Hi Tom, JNCL, John, thanks for chiming in.
John, thanks for the props. Like I said, there were surprises to be sure, but welcome ones. I really had a great time working with Bob on this. Tom is exactly right, Bob has many diverse interests - as Tom does too - and spending time with both of them is a fun, educational exercise, as equally enjoyable when discussing crossword puzzles, books, poetry, the kids, and the furthest things from golf, as it is to discuss Ross, courses, drainage and soil, and the PGA Tour.
JNCL, I don't know if I read in as much as you in the bit about renovations. I don't think he's saying he'd remodel and old classic, but he'd remodel and old goat track instead. Look how he praises Doak for Tom's ability to recall the flavor and intent of the architect:
"RTJ: What I've learned from Doak? Well one of the things I like the most is that he realizes that a designer needs great people around him, and Doak not only has good people, but he gives them a lot of credit. Also, when they get onto someone else's style, they are faithful to it in their restorations."
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I would take that as a compliment.
I think that you're right JNCL, that if someone were running around willy-nilly remodeling truly great courses that were fine, that would be a problem. But when he talks about it in the piece, I think he's talking about something more akin to what Strantz did at MPCC shore course rather than remodeling Cypress Point from scratch.