I've said this before in so many words. I see no reason why this won't be the premiere shot-making, ball-watching course at the Bandon resort. Pacific Dunes is currently my favorite course at the resort, but in my opinion, it requires a more traditional aerial attack than Tom's Ballyneal course, where optional trajectories and alternative strategies are suggested on a more regular basis. Ballyneal is also the greatest ball-watching course I regularly play, where the ball disappears and reappears on the fairways, and greenside shots are played away from the hole to a higher degree than Pacific Dunes.
I've seen the land and how the Old Macdonald is laid out. I see no reason why Tom and Jim and the associates cannot evolve from what must seem to be the pinnacle of success to an even higher plane of design. Pacific Dunes is, in many ways, a heroic design, where a certain shot of must be executed. with considerable penalty for failure.
In golf, there are perhaps three types of elation. First, there is the awe of nature and beauty which a beautiful course will induce. Then there are two types for the actual golf, the triumph of a successful shot (the fist-pumping "Yes!"), or the spontaneous laughter from an amusing result (the disarming "look at that thing go!").
Even though Old Macdonald will be longer and probably more difficult in terms of pure score, I predict it will be more of a "Look at that thing go!" course, and to me, that is a greater accomplishment.
John: Gee John, that's quite a grandiose sentiment. Frankly, I'm a bit concerned about your mental health. Are you feeling OK? Grandiose, self-important statements like these often the sign of manic depression, or even a spilt personality disorder.
John: Don't talk to me that way. I know exactly what I'm doing. Tom and Jim and the guys appreciate every word. They understand that my analysis and encouragement motivate them to greater levels of personal achievement.
John: If you say so, but the original post is pretty unfocused.
John: You just don't understand the depth of insight. It's OK, nobody else does either. What happened to us, anyway?
John: I don't know, but you'd better start talking sense, or people will think everyone with the initials "JK" is crazy.
John: I wouldn't want us to relinquish our position as the premier authority on observational architectural dynamics. That would be a shame.
John: Yes it would...so it's OK with you if I submit the occasional weak argument out for the world to see?
John: At this point, John, I've lost track whether I'm the sane one or the crazy one. Have we been drinking again?
John: No, of course not. We're sober for the long haul, buddy, but we've been mixing in way too many diet Cokes. But just so we're straight on one thing...we love this Old Macdonald thing, don't we?
John: You're damn right, we do. We live 2000 miles from the nearest Macdonald or Raynor course, and if we're lucky enough to get invited, we'll play it once. This one here, we can drive down there and spend a week there every year if we want. Then we can speak authoritatively on the subject. Everyone will admire our knowledge.
John: All our favorite templates will be there!
John: I know! I feel better, how about you?
John: I do too! Best friends forever!