Customer Reviews

The Golden Age of Golf Design

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
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1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is just a perfect overview of the old architects and their design work. I disagree with the reviewer who said certain sections were mailed in. At least to me, each architect was well covered and it did not seem anyone received special attention unless they deserved it, and the Donald Ross chapter was one of my favorites. It includes an incredible picture of the great Seminole course. There is not a single picture in the book I did not want to study closely, and it seemed that every architect included was there for a reason -- their work was sensational golf course architecture that we just don't see these days.

The price scared me a bit but when I saw the book I realized it was well worth it. Gorgeous in every sense of the word. The ten or so paintings add so much to the book, but not enough to take away from the real heart of the book, the photos of the classic courses. The text is just long enough to give you information without being boring. I can't even think of a famous course that is missing, maybe Olympic Club? But there probably isn't much to see of it anyway.

A must have for anybody interested in golf course architecture. As great as Pebble Beach is today, you'll wonder why it was ever changed after seeing the old photos of it following Chandler Egan's work in 1929! Buy this beautiful book and you won't be disappointed.

This is a fine historical book that is a worthy addition to any golf library. Many of the photos are very rare and interesting to one who has "seen it all".

My only criticism is that there is a wealth of information on Thomas and other west coast designers whom Geoff has spent the majority of his time researching for his other books. There is an embarassingly small amount of information and absolutely nothing new about Donald Ross. Geoff could be accused of mailing in this section of the book.

More on MacDonald, Raynor and Banks would have been nice, but we have George Bahto's book to look forward to on that account.

The book is very much reflective of the work previously done for his other books and his personal experience, but it still deserves a solid five stars.

This book is Shackelford's finest work. Where he found the photographs of these great courses is a question I will have to ask if I meet him. The older courses are so much better....all golfers, especially the club officials, green chairman and board members, need to get this book to see what courses should be like.

Also great material on the architects themselves...Shackelford was right on with the title, the Golden Age of Golf Design, and his book is, the Golden One of Architecture books, and in the lead group of all golf books.

This is a wonderful book for anyone with an interest in golf course design and construction or in the history of the game itself. First and foremost the book is about the people who shaped the game.

Over 30 designers active from 1890-1940 are profiled with biographies, contributions to golf and examples of their work. Many never before published photographs are highlights of the book.

You will see great views of the classic courses with scenes under construction and during play, and such unusual hazards as furrowed bunkers and chocolate drop mounds. Many original designers' drawings are also included.

A series of original paintings adds color and life to some of the legendary holes. This is fascinating reading that will immerse you in the history of the great golf courses that are as viable today as when they were created.

A wonderful collection of photographs and biographies. All of these courses are classics that I can only dream of one day seeing, much less playing. The vintage photos of the courses provide a glimpse of the majesty of each course and Geoff Shckleford's musings and collection of quotes fill in the rest. Shackleford brought each of the great architects to life. What a great book. I'd love to see a follow up on courses in the West(including Hawaii).

Geoff Shackelford, who has published many golf architecture books has totally outdone himself with this work. It includes the greatest courses, spectacular old photographs--Pine Valley, Cypress, Merion, Oakmont and the architects who built them--this book is stunning and should be the new cornerstone of anyone interested in course architecture or anyone interested in seeing great holes and what they should look like--a gem.