What is good golf architecture writing?

[Mike Tanner]

Tim,
 A welcome topic and one that's generated some insightful replies. I agree witht the general tenor of the discussion which seems to be that the best writing about golf architecture is both entertaining and educational. When I finish reading an article—whether it's about a hole or a feature or a course—I like to feel that my time with it was well spent. 

[John Kirk]

Bump.  This is a very good thread, notwithstanding my less valubale entry a couple of posts ago.

[Jay Flemma]

Brute honesty.  Explain both the strengths and shortcomings without worrying what the course will think.

[Tim_Weiman]

John Kirk,

Thanks. When I thought about this thread I was hoping we could get a few people to write reviews both positive and negative about "ABC Golf Course". Really just calling it ABC and creatively writing a review that would be worthwhile - maybe a model of what we should do here.

[JNC Lyon]

I think good golf course architecture writing means discussing the good and bad aspects of a golf course with honesty and flair.  If you like a golf course, tell me what specific holes or features make it great.  If you do not like a course, say so!  I think it is worth as much knowing which courses to avoid as knowing which courses to see.

Also, I think any good review of a golf course (especially if it is a positive review) covers two major themes:

1) What makes the course unique.

2) What can a golfer learn from the course.