No, Dave, it's much easier than that. You and Tom MacWood need to get out of that cave you are stumbling around in and see the real golf holes rather than Macdonald's imperfect templates (shadows). Trust me!
What a novel way to overcome our communication barrier. Lump me and TomM together, ignore each of our respective (and different) takes on this whole issue, caricature us, then tell us we ought to get out more. You should do this sort of stuff for a living-- you'd be well paid, by one side at least.
Let me take a shot . . .
You and the Mooch think that golf holes need an alp to be called an "Alps Hole." It can't be an Alps if it doesnt have an Alps. Fair enough, and certainly a sound way to define an Alps Hole. But don't get confused into thinking you've discovered some sort of Platonic Form of The True Alps. It's just a definition-- I'd be a fool to treat it otherwise, as would you.
You'd like to think that I have a conflicting definition of an Alps Hole-- A hole which shares some of the characteristics of the Alps holes at Prestwick or NGLA, but
not necessarily an actual alp(s.) You'd like to think I got this definition from some references to Merion 10 in old magazines-- 'if the old guys call it an Alps Hole, then it must have been, whether or not it had an alp(s).'
But you and Patrick have no need to interpret the vague shadows of dead men. You've left their cave and seen the Truth. Unless definitive proof exists that Merion 10 had an alp(s), then to call it an alps hole is absurd, by definition. [Even if new photos show up showing an alps, you'd still claim you were correct, likely claiming 'see . . . that is why the called it the Alps, how foolish the rest of you must feel for thinking it was for any other reason than the presence of an alp(s.)]
That is my understanding of your understanding. How'd I do?
However I did, this is where I think we have failed to communicate . . . For you see I dont care how Alps Hole is defined.
I do care that when the writers of the time analized the hole, they used concepts from the links courses. I also care that Wilson consulted with MacDonald, who was a big advocate for such concepts. I also care that Wilson carefully studied the great courses overseas before designing Merion East. I also care that Merion East was a substantial departure from what had come before in Philly.
Dont believe me? Well look back at how this entire Merion aside started. I suggested that Merion had a strong Links influence and was a substantial departure from what came before. Then a number of posters flipped their lids.
Look at my concerns, Rich. I dont need to define an Alps Hole for any of this. I dont need to agree or disagree with you and Patrick. I dont need to agree or disagree with MacWood or the old dead guys. I dont need a definition and I dont have one.
How can I get this through to you guys??
I do not, did not define "Alps Hole."
Not with a berm, green in a bowl.
Not with a bank. Not with a roll.
Not with a bunker, hump or Knoll.
Over a Ditch? I dont care.
Require a pitch? Not hear nor there.
"Dont need an alps." --Not me, I swear!
Didnt define it, don't have the will.
Not from MacWood, or dead men's quill.
Not with a rise, saddle, or hill.
When you insist I did, it makes me ILL.
Read what I wrote, or at least just chill.