Let's see.... 7600 yards, concept drawing has water galore (presumably dug for fill to shape features as much as water aesthetics) concept showing 'tree lined everywhere', and both family friendly and challenge to pros good enough to hold RBC. And promote a ground game to boot. Is Phil reading GCA.com?
Well, of course we won't know until the deed is done. Perhaps the so-called blank slate of what seems to be described as unremarkable land, can be a good test of imagination, and with some C&C shapers, who knows what will be the outcome. We know that despite some engineering problems out of the box with Arcadia Bluffs, Rich Smith and associates can come up with an arguably fun course to play... at least I think AB is a fun course. Please do post some photos of Phil bunking in with the design and construction crew from time to time as this thing unfolds. At least Lehman reportedly spent a respectable amount of time out on Praire Club, as did Marsh a Sutton and Praire Club. Are there casinos in Calgary to augment Phil's time there?
BTW, at some 3300-3400 ft elevation, it may not be enough to justify tips at 7600 yards, IMHO, if we are talking about a course that serves tour event skills and family friendly. I'd be more impressed if they built a course under 7000 that still could be of great interest and fun for a low handicapper and enjoyable for a higher handi and ladies. Let's face it, very low handicappers can almost all be challenged and enjoy under 6800 yards. I would guess the majority of 3-9 handi's don't hit the ball off the tee much more than 250, but they are smart and accurate. Only the elite .5% require the length over 7000 to add length challenge to the mix, IMHO. So in my mind, the media focused comments and article are just more promotional BS of a tour designer. Prove this skeptic wrong Phil....