In this day and age, the properities at Bandon.
I say this even though it's a modern facility. It's kind of like the people who think Lady Gaga is a better singer then Ella Fitzgerald. People tend to forget the classics. How many college golf teams have played much less know about NGLA? Most have been to Bandon.
I think this is a very interesting quote.
Myself being a college golfer, I often chat with teammates and other players about courses etc.
Supporting Joel's claims, it seems to me that their is a liking for Fazio/Dye in college golf world and a lack of understanding for the classics.
Many college golfers of today are avid golf TV watchers, and they see Doral, TPC Sawgrass and see these long, penal, exacting golf courses.
My friend thinks a good golf course is penal, tough, and tree lined...he is a scratch golfer.
About NGLA, unless your from the Metro/New England area, most college golfers don't know it. And that goes for most of the hidden classics. Im happy that the President's Cup was played at Royal Melbourne so this crowd could see what a really great course looks like.
It doesn't need to be tight; width creates strategy.
It doesn't need to be tree lined and straight forward; depth of field can be challenged, wind becomes a huge factor, and decisions must be made.
It doesn't need to be tough; birdies can be quickly followed by doubles if you get ahead of yourself. Every hole is not a demanding par.
Overall, I know this is a little off topic, but great architecture is needed teach my stubborn generation the dynamics of GCA.