I think the problem, if it really is a problem, with this thread is that after Glenn started his initial premise, he was told that his comments were too critical. Then it seemed that people wanted to jump to Art Hills' defense. Many of those defenders appear to only have played 1 or 2 of his courses. Naturally, as many of us would, Glenn may have felt like he was being attacked for being too frank and needed to support his position (I would have done the same thing). Why is that a problem? I'm sure all of us value the opinions of many on the board, and use it for input when we go play new golf courses. Shouldn't we take the good with the bad? Personally, I've played at least 16 Art Hills golf courses, and I fully agree with Glenn. Should I be afraid to say so? Will people think I have a vendetta? I hope not. I've seen enough of his work, and I'd hope that people would like to hear my opinion. If someone's opinion is that he's underperformed on the good sites he's been given, so be it. Nobody ever said he wasn't a nice guy, nor a good businessman, or that he kicked his dog.
Maybe we should have a list of appropriate adjectives that can be used on the board so that we don't offend people while still voicing our opinion. Almost a code. I'll start with a few.
Nice = Not horrible and the cart didn't die at the farthest point from the clubhouse.
Enjoyable = The beverage cart girl was smoking hot, and got me to forget the cart path intrusion on every hole.
Fun = The holes were so awkward, I was required to contemplate shots that should never be attempted.
Good Businessman = The architect has a good office staff, pays his bills on time, and knows how to produce plans, regardless of whether they translate into good golf holes.
Interesting = Will cause you to scratch your head.
If you go back and re-read the initial post, it doesn't seem all that harmful. It's certainly no worse than anything inflammatory that John K. has ever started. But if you pour gas on a fire, as many people did by telling Glenn to tone down his comments, the fire gets a bit bigger.