[Hello all. Feel free to ignore this if you don't agree with the premise. Thanks.]
I've been doing a lot of thinking over the last few years about the premises underlying my ideas on golf course architecture. And mostly it comes down to this: I don't think most people, most golfers, or even most architects, really understand how golfers play golf. When I read the many (terrific) reviews of golf courses on here, there is an underlying premise that I don't really abide, that golfers make choices in advance and plan and play accordingly. That would seem obvious to most, but I think it is inaccurate, or at least incomplete, and lacking.
To this end, I would like to propose the following:
Track your shots, all of them. Feel free to choose the sample you desire - your next round, 10 rounds, 20 rounds, 1 season on your home course, whatever. Track them all. I have been doing some limited research and there are apps that I think fit this. If you have one, feel free to suggest it to anyone and everyone interested. I'm leaning toward the Hole19 app, but am open to suggestions.
Beyond tracking your actual shots, I'd like to ask the following: try to assess what you intended before you hit each shot, and try to assess that in some manner. I have to admit, I don't know how to do this. Were Brent Hutto still posting, I'd ask he offer a suggestion or three, but I haven't seen him post in a long time (he's probably out actually enjoying the wonderful game... and he's a professor of statistics, for those who don't recognize the name).
My aim for this is the following, as alluded above: I don't think many understand how people actually play the game. And I think the assumptions many - the USGA, archies, etc - make are woefully inadequate.
If you are not interested, fine by me, just please ignore this. Most probably will. Or rip the idea on here and I'll try to respond. If you are interested, feel free to ask questions and/or message/email me for clarification.
Thanks, have a Happy and healthy New Year. Fairways and greens to all.