News & Events

Holiday Party And Book Launch for ‘Sand and Golf: How Terrain Shapes the Game’

Nov 21, 2013

San Francisco Public Golf Alliance Holiday Gathering and Celebration & Book Launch Party of

Sand and Golf: How Terrain Shapes the Game
by Alliance Member George Waters

Sharp Park Clubhouse
5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Thursday, December 5, 2013

The San Francisco Public Golf Alliance is pleased to announce its holiday gathering and celebration, coupled with a book launch party for Sand and Golf: How Terrain Shapes Game, written by Alliance member George Waters. The book contains an enlightening foreword by Tom Doak, who is one of Sharp Park’s great supporters.

The celebration and launch party will take place at the Sharp Park Clubhouse, Thursday December 5^th. Happy hour starts at 5:00PM, complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served, drinks will be available at the No-Host bar.

A presentation by the author will begin at 6:00PM, followed by a book signing. The presentation by George Waters will focus on the significance of sandy courses in golf history and on the special golfing qualities of sandy terrain. The presentation will be illustrated by photos from the best sandy courses in the world.

Books will be available for purchase for $40.00, with 25% of sales being donated to the Public Golf Alliance for its ongoing work to Save Sharp Park.

Sand and Golf: How Terrain Shapes the Game explores what makes golf, and golf course architecture, so special on sandy terrain. This book investigates the relationship between sandy terrain and great golf from all angles. From the classic links courses of the British Isles to the great sandy courses of the modern era, sandy terrain has always produced golf at its best. The unique features of sandy ground are the reason. Firm conditions, natural bunkers, and fantastic contours are all part of the story. Sand and Golf explores all aspects of the art and architecture of golf on sandy terrain, from the routing of entire courses to the significance held by a tiny wrinkle in a windswept fairway. Golfing on sandy ground is a special experience, this book explains why.

About the Authors

George Waters is an expert in golf course architecture and construction with extensive experience working on sandy terrain. He has participated in the design and construction of several of the most significant new courses built on sand, in addition to the restoration of some sandy classics. Over the course of his career in golf course architecture he has worked with leading architects on some of the world's best sandy courses, including Barnbougle Dunes (Tasmania), Sebonack (Southampton, NY), The Renaissance Club at Archerfield (Scotland), and Pinehurst No. 2 (North Carolina). These experiences, and the opportunity to play many of the world's great sandy courses, have given him a unique perspective on golf course architecture and the makings of great golf on sandy terrain.

Tom Doak is one of the world’s leading golf course architects and author of numerous books and articles on golf course architecture including The Confidential Guide to Golf Courses and The Anatomy of a Golf Course. In his Foreword, Doak reflects on the special link between sand and golf, and how it has shaped his designs and career.

Come and join us at Sharp Park, 5 p.m. on Thursday, December 5, to celebrate our effort to Save Sharp Park, as well as to help launch this exciting new book!