Interesting discussion. Of course, Pat's answers read as if 'everyone" agrees that he knows what is best for a golf course. He presumes he would be the one pre-educating the greens committee members.
More to the point is his questioning of the "diveristy" issue, seemingly wanting to leave women off, mostly to preserve the old qualities of the architecture, rather than make it softer to accomodate the new female members.
Pat, times do change, do they not? I would suggest that at all but the most historic/exclusive clubs, the architecture of the golf course should very much exist solely to meet the new members needs. I can sure understand a debate about preserving the character that attracted members in the first place to the greatest possible degree.
If there is no debate on a committee, it might be less messy, but it certainly could be said it is not as effective.
And, do we not have many examples of a one man show "ruining" golf courses as much as committees?
By definition, is nearly any decision made regarding changing a golf course one that is open to controversy?
It is an interesting food for thought. In the end, there is no doubt that the effectiveness of the committee depends solely on the people on it and how they mesh. In some sense, I agree with Pat that you know a good committee member when you see one. In the ideal world, you wouldn't have to write a manual for how to be one.......
However, your post