I think it's safe to say that CBM didn't design and construct his golf course without giving any thought to siting his clubhouse.
I think it's safe to say that the lack of funds delayed constructing his clubhouse.
I think it's safe to say that CBM wouldn't site and construct a clubhouse that couldn't be accessed by car/road.
I think it's safe to say that the 205 acres CBM purchased, was land locked at the south end.
I think it's safe to say that CBM recognized the convenience of using the recently built Shinnecock Inn as a temporary clubhouse.
I think it's safe to say that CBM wasn't an arsonist.
Thus, the burning of the Shinnecock Inn was an unexpected surprise to CBM.
CBM states that it was the burning down of the Shinnecock Inn that was the impetus for him to build his clubhouse.
Regarding the current clubhouse site, he states: "... for today we have an unexcelled site"
So, did the site suddenly become "unexcelled" only after the Shinnecock Inn burned to the ground.
Or, was the site always "unexcelled" ?
Did CBM only become aware of the "unexcelled" site after the Shinnecock Inn burned down, or was he aware of that site
as he routed and designed holes # 1 and 18 ?
CBM further states: "There are no more beautiful golfing vistas in the WORLD than those from the National Golf Club..."
So, did he have a moment of clarity, only after the fire trucks pulled up to the Shinnecock Inn ?
Did he have to wait until the smoke cleared his eyes before he had his epiphany ?
Like any intelligent person, especially one so studied, did he recognize the majesty of the current site from the get go.
Or, was he weighing his options ?
Let's see, shall I choose.......
1 A mundane site in the shadows of the Shinnecock Clubhouse
2 A majestic site unrivaled in golf, sitting high upon a bluff overlooking Sebonic Bay
My reading of his words is that when the Shinnecock Inn burned down, he gave some fleeting thought to constructing another temporary clubhouse, for convenience sake, as he still had the parking lot of the SI close by, but, instead, decided on siting his clubhouse where it was always intended.
Another quote from CBM is found on page 191 of "Scotland's Gift" where he states that "The Sahara of the Royal St George's at Sandwich I found in OUR SECOND HOLE.
Now, if you've played NGLA, you realize that the tee for the second hole is but a wedge from the current clubhouse.
This also leads me to believe that CBM ALWAYS intended the clubhouse to be sited exactly where it is.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it.