In golf course architecture there are many factors to consider when documenting the history of a golf course or an architect or a period, including economic issues, technology, aesthetic trends, environment, geography, societal pressures, maintenance, and strategic theories.
Pine Valley is a very interesting case study, considered by many to be the greatest golf course in the world, its architectural history is one frustration and failure after another (economics, technology, maintenance, environment, aesthetics and strategic theory all were factors), which ultimately resulted in the demise of the fellow who inspired the whole thing.