Mike,
I once joked that the old standard for being a golf course architect was having written at least five spec books. The new standard? Writing five architecture books. And that was 20 years ago. Maybe the newest standard of being a qualified gca is having written 5 blogs that have gotten more than a dozen thumbs up?
I don't think nice projects going to inexperienced architects is a new thing, just a bit different this time around. I think we could both name a dozen projects were have been in contention for going to totally inexperienced guys who somehow sold a less knowing owner a bill of goods. Yes, every once in a while, that newb turned out to be legit. In general, the gca world actually has always been against formal licensing and regulations, which allowed the Pete Dye's and Mike Young's of the world to show their stuff. Just feels a little different now that we are the old hats and some young whippersnappers are the ones benefitting, LOL.
And, as for us old timers in the biz "filling the blogosphere" I agree. We try, but overall, the power of social media and how to use it is just something foreign to us, and we don't utilize it well. Most of us seem to be sort of pathetic followers in that regard.
You make some good points. But in reading your second post it also occurs to me you are just regurgitating your belief that design build led by shapers is the way forward in gca. It certainly seems like it, although projects are still all over the board, so I can't disagree. That said, if history proves anything, it will be that this trend won't be a forever one either.
Something unpredictable will happen that steers the profession back to the direction of plans drawn before building commences. Or maybe some other brand new, new direction. It's hard for us to know what. Maybe environmental restrictions and the irrigation designers become the project lead. Maybe some shaper will hit an oil pipeline, and after everyone enjoys the awe of the Pearl Harbor recreation, legislators will require more stringent plans and pre-marking of existing conditions, rather than a simple, "Please call 811." The imagination runs wild!
BTW, Happy Birthday!