Tim Nugent,
My question was posed in the context of the times and with the understanding that many early architects were extremely frugal.
While I understand your point about the "results" of field freedom, good and bad, I was wondering if the early architects had the discretion to amend their plans in the field.
With Ross, Travis, Flynn and others drawing such precise plans, complete with accompanying, detailed field notes, wouldn't that tend to constrict or limit any field amendments to their plans ?
Pat,
First, I don't think the plans of the day were all that detailed at all, compared to what has come since. Its an evolving science, and computers can be a part of that. And, due to travel constrictions, I doubt many projects in the golden age really benefitted from the head man seeing it first hand. Now days, the stricter contracts make sure gca's show up at least once per month, in addition to requiring plans, etc. in most cases.
Second, I don't think things have changed much in the field. I have seen Ross' field notes for Franklin Hills, in Detroit and they look a lot like my field notes. Things like "Lower 3rd green for vision. Use Fill to raise 4 tee". Ross used field visits to correct what mistakes he might have made on plan, or just make last minute changes he deemed better.
As to the best way to build greens, plan vs. field? As all have noted, its important to keep green sizes within contract, assuming there is one, or at least a budget. Before USGA greens, this may not have been so important. However, in most cases, just to get it built right, I think the shaper is "owed" at least the basic dimensions, approx. grade above fw, and angle (we don't want a green turned 45 degrees across play on a long hole, for instance) We usually provide more detailed contour plans than that, but even if we do, if the basics are in play, we can make the nuance changes.
And, if I make one change, it often leads to others. Many of my greens are built of faxed plans, or now PDF.s literally sent out at the last minute. Graphs come in handy there, so contractors can check the scale of the plans easily when they print out in the construction office. Funny story, after seeing some straight edged Ross green fronts at TePauls beloved home course, I wanted to put one in. I drew it, faxed it, and couldn' wait to see the rough shaping. They hadn't started it, thinking that the straight front of the green was only half the drawing and a "match line". They were waiting for the second half.