One of those Twitter posts mentioned that designers were limited by non-compete clauses, so I wanted to set the record straight: that is likely not true.
We seldom agree to such a limitation by contract, because clients do not want to pay anywhere near a second design fee for us to turn down a future additional design fee. I didn't sign a non-compete for Dismal River, and I'm sure Jack Nicklaus didn't either. I highly doubt that Coore & Crenshaw signed one for Sand Hills that would last more than 25 years.
That's not the same as saying that we would take another job close by. I feel pretty secure in saying that Bill & Ben wouldn't do another course out there; Ben is a part owner of Sand Hills, for one thing. And I would have to think hard about taking another job there and competing with Dismal River, even though it's changed ownership.
We didn't get a call about this project and that's fine, we have plenty of other things to work on right now anyway. I just wanted to refute the idea that you shouldn't call me because I have non-compete clauses in a lot of places. I have exactly one -- to not compete against the project in south Florida for which I'm currently working on plans. But there are a few other places I wouldn't work again right now, out of respect for my previous clients.