Published Spring, 1998

The author's first work of fiction details the return of famed golf architect Alister MacKenzie to modern day golf. Includes his thoughts on potential changes to Augusta National (before they took place on an unimaginable scale) and the creation of a fictional modern day golf course.

"Geoff Shackelford, an expert on course architecture and particularly Alister MacKenzie, isn't above having fun with his favorite subject. His new novel, The Good Doctor Returns, answers the question, 'What would happen if Dr. MacKenzie were around today?" It seems the old Scot - designer of Cypress Point, Augusta National, etc. - didn't die in 1934, but took some time off and has now returned, hoping to do one last course that will feature his naturalist style while showing up the modern, bulldozer-happy architects. More than a fun read, the book offers clear explanations of design theory then and now, obviously coming down on the side of 'then.' Whether you agree or not, you'll spend a pleasurable few hours and learn, the easy way, about the man and his methods."    4 1/2 stars
-Golf Magazine, April 1998

"This is an intensely interesting novel by Geoff Shackelford...as the first work of fiction related to our field the book adds another dimension to the literature of course architecture. Geoff has in my opinion caught Dr. MacKenzie's personality and had also presented possible reactions of the Doctor to contemporary design. The History Committee feels The Good Doctor Returns is a remarkable work of amazing perception."
-Geoffrey Cornish, ASGCA architect and author

"Those interested in great golf courses and in the art of creating them, will enjoy The Good Doctor Returns. In this short novel by Geoff Shackelford, the world famous course architect, Dr. Alister MacKenzie, is not only alive but he decides to design one last great course. He enlists the aid of a keenly disillusioned young architect who'd bristling in the employ of Bill Mario, fictional big-name architect who specializes in gaudy, overblown courses. Shackelford's tale, which ends in a bittersweet twist, is a quick, diverting read for players who appreciate sound design strategy applied with understated grace."
-Senior Golfer Magazine

"If you are a fan of MacKenzie, you'll eat this book up. What you find here is two characters discussing golf course design as they try to build a masterpiece. If you've thought about what makes for a challenging test of golf, you can compare MacKenzie's ideas to your own. And if you stop and contemplate what you're doing before voting for your greens committee to rip up your course's classic design, Geoff Shackelford would say his mission is complete."
- Rob Gable, Golfonline