I have told this story before, but when playing with other architects, one of the architects managed to reach a par 5 green in two shots, and made birdie. High fives all around, some whooping and hollering, and one happy camper. In the 19th Hole, he revealed that when he got to the green, he was thrilled that the putt was reasonably flat, giving him a small chance for eagle, and a near certain birdie. We all realized that if we saw that reachable par 5 hole as designers working with a greens committee, we would instinctively recommend something to “toughen it up” and “defend par.” After a moment of silence, what occurred next could only be described as a “lightbulb moment“.
Why would/do architects focus on preventing birdies, when they are exactly what golfers want?
Isn't the course a resort the other 51 weeks a year? Of course, the same goes for pro golfers on Tour week, as well as TV watchers who like the tournament to be decided in exciting fashion, etc. I am guessing TD might get some resistance to his vision of that green. Besides, what would Raynor have done? One project you are talking restoring Raynor, the next implementing Doak?
Any other architect here would be soundly thrashed for that, wouldn't they?