Bob - The Old Course may be literally sacred, and it is certainly figuratively so. But to argue against any changes there because it is one of a kind, sui generis, is to (implictely) suggest that past, present and future changes to dozens of other great courses in America and GB&I, from those built long ago to those built recently to those yet to be built, cannot and should not be treated in the same manner and with the same respect, and thus for all practical purposes to condone the very changes we mean to condemn (in every place other than St. Andrews). And it strikes me that it is precisely this stance that (inadvertently) makes it easier (and more justifiable) for Mr. Dawson to do what he is doing, because it frames the debate in terms of relative values (i.e. is this/that course great enough to be left alone and unchanged) instead of in the objective/practical langauge of rights and responsibilities (i.e. the long, arduous process of beginning - right now - to hash out amongst all the stakeholders rules/guidelines for who has ultimate authority for great courses/tournament venues and who they would be required to consult and reach consensus with). In other words, while of course I side with the traditionalists here, I just can't see how the sacred ground approach helps much, in this case, or how -- just as importantly I think -- it helps prevent this in the future.
Peter