Ron & JPBlain:
I look at the Yahnundasis as to what it can be, not so much as to how it looks and is cared for at the present, so in that context and IMO it stands fairly well next to Stafford and Onondaga. There is no question as to the weakness of the lower back 9 holes discussed, but that wasn't Travis' fault. I do believe, given the merits of better sites, that Lookout, Cherry Hill and CC of Troy are better all around golf.
Ekwanok stands alone for many good reasons, but it is also not in NY. Scranton--I saw it before Ian's work began and after most of it was finished and without a doubt Ian reawakened some fine work by Travis and it is a must play if traveling through.
Orchard Park is by far the weakest of the group IMO and here again, this is probably linked to many changes to the course as a result of other architects who cared little about history and architectural integrity. Fortunately, Ian is also their consulting architect and if they are ever able to make a decision and clear finances, his work will vastly improve the experience there.
Stafford is simply a lot of fun to play. It is relatively short, but like the Yahnundasis, there are many greens sites and putting surfaces that provide a spirited experience and present many challenges to all golfers--a measure IMO to the quality of golf. The topo is very interesting as well with many rolling fairways, blinds shots and tilted approaches to keep you on your toes. Here again Ian has done bunker renovations, but I do know he was restricted from restoring and returning many of the lost Travis bunkers that would have really brought it up a couple more notches. I think he is currently working on tree management
and this will greatly enhance all aspects that Travis invisioned.
I too would be interested in Ian's rating but my rating of the NY Travis work would be as follows:
1. CC of Troy--the work by Bruce Hepner has made a BIG difference
2. Onondaga--after Ian's work is completed
3. Stafford--after Ian's work is finished ( I could almost interchange Onondaga and Stafford)
4. Yahnundasis
5. Orchard Park