Book Review, by Jeffrey Reed, Editor, LondonOntarioGolf.com
Secrets Of The Great Golf Course Architects
Author: Michael Patrick Shiels, and the American Society of Golf Course Architects

There are a myriad of reasons why we love the great game of golf. In my humble opinion, no other game is captured in art, photography and literature as well as golf. Add another great golf book to this mix, in The Secrets Of The Great Golf Course Architects.

One of the main reasons avid golfers cherish the game is the individuality and, sometimes, idiosyncrasies of golf courses. Just like our swings, each layout is unique. Author Michael Patrick Shiels, in association with the American Society of Golf Course Architects, really captures the essence of golf course design in his 224-page book, boasting 150 wonderful colour photographs and illustrations.

Shiels hails from nearby Michigan, and is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers. He’s an award-winning syndicated morning radio host, and has authored several books as well as contributed to a number of golf publications. The man knows – and loves – the game of golf, and it shows in his latest endeavour.

Secrets Of The Great Golf Course Architects reveals inside knowledge from the architects themselves about the making of their courses, from design to tee time. Each of the 118 chapters includes fascinating and often humorous tales behind the creation of the courses.

In this book, we peek inside the genius of Rees Jones, who was in charge of London Hunt and Country Club’s $2 million redesign. In Secrets Of The Great Golf Course, a story about Rees Jones tells how he was turned away from another prestigious course in a funny exchange before he revealed his identity. There’s a chapter on Jack Nicklaus, who took into account the history and political standing of a country before designing his courses abroad. Another chapter involves Pete Dye, who was fired from his first big job after constructing nine holes which required crossing a creek 13 times and included trees and bunkers.

According to Shiels, “I solicited intriguing, inside stories that reveal the challenge, the danger, the triumph, and the art of golf course architecture. The architects game me their funny anecdotes, business lessons, mishaps, philosophies, travel tales, and inspirational stories as well as their handiwork: drawings, blueprints, and concepts.”

If you are a student of the game of golf, then you’ll love Secrets Of The Great Golf Course. It’s an insightful, entertaining read – and who doesn’t love a book with gorgeous golf photos and detailed renderings? Helps make those cold winter days pass a little more quickly – you may not be able to golf, but you can dream about it when flipping through this excellent book. 

Secrets Of The Great Golf Course Architects
by Michael Patrick Shiels
Skyhorse Publishing
ISBN 978-1-60239-326-4
$45 Cdn. hardcover