Tom
I will be the first to agree that I am no course designer or for that matter a good golfer, but I know what I like and I am happy to voice my opinion.
I believe that it all stems from the way we have been introduced to the game, how that was conveyed and the way over the years we have managed our game. As one with no work requirements to adjust my approach to the game or forced compromise due to budget constraints, I have maintained that which first brought me into golf.
Although you and your colleagues design the courses, bunkers, etc, if the after care (maintenance) is not up to the job the state of the bunkers diminish to the extent that shallow bunkers no longer trap the ball upon certain approaches. Pray tell me what is the point of that trap - if you could call it a trap. I don’t hold designers responsible for the maintenance of a course but any potential problems should I believe be eliminated or at least flagged up and resolved unless you receive a dispensation from the client. That I would have thought would have been covered under “good working practices” code.
I believe that your statement “You are just too doctrinaire for me” would be better addressed to your clients as they seem to have the final say based perhaps on the fact that they are the paymasters. I am presuming that they are interested enough to understand what you are actually trying to achieve on their behalf.
My comments are just my opinions and as you are aware I am very concerned that sites are on many occasions “not fit for purpose”. I know the excuse that good sites are hard to find but don’t you think that golf courses should be challenging and not just another 5-6 hour ride through the country.
I understand your position, but I like deep bunkers, I see them as a double challenge and if caught in one will look at all options to escape including side or rear shots.
Melvyn