Best Book on Architecture

« **on:** October 05, 2003, 08:23:04 PM »

Since I have gained much of my interest in architecture from books about them, I have thought of a question. What is the best book on golf course architecture and why? This is partially out of curiosty, and partially so I can get some new reading material. I'll start with Geoff Shackleford's Golden Age of Golf Design. It provides info about all of the best architects from that period, and provides some awesome sketches, aerials, and paintings as well.

« **Reply #1 on:** October 05, 2003, 08:38:02 PM »

Anatomy of a Golf Course isn't even the best "architecture introduction" book out there. I believe that Shackleford's Grounds for Golf had more info and addressed more aspects of the business (even armchair design!)

« **Reply #2 on:** October 05, 2003, 08:52:21 PM »

My favorite is "Spirit of St. Andrews"..a collection of essays by Alister MacKenzie. Very readable..

« **Reply #3 on:** October 05, 2003, 09:50:56 PM »

All the books you've named are super, the Shackelford books are very well done, "Anatomy of a Golf Course" is very helpful, Forrest Richardson's "Routing the Golf Course" is solid, Dr MacKenzie's books are insightful about dealing with greens committees! The most entertaining I've read in the past couple of years is George Bahto's "The Evangelist of Golf," about C.B. MacDonald and Seth Raynor.

« **Reply #4 on:** October 05, 2003, 10:05:54 PM »

JNC:

Which of the major classic era books have you read?

« **Reply #5 on:** October 05, 2003, 10:37:23 PM »

There have been many great books. Geoff's and Tom's are classic already. In the previous era, I'd say my favorite continues to be THE LINKS, by Hunter. Hunter writes with such simplicity.

I've always enjoyed THE MYSTERY OF GOLF by Haultain. But it's often bypassed by many, and some feel it not about architecture. The truth be known: It's about the essence of golf, that part of golf that's really all parts — true golf.

For my money, THE MYSTERY OF GOLF is the best golf book ever written. It captures all we have ever loved and all we have ever known. And does this at the turn of the century — i.e., the turn before last.

« **Reply #6 on:** October 05, 2003, 10:50:21 PM »

In the classic years (design before Bulldozers) you can't go wrong with Hunter's "The Links", Geo. Thomas Jr.'s "Golf Architecture in America" or Alister MacKenzie's "Golf Course Architecture" and his "Spirit of St. Andrews"
Modern Books: Doak is ok but he seems to be prejudice toward his own designs and restorations, while dissing other's. I guess everyone has a agenda.

« **Reply #7 on:** October 05, 2003, 11:08:42 PM »

Nels:

I think it is misleading to suggest that Tom Doak's "Anatomy" is "prejudice towards his own designs.....while dissing others".

There is little reference to his own work and almost nothing was written critical of other architects' work.

« **Reply #8 on:** October 06, 2003, 02:35:13 AM »

Nels,

If you think Tom Doak is biased towards his designs in the book then I think you have misread his book or you are confusing it with The confindential guide.

It is a fantastic book for anyone remotely interested in architecture.

Brian

« **Reply #9 on:** October 06, 2003, 09:34:01 AM »

I also enjoy Hunter's THE LINKS. It's both informative and entertaining. And I'm a fan of Doak's ANATOMY OF A GOLF COURSE as well.

Another great book that seems to be frequently overlooked as an 'architecture book' is Darwin's GOLF COURSES OF THE BRITISH ISLES. I find there's a lot to learn about what makes for exciting, interesting golf through Darwin's insightful, early 20th century observations.

« **Reply #10 on:** October 06, 2003, 10:21:59 AM »

Tim Weiman-

Not Many. I do agree that Golf Courses of the British Isles is an excellent reference and record.
Again, part of my reason for this post is to get some new reading material. I have succeeded.

« **Reply #11 on:** October 06, 2003, 10:31:26 AM »

JNC Lyon:

Thanks. Basically I think everyone should start with the classics:

Mackenzie - Golf Architecture
Hunter - The Links
Thomas - Golf Architecture in America
Simpson - The Architectural Side of Golf

No collection of golf architecture books is complete without them.

« **Reply #12 on:** October 06, 2003, 10:37:03 AM »

Excellent

« **Reply #13 on:** October 06, 2003, 12:21:19 PM »

I'd add Pete Dye's Bury Me in a Pot Bunker to any reading list. Shackleford's The Captain is a nice take on Thomas, it has some stuff you won't get in his GCA in America. I personally think anyone who wishes to learn about GCA ought to read Golfing in the Kingdom (Michael Murphy).

Anatomy of a Golf Course, however, is the book, IMHO. It's all encompassing and does not, contrary to what someone said earlier, serve to promote Doak's courses. This notion just kills me. It speaks for what a little success does for a guy, or doesn't do for a guy.

Those who are "in the know" know Doak feels the same way about GCA today as he did 10-15 years ago. For the same reasons today as back then, good is still good, bad is still bad. The only difference is now he's displayed/practiced what he's always preached. Hard to argue with the results.

Any library is incomplete without Tillinghast's book, although I found it sort of dull compared to Hunter and Mackenzie. Nobody has mentioned Klein's book on Ross, or Ross' own book, Golf Has Never Failed Me.

Lastly, as far as what hasn't been mentioned yet, Hurdzan's book is worth looking at at least once, IMHO.

« **Reply #14 on:** October 06, 2003, 12:44:08 PM »

I somehow overlooked Bernard Darwin's book, "Golf Courses of the British Isles" in my list above. This was the book which I purchased during a visit to USGA's Golf House, and was the start of my modest two shelf golf collection. I just love Darwin's charming, self-effacive writing style. He either coined or at least used extensively the verb, "to foozle," which I think is the best possible word to describe the worst shots in golf. I would love to play many of the courses he so lovingly describes.

My other favorite golf books and writers are non-architectural in primary reference. Read Herbert Warren Wind's essays, particularly the one which includes the speech by the club president at the President's Putter at Rye. And P.G. Wodehouse writing about a competitor in a local match play event being terminally distracted by the noise created by butterflies in an adjoining meadow.

Bobby Jones' modest writing on his great career in "Down the Fairway" is pretty great too.

Golf must be an incredible sport to have such a body of literature. Is any other sport even close?

« **Reply #15 on:** October 06, 2003, 01:15:09 PM »

I've always reccomended "Anatomy of a Golf Course" as my primer of choice for Architectrue neophytes. It should, with others, be required reading for Green Committees all over America.

Anatomy is not neccesarily the best of the books. The Links, Golf Architecture, and the writings of Ross and Tillinghast are all great books. Anatomy, however, wins out on price and availability which make it a great place to begin an architectural education. I also is quite readable for a neophyte, a claim some of the other great books can't make.

To the person who thinks Doak had leaned toward his own designs in Anatomy, I am not sure whether Doak had even completed a golf course prior to the publication of the book.

« **Reply #16 on:** October 06, 2003, 01:24:29 PM »

I don't think any golf course afficionado's collection is complete without The World Atlas of Golf. Not so much because of any text on architecture, more because of the excellent "overhead" course map renderings of some of the worlds greatest tracks. It's a great way to revisit the greats or to get psyched up for them.

« **Reply #17 on:** October 06, 2003, 02:55:18 PM »

Cos:

In fact, Tom Doak does reference High Pointe and Wilderness Valley in the "Anatomy", so he did have a couple projects under his belt when the book was published.

Brian Phillips is probably correct that "Nels" is confusing the "Anatomy" and the "Confidential Guide" - two very different books

« **Reply #18 on:** October 06, 2003, 05:54:27 PM »

Of the modern books I would have to say Shackleford's Grounds for Golf and Doak's Anatomy of a Golf Course.

« **Reply #19 on:** October 06, 2003, 06:19:01 PM »

Here's a nice list...

http://www.travelgolf.com/departments/clubhouse/golf-course-books.htm

Bradley Klein's "Rough Meditations" is a gateway drug for golf architecture addicts.

Also love the essays (Max Behr especially) and art from Shackelford and Miller's "Art of Golf Architecture". Dreamy on both accounts.

Cannot let Robert Price's geologic study of "Scotland's Golf Courses" go unmentioned. Very unique and important.

And last but not least, whatever Tom Paul writes here. "That's not a book!" you say. Then you haven't been reading Tom Paul.

« **Reply #20 on:** October 06, 2003, 06:22:21 PM »

Oh yea, "Architectural Side of Golf" by Wethered and Simpson has the finest bunker/green illustrations anywhere. They're radical, man!

« **Reply #21 on:** October 06, 2003, 06:48:53 PM »

Tim thanks for the input, I knew it would be early in Doaks career!

« **Reply #22 on:** October 06, 2003, 08:09:42 PM »

JNC- Tim Weiman's list of classics is a great start....I would add Charles Blair Macdonald's- Scotland's Gift GOLF. The chapter on architecture covers 1. trees on golf courses,2.criticizing your friend's golf course,and 3.the importance of memorable features on the putting greens. He also sketches a nine hole practice course with a "short hole",an "eden hole", and a "redan hole". Great reading in this 1928 book. reprinted in 1985.

« **Reply #23 on:** October 06, 2003, 08:20:55 PM »

JNC-forgot to mention that Herbert Warren Wind wrote the forward in the 1985 reprint of Macdonald's book...a 6 1/2 page bonus. Mark

« **Reply #24 on:** October 06, 2003, 10:57:24 PM »

Quote from: Forrest Richardson on October 05, 2003, 10:37:23 PM

There have been many great books. Geoff's and Tom's are classic already. In the previous era, I'd say my favorite continues to be THE LINKS, by Hunter. Hunter writes with such simplicity.

I concur with Forrest's recommendation of Hunter's "The Links" and Doak's "Anatomy of a Golf Course." I read "The Links" originally on the advice of Dr. MacKenzie.

I liked Doak's book so much, that I didn't return it when I was given another copy for Christmas! (Now I have a "bookshelf" AND a "working" copy.)

I'm in the exceptionally modest minority that isn't enamored with Shackleford's book. I like it. I just don't think it's quite as remarkable as everyone else. Shackleford may have spoiled me with his Cypress Point book, though.

If you're interested in some excellent writing in less obvious sources, then try the 5th section of the 14th chapter of "Bobby Jones on Golf." In four pages, Jones makes more intelligent observations about golf architecture than other experts have in an entire book.

Also, see chapters 14 and 15 (titled "Golf Architecture" by T.C. Simpson) in "The Game of Golf." It was published in 1931 by the Lonsdale Library and has additional contributions from Joyce and Roger Wethered, Bernard Darwin, and Horace Hutchinson. I happened across it on eBay; but, perhaps others here may know a more dependable way of acquiring it.

C

P.S. Forrest's book, "Routing the Golf Course," is a very useful and practical book too.

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