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

MY RATING SYSTEM:* - if you have to chose between torture and reading this book, then you might want to consider reading the book - although it depends on just how severe the torture would be.** - if you've lost your job and have quite a bit of free time on your hands, and don't have anything else better to do, then you might want to consider reading this book; don't expect to learn much or really be entertained. It will however, help you pass the time until your death.*** - meh...I'm indifferent. Reading this book will not alter your life in any significant way, yet it is not so horrendously dreadful that your taking the time to read it will be a complete waste of time.**** - Good book to great book zone here. You should probably read this book if you have some spare time. This book could be interesting, entertaining, or informative.***** - Outstanding book! Make time to read this book - you'll learn or be entertained or intrigued. The book might even be good enough to provide original or helpful insights into the world that we live in.REVIEW:I give this book four stars, but note that if you're not interested in golf, this book may fall into a category of three stars or below.As a mid handicapper, I enjoy playing golf, and over the past couple of years have been paying more attention to working on my game and enhancing my understanding of the golf swing and my own mechanics. Many golfers out there are on the same journey of self-improvement. I found this book interesting because it allowed me to develop a greater understanding of and appreciation for golf course design. As golf books go, I found this to be a welcome diversion from the 'improve your game' type reading that most golfers engage in.I won't go into a great deal of depth in this review, but Doak covers a bit of history of course design, and then covers the design of courses various elements of course design including course routing and understanding topography, esthetics of course design, design of tees, greens, fairways and rough, hazards, etc. Throughout the book, Doak provides examples of classic holes that demonstrate the good design principles that he discusses, and includes illustrations of the holes so that you can see and understand the design concepts that he is seeking to describe. The illustrations help immensely in understanding the concepts that Doak is describing.The book also conveys Doak's personal philosophy about course design, with a seeming emphasis on course designs that treat players of all levels fairly (not necessarily equally, but fairly).While I did pick up a few tips from the book about the connection between course design and shot strategy, at my level of skill, I'm not really able to make use of those tips. Nonetheless, I found the book interesting, and it gave me quite a few things to think about when playing, whether at my home courses or elsewhere.

Makes you think about all the unkind things you’ve ever spoken about golf courses. You were correct some of the time, but if you’re honest, not so much most of the time.So much to think about. If you’ve played some of the good/great courses, you will likely have “O-yeah”moments during the read.Makes you think hard about your regular course, could it be better, should we be careful and not ruin what we already have.

This book is a good read if you want to understand the principles of golf course architecture. Tom Doak's writing style is easy to read and moves through the short chapters quite well. The book is structured across chapters that address key components, such as property selection, routing, hole selection, greens, hazards, etc. The book also differentiates design periods to draw out changes in the style and approaches to incorporate the different elements across classic and modern course designs. Doak makes frequent reference to classic examples of the points he is making in the book and provides some schematics to support those references.However the reader should recognize that the book is written from the perspective of a prospective designer of a golf course and not as a treatise on existing golf course design. So the book goes through the process of designing a golf course from property selection to hole identification, routing, hazard design, etc. Perhaps I was mistaken in expecting more of a review of course architecture with focus on samples of the elements, including more variations on themes, drawings and routing examples (pros and cons).But if you want to understand the principles of designing a course, this a great book to read.

I had no clue what to think when buying this book. I simply bought it based on The Fried Egg reading list, but what I got was a crash course in how a golf course is created and the logic in which well-played shots are rewarded. It might seem like work in instances and Tom Doak is a tremendous writer, but some of his insight takes a couple of reading to comprehend.I foudn after two readings that I look and appreciate golf more after this book.

I really enjoyed this book. I've been slowly growing my library of golf books and this was a welcome addition. With so many memoirs and books on swing advice, this book was a breath of fresh air. This is a great read for anyone interested in the mindset of a golf architect as it is written by one of the modern great designers. You'll find some practical advice on how to approach certain situations and start to see what is expected of golfers of different levels from different shots around the golf course.

Covers everything from design through construction maintenance and even the practice range. Explains how good design makes holes challenging for low handicappers and playable for high handicappers. An easy read And actually quite compelling in a weird way - found myself reading it in 3 evenings. - if you play golf at all you will get something out of this. If your club is updating or renovating the course this should be a must read for the people managing it.

"The Anatomy of a Golf Course: The Art of Golf Architecture" is a great book for anybody who wants to get into golf course design. I'm currently a Landscape Architecture major in college and when I went to the library to find a book about golf course design, I found this. I re-checked it out 4 times before they asked for it back. When they did, I bought it here on Amazon in excellent condition and it was a fantastic decision.The only qualm I have with this book is that the publication date is 1998 and some of the golf hole examples (Augusta National, to be precise) are out dated because the courses have been lengthened or somewhat re-designed. That being said, the ideas behind the outdated examples are still great and relevant.

An interesting book but hard going in parts.Useful overview for the enthusiastic golfer who has an interest in course design.

One of, possibly the most, interesting golf book I have read. If you are interested in golf, beyond your own swing, it makes fascinating reading. The thinking behind golf design is clearly explained. There is something of a lament for the more natural style of the 'golden age' architects of the early 20th century, but there is also a constructive attempt to show how their less aggressive and more artistic thinking can be replicated in modern golf course architecture. Highly recommended, particularly as the kindle version is much more reasonably priced.

Good condition

Tom Doak provides insight into the many considerations in course design which are not that obvious to the average players eye ranging from the topographical of the terrain through economic constraints to placement of hazards and construction details. This made me look at the courses I play in a different way grasping the architect's views. Very recommended for any experienced golfer who is interrested in ALL aspects of the game (over and above swing, kit and the 19th hole).

I own quite a couple of books about course management and strategy. This book really stands out. It explains all the thoughts and challenges around the course management in a very detailed and well explained way. One can find many examples from top golf courses including drawings in it.I can highly recommend it.