Chip,
Thanks for the pictures. I too am confused as to how this thread ended up where it is...it is a shame.
The course looks really good and, quite frankly, much more "finished" than I would have expected after reading some earlier threads. Did you notice spots that appeared to be "unfinished"? Was the detailing less, uh, detailed than what you typically see at C&C courses? From your pics, this does not appear to be the case and as such it would appear that someone did some finishing work.
The course looks a little narrow in certain spots. Is that the case? Is missing a fairway as bad as it looks?
Thanks in advance!
- George
George:
I believe your question strikes at the heart of the "unfinished" and "lack of detail" comments. When the leadership of this course was different and C and C were actively involved in the process, I was priviledged to play some of the holes. At that time, there was significant fairway width and balls that missed the fairway were variably punished and nearly always found. I suspect, given the apparent significant financial stress the course is under, that the areas around the fairway are no longer maintained as many of the original visionaries imagined. Look, the course is built on an absolutely amazing property with a wide variety of topography and natural features. The original vision for the course would certainly have helped to maximize the confluence of amazing physicial features and great architects. When the original vision became blurred and the the leadership changed, some of the details that might have elevated the course to the highest heights have been lost in the transition. Back when I visited, I firmly believed that if the course had continued on its tragectory that it would land among the elite of all courses...perhaps among the best of the best. Now, many of the outstanding aspects of this course still exist, making it noteworthy and speciial...but there certainly is a fine line between very good and great and with the loss of vision, I suspect that some feel "great" was lost as well.
This doesn't seem as complicated as everyone is making it. C and C build very good golf courses. The property Dormie is built upon is absolutely fabulous. The financial times have lead to compromises that affect some people's opinion of the current product. I suspect that the current leadership is in a constant state of flux and that noone is exactly sure how to proceed in today's climate....how many courses will not be under stress with millions and millions of debt. The messages from Dormie are likely to be blurry and changeable...who would expect otherwise in today's climate.
Finally, I resent the implication that Ran is a disgruntled member and slanting his views accordingly. This is absurd, unfair and baseless. His reporting here has always been beyond reproach and he deserves more than the benefit of the doubt. It is shameful to imply otherwise.
I wish Dormie had been able to proceed under the original vision and plan...but it is, what it is. For the naysayers, the pictures do NOT do the property justice.
Bart