A bunch of us made a special trip to play Dismal River (Nicklaus) this summer and didn't see Sand Hills (C & C). Is that okay?
The "minimalist-as-cookie-cutter" argument does not resonate with me. I have been lucky enough to see two Tom Doak courses: Ballyneal and Renaissance. They could not be more different. I have also seen two Gil Hanse originals: French Creek and Inniscrone. They are also very different golf courses. WHY? Because minimalist golf courses are meant to follow the land as closely as possible. They move as little dirt as possible and appear well in place with their surrounds. Thus, a true minimalist architect will not have courses that look the same unless they are built on very similar pieces of property. Renaissance and Ballyneal used completely different bunker styles, both of which fit the site but neither of which was forced into the site. Dismal River II? That is going to look much different from Dismal River I or Ballyneal.
These statements that minimalist courses are cookie-cutter are, well, cookie-cutter!