David M: I would not be likely to turn to "geometric" bunkering because I am a big believer that a golf course ought to look like it belongs in the landscape. Fewer bunkers, yes; simpler bunkers, maybe. I am really out to build good golf courses more than I'm out to prove any particular point.
Makes sense. If I was building a course (having one built) I'd want the same thing.
However, I have been thinking that someday when we get a really blank-slate site (whether it's just flat or industrial or something), that I would love to build a course that doesn't look much like a golf course at all, but plays like one. I would likely need to collaborate on that with a landscape architect who doesn't play too much golf, so I can be the "shot values and strategy" guy.
This is perhaps a bit more what I had in mind with the question. This would be very interesting, especially if the course was really a kick to play. I have a hard time imagining the developer who lets you do it though.
___________________
The feature I have always found most interesting about the bunkers built by TD's crew and a few others is that the inside of the bunkers are actually contoured to the land, so that the inside of the bunker will have internal slopes and movement. IMO this not only blends better and makes the bunker feel more natural, it also provides for more interesting bunker shots.
Is this feature found in many golden age courses? If so which ones and by whom? Or is it a more modern contribution to quality gca?