There are 7 Volumes in Paul Daley's Golf Architecture: A Worldwide Perspective collection. Volume 6 is near on impossible to find, and the rest are increasingly difficult to get your hands on.
Golf Architecture: A Worldwide Perspective By Volume
A wide variety of topics are found in the first two volumes. U.K Centric topics include Lessons from The Old Course and Martin Hawtree's expose of the Rhythm of Lahinch. Courses highlighted include Royal Cinque Ports and The Old Course. An excellent review of Harry Colt is found in Volume 2.
Volume 3 continues the theme with 47 essays along with an emphasis on modern-day courses that have become classics. Volume 3 also features more than 350 visual aids that make the reading a little less strenuous. Of interest to the U.K based is an essay of the U.K. Heathlands, Painswick, and Ballybunion.
David McLay Kidd writes on the Castle Course in St Andrews in Volume 4. The Old Course, and specifically it's green and pin positions, make an appearance too. Askernish is outed by Martin Ebert before Dingle Links Ceann Sibeal is endorsed. A Picture Essay of Fairmont St Andrews concludes the U.K. content.
Volume 5 continues the well-honed pattern. Appearances are made by Machrihanish Dunes, Woodhall Spa Hotchkin, Turnberry, Ganton, and a feature on golf architecture in Wales.
Volume 6 contains an essay by Frank Pont about the extra hole he built at Cruden Bay.
Golf Architecture: A Worldwide Perspective Summary
There is not an overabundance of information on British and Irish golf courses in the collection of volumes which make up the series Golf Architecture: A Worldwide Perspective. However, despite the lack of Irish and British content, the collated wisdom of leading architects and writers make these worthy additions to an established library.
Volumes 1 through 5 are easy enough to find on popular auctions sites. It is also possible to contact the author directly at Full Swing Golf Publishing for Volumes 6 and 7. Be warned! Based in Australia, the shipping costs may be prohibitive.
