Philip,
I would also be interested in acquiring these plans, but not at any costs. I would also keep a copy for myself and donate them to the RCGA as well. Perhaps Ian and myself could join forces (or budget!) on this. Obviously, the Thompson plans might have more appeal for potential buyers, but Watson plans might be interesting as well.
Most courses in Quebec have no or very small records of their own history, and a lot of them were designed by Thompson and the Watsons. I am sure some of the Clubs could also be interested in buying back some of those plans. I know I would sure be interested in at least seeing them if I don't have the necessary resources to acquire them. I am currently working on a Master Plan for a course designed by Howard Watson in 1955 and would love to have any information I can find on that course as the Club does not have anything in their records.
I find Howard Watson was great at creating routings that made the most of good pieces of land, but that he was not as good at creating bunkering that was original and distinctive. Most of what I have seen so far from him is rather repetitive in shape and placement. I would love to confirm if his courses were planned this way, or simply built that way by his crews....
Is there a way that you could let me know what does your friend have in detail (which courses?), and how much he would like to sell it for? I'll be out of touch for the next couple of days , e-mail wise, but would love to exchange on the idea, if possible. I beleive my e-mail is on the side-bar, here....
Cheers
YP