"Secrets of the Great Golf Course Architects" book worth a look

As a prolific golf travel writer, Michael Patrick Shiels has traveled the world to visit some of the game’s great courses. He uses that expertise, and plugs into the minds of the game’s most respected course architects, to create his latest book, “Secrets of the Great Golf Course Architects.”

The book delivers 150 photographs and collaborates with the American Society of Golf Course Architects to glean stories from the likes of Tom Fazio, Jack Nicklaus, Rees Jones and more.

It could use more color photos – how about head shots of all the architects who tell their stories? – but nonetheless, this gives true insight into the unique world of course architects. Paul Albanese uses the horse-and-plow method to create a bunker. Arthur Hills fights water moccasins and wild boar at a course in Florida. Lester George of Ohio almost loses his leg, and his life, during a tree-clearing accident during construction.

And we thought golf course architecture was all glamour and glory. By reading this book, you’ll have a new appreciation the next time you tee it up. Look at the shape of the holes and greens. You’ll begin to realize why a bunker ends up where grabbing your ball.

The book, by Skyhorse Publishing (www.skyhorsepublishing.com), retails for $40.