Secrets of the Great Golf Course Architects

American Golfer recently had an opportunity to sit down with Michael Patrick Shiels' "Secrets of the Great Golf Course Architects" and loved the hours "lost" within the pages.

Shiels takes the readers from A to Z (actually A to Y) and looks into some of today's finest designers. From Paul Albanese to Brian Yoder and just about everyone in between, "Secrets of the Great Golf Course Architects" gives readers an inside look into this glorious world.

Albanese, who recently unveiled Sweetgrass Golf Club at the Island Resort & Casino in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, spoke to Shiels about restoring a couple bunkers at Christiana Creek Country Club in Elkhart, Ind. He and his construction manager actually brought in a team of horses to do the work as it was done generations ago - adding to his appreciation of Golden Age architects.

Yoder, who was on his way to becoming a golf course superintendent with a turfgrass degree from The Ohio State University, switched course and headed toward his career in golf course design. He related a must-read story of an encounter he had while working on a Mexican design on El Magote. I won't spoil the story, but I'll say it deals with nature calling.

Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Arthur Hills, Dr. Michael Hurdzan, and many well-known and undiscovered architects are featured in the book that boasts entertaining, easy-to-read articles and beautiful images of some of the best courses you'll ever see.

Shiels nailed this book and has shined a much-needed light on some of the industry's top golf course designers.

"Secrets of the Great Golf Course Architects" is available on Amazon.com for an incredible price. Buy it and enjoy every turn of the page!