MacKenzie bunkering--over the top?

[T_MacWood]

TE
You asked how I came up with my opinion on what Darwin was trying to say...the answer: my judgement was based upon the many Darwin articles I've read, incuding those on that subject, and the context of those specific remarks. That sounds reasonable to me. No.

I've read a lot of Darwin....sorry. I would think reading a great deal of the author in question might give one a better insight into what the author was saying as compared to someone who has not...but perhaps you have a different perspective. He is a very good author...I recommend him.

IMO it is also helpful to understand the context of the comments. Have you read the entire article that the quote came from?

You are one of the few people I know who looks upon a burning desire to read, discover and study as a negative thing.  

[TEPaul]

Tom:

No problem, I've read a lot of Darwin too so I'll take your opinion that he was being humorous in that remark for what I think it's worth. The fact remains that the hazard features of much Victorian golf course architecture of the so-called "Dark Ages" looked almost identical to the obstacle features on steeplechase courses. Darwin was a good observer of and good reporter on golf architecture and one would expect him to pick up on and report that.

[Mark Brown]

It's all subjective -- in the eye of the beholder. To me Mackenzie's bunkers were works of art that complemented the beauty of the landscape and made the holes more dramatic and alluring.