Dave Moriarty,
Most golfers have a pattern to their golf games.
Some patterns are tighter then others
Some golfers have the talent to alter those patterns at will.
Other golfer don't have that talent.
As Sam Snead said, "you've got to dance with who you brung"
So, let's establish that the vast, vast majority of golfers can't control the shape of their shot at will. Let's establish that today's equipment reinforces that statement, that the ball and clubs make it harder to maneuver the golf ball. Let's also establsh that golfers have a comfort zone that fits their general pattern of play.
Having said all of that, is a golfer whose game is a high fade, going to suddenly hit a low draw into # 4 at NGLA ?
Conversely, will a golfer who hits a low hook, hit a high fade into # 1 at NGLA ?
Options of play only exist if the golfer can execute either, or all of the choices. If not, he must play the shot of default, his patterned play within his comfort zone.
When viewing the large schematic of the NGLA golf course it's clear that there are two lines of basic play on most holes.
A scratch golfer, pro or touring pro would never opt for the lines of play or options taken by the 25 handicap. Those lines are intended for the golfer to shoot bogey golf.
That doesn't mean that the golfer, having hit his drive on # 1, 40 yards short and in the left side of the fairway doesn't have 14 clubs to choose from when playing his next shot.
# 3 also presents alternative routes of play.
With a drive in the center of the fairway, one can go directly at the hole, or one can play along the right side, reaching the green in three. But, that option is only open if the golfer can execute a difficult, direct approach. If he can't he doesn't have that as an option, he must default to the safer alternative that is within his playing abilities, his comfort zone.
Paul Cowley makes the mistake of equating the hitting of a 7-iron versus a 6 or 8-iron with optional routes of play.
At # 7 at PBGC or # 6 at NGLA there is but one option, tee to green. There is no default or bail out option. It's pass or fail.
The architect has demanded that you execute the shot he's presented you with, to the exclusion of all others.
It's that simple.
There is no strategy, just a life or death examination of your ability to get the ball from point A to point B, with no other choices.