Steve L,
I think "culture" and "architecture" are distinctly different.
Some of my comments were directed toward "cultural" changes, not architectural results or precedents.
In addition to producing an exceptional golf course and facility, Ken is going a step further, attempting to change the way golf is played at Friar's Head, and I applaud him.
I feel that some of this will rub off on other clubs over time, that other courses will emulate and adopt the "Friar's Head" way of playing golf, and I think that's a step in the right direction and good for the game of golf. I know that I'll certainly encourage and endorse a movement in that direction.
Steve, how many sites are there like the Friar's Head site ? and how rare is the situation where the land owner becomes a partner rather than a seller, which invariably drives up the cost of golf ? There are several factors which lined up, like the planets, to make this a unique opportunity and a unique golf course and golf facility. Let's not discount those factors, and their rarity.
SPDB,
You may recall that TE conceded that the Merion-Berkshire similarity of the bunker faces and tops was striking after he rode by and stopped and examined same. So there is hope for him yet.
I would like to include Gil and his wife as they were very gracious when we visited with them. Gil may also want to update TE on why the STYMIE should be returned.
TEPaul,
I had played a Coore & Crenshaw golf course before you even heard of them, back when you thought they were brands of beer and melon at your local grocery store.
And, just because they designed and built a wonderful golf course at Friar's Head doesn't mean that you haven't exhibited favoritism on their behalf.
Ask yourself, how many people have their home wallpapered with likenesses of Ben & Bill ?? How many guys, when looking through the racks of Playboy and Penthouse, ask the store clerk if they have any magazines featuring Ben & Bill ?
How many guys wrote to the Governor of the State of Vermont, The Executor of the Estate of Jerry Garcia and the President and Chairman of a Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream in an attempt to force them to change their name to Ben & Bills Ice Cream ? How many guys name their dog and cat, Ben & Bill ?
And you still claim that you don't indulge in favoritism ?
How come the answering machine at your house says,
Ben & Bill aren't here right now, but If you'll leave a message for them, I'll see that they get it ?
How come your Pennslyvania License plate reads
"C&C#1FAN" ?
And lastly, and I didn't want to reveal this, how come your Doctor Denton pajamas have a picture of Ben & Bill on the front, and on the back, the words, "President for life
Ben & Bill fan club" ?
I have no doubt, that if Ken had retained Fazio, that the property would have yielded a superb golf course.
With respect to my opinions on Friar's Head, I believe I offered them before anyone else, thus making plagiarism impossible, and your use of the english language....attrocious.
You may even recall, long before the golf course was grassed, that others were singing the praises of the dune and bluff holes, while I felt that the flat holes may be the best of all.
I've never been critical of C&C's work, only the deity status granted to them, to the exclusion of all others.
But, you're still invited to dinner, but..... PLEASE
Don't wear those Doctor Dentons out in public