Moreover, this thread is about Dismal River. I'm certain there are other threads to discuss the merits of Nicklaus designs, generally.
Chris Johnston brought up Nicklaus, saying he was "arguably the best designer in the modern age." He also said that "Jack's contributions to both have been almost without peer. Think of how many other great designers have become so with inspiration, at some point in life or career, by TGB. The contributions are astounding." So that is how the discussion got started about Nicklaus.
Michael Dugger did not do a good (at least in terms of being polite) job expressing his opinion. I think Chris Johnston is welcome to discuss Dismal River. However, his posts are more interesting when he talks specifics about the course (e.g. planned changes, why they do things a certain way) rather than describing how great he thinks it is. Is Chris the only person with a perceived bias towards his club posting? Of course not. The problem is that he hasn't been around very long and I believe all his posts have been about Dismal River or Jack Nicklaus. So this can create the perception that he's on the site to promote Dismal River and not discuss golf architecture in general. I'm not saying this perception is accurate, but surely you can understand why some might view it that way.
John
Saying Jack is arguably ther best designer of the modern age should not be controversial, it is a simple opinion and I expressed it on the number of great courses he has done over several decades. I concur I am new here and am happy to answer questions about Dismal River, changes, and how she plays. A friend send me the thread and I merely chose to participate, in this thread. I thought those here who were thoughtful might appreciate an inside look at the goings on at a unique place. The thread isn't about me.
Being slammed (twice) by expressing my opinion was silly. I was brought up to respect others and their opinions. Making statements about "what I have heard" about a place or designer is as meaty as puffed rice. I celebrate and respect golf and golf design - you will never see me say a bad word about
any designer even if a particular design doesn't resonate with me. There seem to be some "if Jack is good, then _______ must be bad" folks here, that is not my style. Much of design is about the land the designer has at hand. The sites for Sand Hills, Bandon, Dismal River, and Ballyneal were both unique and spectacular, and Bill and Ben, Tom, and yes, even Jack, did a wonderful job. I'll celebrate them all and, like my children, will love each for their individual strengths. But, that's just me. I'm glad they aren't the same.
Last night, there was a discussion that included Old Tom Morris and Jack Nicklaus, proving my point that Jack has had a big impact on the game and design. That was both unique and cool.
I hope most will here have an opportunity to visit Dismal River and see firsthand what is here. It is unique. Like art, it will probably resonate with some and not with others.
Adam, Thank you.