If there is a thread at the end of 2007 discussing the new course of the year and it is not Chambers Bay, Dr. Mackenzie will have returned unannounced!
(I cannot believe I'm getting roped into "rating" topic, but...)
Bob, An interesting and literate statement but the course, through all its intentions to be great with walking only, links play, wind, interesting greens, strategic fairways, wonderful bunkering, great views, fescue/bent, public accessibility, etc. is vastly unfinished to my eyes to be considered at its "Best". I was fortunate to be there that day and my enthusiasm for the course was only matched by my joy to be taking a day off out of town.
If Chambers Bay finishes 1st, where will it go as it gets better? Wherever it gets ranked, by no help of me, I only see it climbing as the out of play areas become more alive and playable. As the wasteland is now, at least in the D8 dozer track dunes, every shot from them will be in a virtual footprint. I don't know how fertile the unfertilized and unirrigated sand/gravel dunes are, but if the fescue holds, the golf course will be charming and comforting as well as exciting. I'm being optimistic that the fescue will survive but if it doesn't, then I think some of the intentions of design are obliterated.
I don't know much about ranking but does spending 24 million help or hurt its placement. Does it put it into a different category of low mid high end classification?
I believe the course can be great over time and I believe that I will have the patience to keep visiting and appreciating its seasoning. (And I hope I can play the 8th down the fairway!!!)