When does an architect earn the GREAT label?

[John Kavanaugh]

When the whole, on just one of their courses, is greater than the sum of it's parts.

Ballyneal qualifies, Pacific Dunes does not.

[Adam Clayman]

Why no PD?

[John Kavanaugh]

Because I think the parts of Pacific Dunes are greater than the whole.  My mind sees images instead of an image.

[wsmorrison]

"What word do you use in the title besides golf course?"

John,

The Nature Faker
William S. Flynn,
Golf Course Architect

Flynn also worked as a golf course superintendent, a turf grass scientist and in golf course construction.  However, his enduring legacy is golf course architecture and that's what we refer to in the title.  He called himself the "Nature Faker."  We think this is an appropriate moniker as he was a naturalist in style...using nature wherever possible and mimicking it to camouflage the hand of man.

[John_Cullum]

I don't like the title. (But I'll still buy a copy)

[John Kavanaugh]

Wayne,

I think it is great that you include the words golf course in the title.  When someone decides to xerox the good parts and sell it on ebay they should get more hits and likely more money.  Everybody wins...

btw.  What were some of the other working titles.  I like that your title might grab some of the less pure buyers.

[Joel_Stewart]

When they build something that is world class or their work is universally admired and revered.

I don't see Jones SR. or Fazio in this category.  I know its subjective but their is not one Raynor, Mackenzie, CBM course that I wouldn't want to play.  There are plenty of Fazio courses that I have no interest in playing.

Joel, how about Donald Ross?  Any courses of his you don't want to play...and do you consider him great?  

Yes based on my 2 criterias.  Pinehurst and Seminole are world class as well as others.  You may be getting at that some of his courses are not universally admired but I'll reach and say the majority of them are.