I was rereading the thread about awkward distances for long 3s or short 4s and TomD's comments about clients having issues with certain length holes and a couple of thoughts came to mind. OK, firstly I know building a golf course is a major investment, but if you're going to hire one of the best GCAs in the business and pay accordingly, why limit their creativity by saying "the course has to be par 72, or at least a 7100 yard championship track, have returning 9s or I don't want any par 3's under 150 or over 220" etc.? Furthermore, what courses have been the purest expression of the GCA with little to no meddling from clients or investors? (not talking about environmental restrictions here). Modern courses are of particular interest as they are typically the most expensive and come with more of today's preconceived notions of what makes for a marketable tournament venue, etc. Sand Hills? Barnbougle? Pine Valley, Ballybunion, Prestwick, Brora, TOC? Or for that matter the European Club? Pure conjecture on my part, but interested to hear others thoughts, particularly those in the biz.