Self-published, spring 1996
Sleeping Bear edition, spring 1997

A biography of legendary Southern California golf architect and rosarian, George C. Thomas Jr. The 208 pages include original golf course design sketches by Captain Thomas and the author, along with over 50 photographs detailing the accomplishments of this true renaissance man.

"“The Captain is Geoff Shackelford'’s brilliant bouquet to the memory of one of America’s legendary golf architects, George C. Thomas Jr. Using little known details and newly discovered illustrations, Shackelford thoughtfully analyzes the mighty captain’s course architecture with the same loving attention that Thomas himself gave to both his course designs and his hybrid roses. The Captain is a refreshing addition to every golf library.”"
- Ron Whitten, Architecture Editor, Golf Digest

"Geoff Shackelford's The Captain, beautifully illustrated and long overdue work on the life of Captain Thomas describes his three avocations, namely course design, rose breeding and Pacific game fishing. Personally, I feel golf architect Thomas put the utmost effort into his golf courses and his influential book. Surely, those works were more than an avocation. Certainly, they have lived."
-Geoffrey Cornish, co-author of The Architects of Golf

"“Geoff Shackelford's love of golf course architecture animates every page of The Captain. With this analytical biography, George C. Thomas, Jr. emerges from the ranks of obscure eccentricity to a leading position in the evolving art of the golf course. Thanks to Shackelford's meticulous documentation, the precious few remaining examples of Thomas' distinctive flair can now be preserved and restored.”"
-Bradley S. Klein, Golfweek