I thought I'd actually answer Jeff's question.
My agenda has changed over the years. Originally, John VanderBorght encouraged me to join, a couple years after filling in at a Bandon GCA outing. He thought I would meet like-minded people, and learn more about architecture.
Before joining GCA, I had made a life goal of seeing America. I'm much less interested in traveling abroad. Although basketball was my true passion as a young man, I had developed a passing interest in golf and in great golf courses, through things like board games and picture books. As I grew older, my passion grew for seeing and playing the great courses. It would be disingenuous for me to say my motives were completely pure. Early on, joining GolfClubAtlas seemed an excellent vehicle for expanding my circle of friends, including the possibility of gaining access to some of these great courses.
I have participated here almost daily for four plus years. I've made one significant contribution, the notion of measuring golf shots in the time dimension. As a result, I gained some credibility within the group, plus the opportunity to publish an article on the elapsed time of golf shots. To use a recently overused expression, this has emboldened me to consider other golf writing possibilities, including a couple of course profiles for the same magazine.
I am a champion of modern course design. The great modern courses, constructed over the last 10-15 years, have much to offer:
1) Pure, homogenous stands of modern grasses scientifically designed for optimal playing conditions. I like to study the early evolution of these courses, and the impact of native grass species like poa annua.
2) A grand variety of complex new course designs, fueled by a wealthy American economy, and an abundance of competitive, talented designers. We are in the midst of the second Golden Age.
3) Modern courses are designed to play with modern equipment.
4) Many of the great modern courses, like Bandon Trails, are built on unspoiled natural land, compared to the old courses, on which the hand of man is far more evident.
I do enjoy my experiences at older courses immensely, too. But at some level, they serve to further my golf architecture education, so that I can better understand modern course design. I love many of the great old courses, but my focus is what's happening now.
I still participate here almost daily. After four years, joining GolfClubAtlas may mark a turning point, where I found my niche and and made my contribution to the world. At age 48, that may sound a bit sad, but true. I am very grateful for the opportunity. I have made many friends.
When not traveling and playing, I try to settle down and write about my experiences. In addition, I try to regularly offer my opinions here, based on my unique views of what golf should look like, and how it should be played. Thanks for everything.