Thank you, Scott. That's really kind of you to say, and also for you to reach out to me like that. I appreciate it.
I've said it before, but I had a great time studying up on Olympic. The other writers were a help, but so were GCAers and members of Oly, so thank you, guys
Not only am I grateful, but I had a lot of fun meeting you and talkng Olympic.
Just because someone hasn't played a course before they write about it doesn't mean they can't take a position, as long as they keep an open mind once they get out on the course. Hazeltine is a great example. While I was underwhelmed by the architecture before I got there (from what I studied), I found other compensations to having tournaments there - ergonomics and friendliness for example, among other things. I can't say I fell in love with the
course...but I did with the
venue, if you understand the nuance. Similarly, sure Oly has some aspects that we on GCA.com frequently pan - lots of trees for example - but there are other interesting parts to the course that balance out the analysis so that I could come to the conclusion it'll be a great Open and a great venue.
On another note, I'm glad you reached out for another reason...this is a hard job. Writing is hard. Sometimes these previews take me a couple months to write. I don't know why this is, but when I have 2 months to write a piece it takes me close to that, but when I have overnight deadline, I get it done in a night. Maybe I'm no different from any other writer? But it is my job - every bit my job as being a lawyer...and guys, it's a really tough balancing act. It makes anyone feel good when people appreciate that you do your job to the best of your abilities, whatever your job may be. Scott, thank you for once again proving tonight that we are all making an effort at (and succeeding at) making GCA.com a little kinder. Also, you did an excellent job on the Ogilvy/Clayton work on your home course...that was a well written and researched piece and a good read.
Writers Patrick O'Brian (Master and Commander) and Jasper Fforde both wrote something about how good men don't hold grudges and make up quarrels, turning negatives into positives. I promise I'll try to move forward in the same way tonight and be as big a person as you were.
It's 2:35 a.m. in Cali and I'm still working on a piece due Tuesday...I'm dead exhausted, not to mention beaten up from 1) a sprained thumb (cabbie wrenched it on me when he grabbed m suitcase too fast and 2) a seriously bruised tailbone from a hard fall in a basketball game Sat...but your kind words gave me at least one more hours of energy to keep going just a little further.