Matt, I wasnt calling your opinion of Rustic rude, I was calling your unwillingness to read my posts rude. I do appreciate your apology regarding my experience at Sky. But Matt, realize that this was just one of many of my comments (mostly raised as questions by you) that you completely ignored, including:
--What Dye courses I liked, and my general opinion of Dye;
--Why I dont like one particular Dye course;
--My feeling that Rustic shouldnt be too much firmer or faster;
--My statements that I have already hit plenty of shots from where you hit your drives;
--
My agreement that Rustic could use some tweaking. I covered all this and more, yet you continued to belittle me about not addressing these points and continued to misstate my position. The last one is in bold because it particularly annoyed me that you
repeatedly assert that I am unwilling to concede any flaws, or admit the possibility that your position has merit. This is just not true. It has never been true. We've even discussed this in the past. Had you read my posts with any modicum of care you would know this.
Yet, even in this last post, after I twice accused you of not reading my posts, you say:
"You seem to like the 3rd and 12th as they are." True of 12, but not true of 3. I discuss this above, Matt:
As for me, I think the bunkers on 10 are a good idea so people stop thinking of 9, but the ones off the tee will be more aesthetic than strategic. As for 9, it could use to have the cart path removed, but I don't think the flow of the land needs any window dressing. However, I wouldnt lay down on the tracks to stop the addition of the bunker. A fairway bunker on 12? I would lay down on the tracks, or chain myself to the breadbox, if they try to touch it. I agree that 3 could and should be improved with some tweaking, I just disagree that the way to go about it is to add yet another bunker. (Arent there 6 or 7 already?) I've conceded this repeatedly.
The "arrogance" comment is more complicated. No offense Matt, but in my opinion it is arrogant to:
-- Refuse to listen to or read the opinions of others;
-- Condesend the opinions of others by [repeatedly] saying and implying that golfers of lesser skill cannot possibly understand the architectural needs of the your type of golfer, or golfers with whom
you play.
-- Think that you can possibly understand the intricacies of a course like Rustic after
one play. -- Refuse to recognize or acknowledge that the tee game at Rustic might present challenges that you did not discover or consider in your
first play of the course.
-- Constantly discount my opinion on the basis that (you think) I have no understanding how really good, long players play the game, and on the basis that you have seen and critiqued more courses than me.
-- Refuse to acknowledge the possible validity of the opinions of those other
qualified commentators who have seen the course and disagree with your opinion. (I am not talking about my opinion-- you have repeatedly said or implied that I am not qualified. I am talking about the opinions of many others who have played the course.)
-- Boast about what you claim you have done (supposed numerous "flip wedges" to long par 4s) and what you claim you will do ("I will say this -- I look forward to returning to RC and we can add'em up.")
-- Refuse to acknowledge that, in my dozens and dozens of plays at Rustic, that I just might have picked up a few things that you missed in your one play.
That's my opinion. Take it or leave it.
Matt, I never questioned your "love for Rustic Canyon" or accused you of taking "cheap shots at the course." On these issues your posts speak for themselves. Why do you think I owe you a pat on the back for liking the course?
I am sorry if my post comes across as a personal attack. I do have respect for your opinions, and enjoy your company. I just put a lot of time and thoughts in my posts, after I have read and tried to understand others' posts and viewpoints. While I am sure that not even my friends are reading my posts [one called me the TEPaul of the West], I'd like to think that at least the person with whom I am conversing would do me the courtesy of taking them seriously.
That being said, please dont take any of this too personally. I have had a smile on my face throughout this discourse. I am quite amused that you think you could know so much about about a course you've seen so little.
By the way Matt. I don't want to leave you with the impression that think that Rustic is a hard course. I am as surprised as anyone that no one has gone really low, yet. There are plenty of great birdie opportunities for the taking. I just think it is quite a lot easier from a thoughtful angle. But, dont listen if you dont want to. Bang away. Maybe your desire for challenge will be met by the approaches your drives leave you, or at least the subsequent putts.
Hope to see you soon . . .