Jack Marr:
I've probably been the person most outspoken about the American influence on golf in Ireland, so I'll do my best to respond.
My concerns are primarily focused on the overall American influence on golf in Ireland, not just on the golf courses. We Americans are exporting higher costs to play the game, slower pace of play and either undermining (or perhaps ignoring) the sensible Irish spirit for how golf should be played.
The cost factor is most evident at a place like The Old Head where green fees crowd out the locals and completely take the "Irishness" out of the place. The Old Head's iron gates are symbolic of the problem screaming at the locals to stay out. John O'Conner has made no effort to reach accomodation with locals either to play golf or simply to go have a picnic. It is as if a national treasure has been taken from the Irish people.
Does O'Conner have every "right" in a free, capitalist system to do what he has done? Of course. But, that doesn't mean we shouldn't speak out against the choice he made. I won't claim to know all the details, but my impression is that a guy like Mike Keiser has done a better job in Bandon, Oregon considering local sensitivities than O'Conner has done. It is about balance and in my view O'Conner has failed. Miserably.
I'm no expert on the economics of the golf industry, but it does seem we Americans have taken the high end stuff too far. The game has just become too expensive for many people. That lesson should be clear. We shouldn't be exporting our mistakes to Ireland or any other country - e.g., Australia.
Now the pace of play issue. When I first played golf in Ballybunion it was common to play in less than three hours. The first time I played Royal Country Down it was 2:45 with a stop for lunch at the turn. Contrast this with a discussion I heard a few years ago sitting in the Marine Hotel. It involved a group of Americans debating whether it was possible to play golf in less than five hours.
Are there more people on the golf courses? Yes. Does higher volume usually result in slower play? Yes. Nonetheless, I would say we Americans are part of the problem. Far too often we don't make an effort to move along. We resign ourselves to golf taking all day. We show little consideration for other people on the golf course. It's the "I've paid my green fees" attitude.
Part of this is the American preference for stroke over match play. If we did nothing more than leave that bad habit at home, it would go a long way. But, an additional factor is that with the crowds have come the busloads and with the busloads a tendency for American visitors to stick to themselves rather than mingle and play with locals. Big mistake. It obscures how Irish golf is really more advanced than our own style. It undermines the social aspect of the game. It reduces the likelyhood of forming wonderful long term friendships.
Jack, I remember Ballybunion in the 1980's when unemployment was in the 30-40 percent range and locals struggled to pay off one punt bets if you happened to beat them. Clearly, the influx of American tourists is appreciated. It has been an important part of growing the Irish economy. It has meant a more prosperous life for the Irish people. All well and good.
But, why travel overseas for another MacDonalds? Isn't finding something different what makes the journey so special? Shouldn't Irish golf stand out with it's own character?
Okay. Now the architecture side.
I don't really object to some "American style" golf courses in Ireland, though I certainly wouldn't jump on a plane to see them. My concern is what Paul Daley referred to in his book Links Golf. I believe Paul used the term "cross polonization" in referece to the blending of different golf styles, a practice that really undermines the uniqueness of any style, especially links golf. An Irish links should be just that. No compromise. No attempt to soften it up. Fun. Quirky. Different.
Just as there is room for some American style golf courses, I still believe there is room for some American architects to build in Ireland, even links style courses. But, developers should be careful and select only those who really understand and appreciate links golf. The firms that want to spend loads of money and move lots of dirt wouldn't get my vote.
Jack, despite my concerns, I remain an unabashed fan of Irish golf committed to making the visit a couple times a year to enjoy the friendships I've been fortunate to make and renew my love affair with the way Irish play golf. My trip a couple weeks ago reminds me of how nice it is to go over in the winter when things are far less crowded and there is time for a pleasant beer or cup of tea. A friend from Ballybunion said, "welcome home" when I arrived reminding me of what you don't find at your typical CCFAD in the States. And where could you have a more pleasant time than a day at Dooks?
My apologies if my response was far too long and somewhat off the subject of your inquiry, but I'll always believe Irish golf is far more than the architecture.