Donnie, I miss many of the old guys too. How do you feel about this quote?
I can tell you, that I spend a lot more time at a site created by an ex-member here that fits my needs and wants out of discussing course architecture and golf in general.
Bill,
I can see where Jeff is coming from. Unfortunately I have to agree that this site has changed for the worse over the years. I still enjoy it and visit daily but it isn't the same. I find myself lurking in the background more and more. It is really disheartening when you spend time to write something of substance only to see it disappear under a sea of OT and Tiger posts.
Yes, look at all of these on-topic architecture threads from the good ole' days in 2003:
Review of Feinstein's new book, "Open"
Tiger's quote on non-conforming drivers
Northeast Amateur
"Addicted Member"
Celebrities on the course
Public Service Announcement: How the West Was Won (about a new Led Zeppelin CD)
why I love/hate Johnny Miller
Paddy Hanmer (Muirfield club secretary)
Golf flying under the radar this year. Why?
LARGEST Locker Room in Golf
U.S. Ladies Open qualifier, Big Wiesy in the hizzy
Good for John Riegger (about Sorenstam playing at Colonial)
Handicaps and other musings
Buggies
"Due Process" article in Golf Magazine June 2003 (about pairings for golf tournaments)
No one is claiming that OT topics didn't exist, but there were fewer. I'm not even trying to kill the idea of having OT topics. I post or have posted on them too. It's just more rampant than before. As is the access issue.
Jeff F.
Yes, all kinds of OT topics cluttering up the first page of the DB devoted to golf architecture right now; let's see:
Are there any other holes that can be called Template holes...
2010 PGA at Whistling Straits discussion thread (with many posts discussing the architecture there)
Desmond Tolhurst's account (another Merion thread, about its architectural roots)
Shouldn't Road Hole templates all be par 4's?
Flora in bunkers
"Have you heard anything about this new course in Nebraska...." (dealing with architectural attributes of a course in a remote location)
Very interesting article on course setups for a major
Henry Stambaugh Municipal Golf Course - Youngstown, Ohio 1920's era (photo thread)
Black Wolf Run (Original Championship Course) vs. Whistling Straits?
So just how good is the Straits from an architectural perspective
Moundbuilders - Newark, OH
Rock Creek photo tour - all 18 holes
USGA Women's Amateur at Charlotte CC (about the architecture and restoration of the course)
Augusta National: The Most Cleverly Bunkered Course in Dr Mac's Portfolio?
The Dormie Club - Routing
Pa Open at Applebrook (about a Gil Hanse--designed course)
Architects - Challenge my directional control, my distance control not so much
First 9 is a Ross, Second 9 is a Bendelow then all a Tillie? - Wanango CC (PA) (photo thread)
The Sagebrush Experience (some very good photos of golf holes)
Golf Trip to the USA...The Favourites Holes Lists