Interesting reponses so far,
Ian, I couldn't find any previous discussions in a search, but maybe I was'nt looking very well. I would be interested to read any thread where this has been discussed before?
I think one of the key points of the Listing sytem in this country for buildings is that it doesn't stop alterations and work from being carried out, it just stops what could be considered innapropriate work from taking place or damaging the reasons that the building was considered significant in the first place. As far as buildings are concerned I work with this system on a regular basis so I know what a pain it can be, but without it I think a great many fantastic works of architecture would have been lost or damaged in the so called name of progress, or maybe even because some nieve owners aren't aware of what they have? I can also add that the people I know who own a listed house or property don't see it as a hinderence (well not all the time) but rather as a status symbol to be proud of...
So how could a system for golf courses work? Perhaps a group could be set up, attached to the R&A perhaps, made up of golf course architects and historians, or perhaps even some of us from on here? Lets call this group Links Heritage (LH) just for this discussion? They could choose a selection of courses in an area like here in the UK which are fine examples of Colt, MacKenzie or Fowlers work say, and then these courses could be given listed status. Therefore if a course decided to change a few bunkers, add a few tees, or even carry out major changes, the architects of that work would submit their proposals to LH who would be able to comment upon or approve these proposals. Now this would be a fairly new system so suddenly being able to tell these courses what they can or cant do would be tricky, hence it may be on an advisory position to start with? But if someone was to want to make a handful of changes to a Colt course, they would not only be able to engage an architect to prepare proposals (probably someone who admires Colt's work), but they would also be able to run these past a group of people who are experts on Colt first (perhaps LH would consult with or be connected to the Colt Association?)
One problem with the listing system for buildings is that as they stand at the time of listing is considered how they should be, even if some poor changes have taken places in the past. If this wasn't adopted for the golf courses, then it would be an opportunity for a listed course to call in an architect to look at renovation proposals?
Another factor to consider is if a course is listed as a fine example of say James Braid's work, should a new green built say to extend a hole that has got shorter than originally intended, be in the style of a James Braid green, or should it be made clear that this is a new green, but in a style sympathetic to the original designer?
I'm still interested in your thoughts on this? As mark says, we have a system that works for buildings here in the UK so why couldnt it be applied to golf courses? I'd also be interested in any examples of how listing or protected status works for buildings in other countries like Australia or the US?
Cheers,
James