Rustic Canyon is a unique PUBLIC golf course, and while I am partial, it isn't because of the lack of architecture or mis-use of it, more about the controversial nature of it, and for me thats the make-up of GREAT golf architecture--golf holes that incite talk and thought, and even weigh-on you over a period of time. This isn't just like stepping out on to another golf course that was designed to be turn key, and because of its natural canyon flavor, its going to be ever-changing.
Many bring up some interesting points, most that will never see the light of day, but I can say this with all due honesty--this whole thread is a perfect example of how everyone perceives golf course architecture differently, but it also has shown me just how difficult it is for ALL golf architects and designers to please every Golfer in this regard. Its just some like to practice different principles and in the scheme of things this is why we like commenting or like frank discussion concerning them.
Rustic Canyon is a golf course that is based-off of the Golden Age principles of Golf as it was in Southern California in early 1920's to the early 1930's, and its inspired by the writings and ramblings of George Thomas, Max Behr, Dr. Alister MacKenzie, Robert Hunter and even the photographic talent of Scotty Chisolm; who in turn were all inspired by The Old Course of St. Andrews.
Simply put, Rustic Canyon, embellishes its natural environment and thats the key ingredient of the great links of Great Britain.
I can name about thirty other modern courses I have seen or have only seen in pictures that do this, and while some of you will no doubt mock my intesity for the subject, I can assure you from all I know of the subject of Golf Architecture, seeing these types of courses is pretty exciting. For me the natural-thing is what produces the GREAT golf shots required to play a certain golf course, not golf shots manufactured to make a GREAT golf course. Its the job of GREAT Golf Architects to find these feautres in the ground and expose them, refine them, ever-so-slighty nudge them into even better and more exciting golf experiences, and for me there are very few that know how to do this.