Jon,
It was only because the conditions were so unplayable that the slow greens made sense. I suppose you really enjoy 40-50 miles hour wind, rain, and hail. I understood they were only slow because they had changed them. There is actually nothing contradictory as we played it under very unusual circumstances. But, I was asked to rank the courses I played and I did so accordingly. And, then I was asked why I ranked Ballybunion last. But, last does not mean bad - I would still put Ballybunion in my top-25.
Of all the courses we played, Ballybunion had the most spectacular views, but the consequence was greater exposure to the elements. How much wind is appropriate? When do you say - that's just too much? Certainly, they postpone golf tournaments (including the Open Championship last year) when it is too windy. And, doesn't the natural setting of the golf course play a role in that? If you're going to wow a course because of its views, is it not fair to consider whether it is too exposed to the elements? I simply speculated that maybe the dunes weren't high enough as a possible explanation. I've also asked other people about this, and they all said that Ballybunion gets more bad weather / extreme wind that any other course in the region.
Mark's opinion is so off-base that I am scrambling to understand why. Would you accept the CEO of Coke's opinion on Pepsi and vice-versa as being fair and objective? He took a gratuitous swipe that was bizarre, baffling, and not accepted by anyone I know. There is no defense as to whether Waterville's greens are unnatural than to state the contrary.
And, please spare me your arrogant "you don't know what links golf is all about" comments. It's just unnecessary.
Jon,
I am afraid you still have not put forward one reason why Mark P's opinion is incorrect. I certainly did not see any jealousy reflected in his opinion he clearly did not appreciate the green complexes as much as you did which is probably his loss but certainly does not make him stupid or jealous.
I was quite surprised by your take on Ballybunion. You criticise the green for being too slow but then say that had they have been faster they would have been unplayable in the wind. I would suggest that the greens might have been at that pace due to many of them being newish and to ensure that the course remain playable even in a strong wind which does happen on many days at links courses. So greens set up in an appropriate way for the conditions are unacceptable to you but were they set up in a fashion as to make the course unplayable that would be okay for you. Seems to me you have your priorities all wrong. Did the greens run true when putting on them as this is the only real thing they should be judged on but which you neglect to mention.
As for the site being too exposed, the course is where it is and strong wind is part and parcel of playing links golf. Frankly, if you were not build courses on exposed sites then there would be no links courses. The onus is on the player to adjust his game to cope with the wind.
The dunes were not high enough!!! What do you suggest? The dunes are a natural feature not man made and are actually quite sizable at Ballybunion. I get the impression that you do not entirely get what links golf is all about. You cannot use US golf courses as a benchmark as links golf is so different to it. I am sure were you to play a lot more links golf with people who are well versed in it you would get a much better understanding and appreciation for it.
Jon