete with mini recommendations & summaries. You can bug him at dking@danking.org

Maybe he'll post the link to his list if enough people pester him...

P.S. to the Doctor - we'd all love to know what you're doing to help the game. Thanks for thinking of all of us - I don't know what we'd do without you.

« **Reply #18 on:** February 11, 2002, 09:09:00 PM »

I found the link myself - go check it out:

http://www.danking.org/books.html

Thanks again, Doc - I'll sleep better tonight knowing you're looking out for me.

« **Reply #19 on:** February 11, 2002, 11:28:55 PM »

Read G. Shackelford books such as "Golden Age of Golf Design", Brad Klein books, "Discovering Donald Ross" or "Rough Meditations", or "Links" by Robert Hunter, George Thomas has a great book as well.

« **Reply #20 on:** February 12, 2002, 12:28:16 AM »

Doctor in the house:

Goodness gracious me, the prescribed comment calls for some stern medicine: abstinence, nill by mouth, and naught by hand.

Best not to attack our buddy Geoff, the lad started a revolution that shows little evidence of slowing down. On a personal note, I would still be on the cappuchino trail, pushing my drugs (ex: American Home Products Medical Drug Detailer), and generally being a layabout bum, were it not for the light globe that went off in my mind when stumbling across his books.

« **Reply #21 on:** February 12, 2002, 05:22:24 AM »

After previous threads relating to my qualifications I would like to make sure no one thinks I am "The Doctor" who made those posts about Geoff

I have a lot of Geoffs books and think they are wonderful, and even managed to make a contribution to his new book relating to computer golf design :-) (when is that book due out Geoff?)

his TGDR book inspired me to try to recreate Pendleton Links on the computer.

« **Reply #22 on:** February 12, 2002, 08:00:14 AM »

Don't worry. Lee, we're sharper than that.

Where have you been? You've been missing a great thread by Jeremy Glenn on The Reverse Old Course that has involved much computer game play.

I'm sure everyone would like to see your work on Pendleton, too.

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