Review
You might think that, since the game of golf has been around for a long, long time, it would stand to reason that the profession of golf course architect has also been around for a long, long time. You would be mistaken. The American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) dates only from the late 1940s. As you might expect, the organization has a small membership. You might also assume that, with profession. In truth, the aura exceeds the reality. What Shiels (who has coauthored books with Larry King and Donald Trump) has done is to give brief observations, stories, and insights from 118 members of the ASGCA (which sponsored the book). Of particular note, many of the golf course architects "happened" into the field, and these stories are particularly interesting. The book covers a raft of viewpoints on design issues, construction problems, client egos, and professional golfers whose sole contribution to course design is their name. Dipping into this book is sort of like meeting a new friend in a lounge for a drink and sharing a story or two. Shiels has managed to take individual observations and create a seamless story bolstered by drawings and spectacular photographs. Recommended for sports collections.
About the Author
Michael Patrick Shiels is an American radio personality and author. He is the host of "Michael Patrick Shiels in the Morning", heard on 10 radio stations across the state of Michigan on the Michigan Talk Network. He is also known for authoring books with Donald Trump, Larry King, Arthur Hills, and Ben Wright.
Shiels has written for newspapers and magazines on golf and travel. His articles have appeared in publications including The Los Angeles Times, Cigar Aficionado, Travel + Leisure, AAA Michigan Living, Singapore’s SC Magazine, Bermuda Royal Gazette, Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Automotive News, Traverse Magazine, Lake Magazine, Traverse City Record-Eagle, Booth Newspapers, The Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Heritage Newspapers, Sports Illustrated, Golf Magazine, and more.
The American Society of Golf Course Architects:
Founded in 1946, the American Society of Golf Course Architects (ASGCA) is the oldest professional organization of golf course designers in America. Our architects have designed, renovated and remodeled many of the most famous and storied courses in golf. They are active in current projects not only in the United States and Canada, but also in Europe, Asia and beyond.
Talented and Experienced
ASGCA members are amongst the most talented in the profession. They have the vision needed turn potential projects into finished products. Through ASGCA's educational initiatives and special events, shared experiences and understanding provide members with a collective knowledge to lead a project through the various phases of development until completion.
All ASGCA members have completed of a minimum of five major golf course projects and are peer-reviewed by the ASGCA membership. This ensures that all ASGCA members are qualified and well-seasoned in golf course design with a trained eye for both functional and aesthetic excellence.
Environmentally Responsible
ASGCA is actively involved in promoting environmentally responsible golf course designs. Our members construct courses that work in concert with Mother Nature to provide beautiful venues that accommodate player as well as the native wildlife and vegetation. Many of the courses designed by ASGCA members are certified by the Audubon International as wildlife sanctuaries.
Over the past several years ASGCA has published three editions of "An Environmental Approach to Golf Course Development" to help educate permitting boards, town councils, developers, media, and the general public about the positive role golf courses can play in preserving the environment. Released in 2008, the current, third edition highlights 18 case studies that showcase success stories dealing with a variety of sensitive habitats.
