Tom Doak,
I think of Pete as a "reconnector".
Golf in America was deviating more and more from its roots when he came on scene.
Initially, in the latter part of the 19th century and early part of the 20th century, many of the architects, pros and greenkeepers came from the UK and with them came the design concepts that they were familiar with.
As the next two generations of architects gained prominence they departed further and further from their predecessors in terms of design and it's relationship to that which existed in the UK.
RTJ would probably be the last prominent architect continuing that departure from the UK.
Perhaps Wilson as well.
Then, along came Pete.
When he was building Harbour Town in Hilton Head he told me that he was returning some of the features that he encounted in the UK, back into his work in the U.S. He indicated that his visit to the UK had a profound impact on him and his design principles.
At the time, many considered his introduction of railroad ties and 50 gallon drum mounds as revolutionary, but, it wasn't, it was more retro than avante garde.
When I think of Pete, and in particular Hilton Head, I think of the trend toward huge greens and Pete's introduction of small greens.
So, in many ways, I think he was the primary influence in the redirection of GCA in America when he came on scene.