Ian,
"Offensive"? It's just for fun. I was asked to list MY top ten Jersey courses. I only listed those I played. I really think GN is better than Stone Harbor and Cape May National; feel better now!
I think I was very specific in my criticisms. I thought the playability was average because there was too little width in the landing area and the hazards tended to be parallel to play. I also said there were few angles . I really liked #1.
I think you guys get caught up in non strategic construction issues like well crafted bunkers , expensive maintenance, and lavish clubhouses.
I believe that Emerald Links has more varied shots in a round than GN. That is high on my list of what makes a course fun. I don't care that there is methane piping or a waste treatment plant next door. It means nothing to the playability.
Centerton has more interesting holes and more intriguing greens than GN, as far as I'm concerned. Just because the clubhouse is ratty and the course is humbly maintained doesn't mean it isn't well designed from an architectural point of view.
BTW, why don't you guys get specific in your defense. What does "solid" mean when it comes to architecture?
I went back to read my Jersey best requests. Sweeney asked for 5 with PVGC excepted; Matt wanted my 10 favs. So, that means I can add PVGC to my Jersey 10 favs. I would place it higher than GN.