Golf Architecture in America: Its Strategy & Construction (Annotated)

First published in 1927, this book is a bit dated. The author uses terms like 'mashie' and 'niblick' which have become obsolete in today's game. It's also a bit more technical than other books of similar ilk I have enjoyed.I was nearing the finish and about to hit the three star button when I reached chapter XI, entitled 'Arbitrary Values,' in which the author makes an excellent case for making the putt worth only half a stroke--an idea so good even Ben Hogan was a strong advocate. It's not simply an emotional appeal that putts should not be worth 36 strokes on a par 72 course, but a technical discussion on golf course architecture, fairness to both the long and short player, speeding up playing time with fewer traps and larger greens, and improving the inequities in par between short and long holes of the same value today. The chapter was worth an entire star.

If you are interested in golf course design and architecture, this book is a must read. The nature of thought the old designers had in mind makes what you see presented to you on the course more intriguing.

If you are looking for classic books that cover golf course architecture written by some of the best golf course architects to ever live, Coventry House Publishing is your best option! If you want to learn about golf course architecture but do not want to pay the very expensive price for original copies, you have found the right place.

Great reprinting of a quintessential golf course architecture classic. Anyone that is serious about golf course architecture, or learning more about the nuisances that go into designing a truly great golf course, should have this is their collection and consider this one of the 4 “Bibles” on the subject.

It's seriously out of date, very disappointed.

Book arrived quickly after ordering. I bought it as a gift. The book looks like it is in very good condition.