Sean:
So, you "prefer the keep it simple look". Are you the same Sean Arble who is a big fan of Tobacco Road?
Jim
Jim
There are always exceptions to any rule, but I am not sure The Road is one of those exceptions. To a large extent, I think The Road is a design of simplicity. From listening to what Mr. Fezzler had to say, not much dirt was shifted. I think the major bit of shifting was creating the huge dune which separates the 1st and 9th fairways.
What ultimately holds this course back from being a masterpiece is the site, not the design concept. Sure, I am not keen on the huge waste area which borders the 10th fairway. I am not keen the trees or tall shrubs in the waste area in the middle of #15 fairway. I also think the carry on #18 is a bit OTT.
Strantz has probably gotten the most he could have out of that piece of land without really going to town with heavy equipment. This unwillingness (there are probably very good reasons) to shape the property is probably the reason for my biggest criticism. The course is a dog to walk. That is why I say the site is the ultimate reason why The Road can't be called a great course. I still think the course is very good and enjoyable, but I would never want to be a member there.
I would love the opportunity to play the Fazio course because it does look quite good. I just have issues with some of the bunkering. Perhaps I am wrong.
Ciao
Sean