There has been a good deal of discussion with respect to the recent bunker work at Merion, the fairly recent work at Hollywood and many other courses.
In those discussions I've inidicated that the CLUBS not the architects bear the bulk of the responsibility for the alterations. That the "will of the membership" determines the outcome.
Debates unsued with respect to responsibility, blame, authorship, etc.,etc.. But, courses continue to modernize, to alter their designs.
As a result of this I posted a thread entitled,
"what can you do". More debate ensued.
But, now, ST ANDREWS, regarded by many as the home, origin and temple of golf is altering a KEY feature on a highly recognized, challenging and historic hole.
Forget about them moving the bunker four (4) feet, lowering the lip, and raising the floor, that is insignificant when compared to the message they are sending to the golf world.
Which is:
NOTHING IS SACRED.
No feature, no hole is safe from being altered in the name of modern golf.
Try arguing two years from now not to change an original feature on your golf course, and someone who's been playing golf ten years and a member for five years will say:
IF they can do it at St Andrews we can do it here, at our club
Argue against that logic.
This sends the most dangerous message to classic architecture that I could ever conceive.
That all courses, all features are OPEN SEASON to changes in the name of modern golf.
This is what you're up against, linch-pin clubs that should hold to traditions, to preserving their classic designs, are abandoning that pursuit, and setting the worst possible example.
I believe it will spark a trend in the wrong direction unless the outcry and protests are so strong, so many in number, that the individuals responsible for this decision, return the bunker to its pre-project form.
What do you think about the message being sent ? and..
What do you think is the best course of protest ?