The Anatomy of a Golf Course: The Art of Golf Architecture

Rating:
Summary: An introduction that speaks to us all
Review: Whether you are a casual weekend golfer, or an avid player tearing up the courses in your area on a regular basis, this volume could be called the user's manual for any of them.

Each section deals concisely with the many subjects surrounding golf architecture: schools of design, course routing, hazards, etc., but in such a way that not too much nor too little information is given on any one area. As the author is an arcitect himself, there are many places where he reveals his distaste for certain trends, or presents his views on certain subjects felt to be almost controversal. This adds to the readability of the book in the end, not only because it brings color and life to the discussion, but because it helps answer certain questions many of us have regarding not only the courses we play regularly, but those we only read about as well.

More than likely, the next step for a reader looking to get into golf course arcitecture will be to start studying landscaping, irrigation, and the other specifics of the disciplin. For the golfer, the next move will no doubt be towards books like the World Atlas of Golf in order to confirm for themselves why the great courses are indeed just that.