I never figured he did anything that looked like he was on a triple dose of LSD!
Tom:
"Welcome to the nineties Mr. Banks." (extra credit for those naming the movie, the speaking actor and the actor playing Mr. Banks).
Seriously Tom, we never claimed to be doing an Emmet restoration and our goal has always been to revive the links character of the course while keeping Emmet's routing and green surfaces because they are both fantastic. Otherwise, we've literally re-built the course. I've been perfectly clear about that on all of my posts.
The last three groups of holes (two years ago 10-14, last year 6 and 15 and this year 7-9) have been increasingly more dramatic in style than the first two groups that we did. I think you'll find the flow works, however, because it really catches and keeps your attention through the middle of the round. Keep in mind also that the land Emmet worked with was virtually unencumbered on all water side property boundaries, thus, even from the 1940 aerial I have it is clear that in 1927 one had clear vistas of the dunes and Reynolds Channel from nearly every hole. Thus, while Emmet's bunkering was naturally understated (IMO) especially compared to MacKenzie's flashier style, for instance, Emmet could easily rely upon the enchanting links land for much of the course's interest.
We no longer have that option as Hewlett Harbor has grown up around much of Seawane and our water views are limited to the channels that cut through and border the course. Part of the challenge that we faced, I believe, was recreating the wow factor with playable ground versus amazing views.
In addition, for right or wrong the larger mounding that you see in holes 7-9 is for protection where large trees or groups of smaller trees were removed. For better or worse we've got more lawsuits to think about today than Emmet had in 1927 and so long as Seawane stays in the outing business protection must be a consideration.
I think you will find that holes 7-9 will have a taste of Whistling Straights, which, from the several times I've walked the holes works dramatically well.
Lastly, you will not see this in your face bold style dominate throughout the course. For instance, you'll see more subtle bunkering on 1 and 18 which take us from and return us to the clubhouse.
Overall, I think this is for two reasons: 1) we did the project over a 5 year span and we developed our ideas and skills over that time; and 2) certain parts of the property are just more interesting than others (for instance, little was done to 3, 4, 13 and 16 where the character of the holes are defined primarily by the channels in play. vs. 6, 7, 9 and 15, which are on much less interesting land.