I am just about to run out to a meeting, so I will have to be brief. But Dean, I'm not really saying anything about Friar's Head. I've never played it...I am just reading what is written and asking questions. It sounds like the transitions from two pieces of property is amazing and a number of the holes are world class. Sounds like a great course.
But Mike's original question asked about its architectural distinctiveness. I added my own words of something like revolutionary breakthrough...not Mike's words, mine, and perhaps that was the wrong choice of words. Have all of those breakthroughs been made? Maybe, but I doubt it. NGLA was a breakthrough, Shadow Creek was revolutionary, I think it can be argued that Mac/Raynor's template was a breakthrough, Sand Hills revolutionary...I think so.
So, I am not bagging on Friars Head at all. It sounds and looks amazing. It has to be an honor and privaledge to play...at least in my mind. But perhaps not revolutionary (my words, not Mike's). I think another course will come along that will be revolutionary.
Perhaps it will be the 6,500 yard course Tom Doak mentioned he wants to design. Could it be something "green"? Perhaps it will be a course or grass requiring less water. I don't know, but something will happen.
That is all...In my opinion C&C are amazing and all of their courses that I have seen look adn play amazingly well. I hope no one got mad over this thread...I wa simply enjoying the discussion and education.