Do many of you guys design your own golf courses using games like Links 2003, etc...? I've dabbled a little in armchair architecture--albeit on a very simple level--using a pretty old program called Jack Nicklaus 4. I credit this in part for my love of architecture, because I really like getting to play my own creations, even if they're on a computer.
I've also had quite a bit of fun playing courses other people have designed (for Links 2001/2003) by downloading them from linkscountryclub.com (I've never figured out how to use the Arnold Palmer Course Designer). Granted, the experience of playing a real golf course cannot be duplicated (nor can certain conditions), but it is quite fun when there's snow on the ground or when there isn't enough time to play the real thing.