Agian I want to continually thank everyone who has been contributing thier ideas and opinions, the more information I get the better, so thanks to everyone who has contributed.
TEPaul,
I love what you have to contribute, but to make things clear, I only got to meet Karl Olsen, I didn't get the opportunity to pick his brain, though I wish I would have had the opportunity for that. Karl gave a presentation last year to one of our classes at MSU about his restoration, that was an amazing presentation. Sorry about way I stated that to appear as though I got to meet with him exclusively. As for Doug, if anyone ever get the opportunity to meet him, go for it, he is a great guy. I lived with him and his wife for a couple of months during my internship at Austin Golf Club, what a treat that was. I got to see some truely amazing pictures of Sand Hills before it was Sand Hills, helicopter and construction, absolutely amazing.
Jeremy Glenn,
I like your input on redesign, but I don't know if I agree that redesign means going ahead, I've seen some really good green complexes get "redesigned" and the outcome was horrible, a knowledgable green committee, architect, and superintendent, have to work jointly to create something that works and encompasses the "spirit" of the original course, I'v also seen courses "redesign" greens that do not match or blend with the rest of the courses characteristics or style. Again I'm not trying to sinle anything out and when it all boils down it getting the right people for the project and carrying out a quality job for the betterment of the club and golf in general.
Mr. Mingay,
I couldn't agree with you anymore, restoring a golf course is not an easy job, lots of work, lots of researching, lots of opinions, etc etc. I like what you have to say!!
Ian Andrew,
I would never say restoration is unachievable, you stated Crystal Downs was too fast in the dry conditions of fall!! I'm biased on Crystal Downs but that is a perfect example of an absolutley fantastic restoration. Mike Morris did an excellent job there, I've had the opportunity to get to know him rather well and you would be hard pressed to find a more knowledgable guy. I played the Downs in August, and as late at December 14th of this year and it is truely my favorite golf course that I have played, you step onto the tee and feel as though you have dropped back 70 years in time, amazing.