R.J. Daley,
When I first came here I had no idea of what I might or might not say, or if I would say anything at all. I looked around for friends and all. Started on the back pages and read nearly everything. I was quickly interested, could not get enough and swore this was the place to be. I believe it still is.
I don't think "Happy Hour" #1 has become too confrontational or negative. Damn close though, and I have been slapped around the room a bit but I'm fine. You don't have to take the blame for anything. All you did is give me a little nudge. The words were all mine. I thank you for your honesty.
God willing and the GCA door still open, there will be a "Happy Hour" #2 and on....but I won't make the same mistake as I did in #1 by not seeing the course (or whatever) first. If what I did is considered as throwing a grenade from the corner pub then I promise that the next one will be thrown from main street at high noon.
I have a very high regard for nearly all the architects I've met and worked with. And even higher regard for some I've never met. Not all of them are big names. My highest regard is held for those architects who are dedicated to their own perfection, personalities off site, solely breathing golf, walking their ass off all over the project every minute they can, asking questions, seeking suggestions, what will work in the field and what won't? And never being concerned about what another architect is doing somewhere. Mike Strantz is a perfect example of dedication to perfection. So is Steve Wolfard at D.A.Weibring, David M. Dale of Fream/Dale Golfplan. Don't get me wrong, I am not making a statement here as to who I think is the best at anything. Those three are dedicated and there is more like them.
I don't really want to comment much on the construction companies. I have seen nearly all of them in action and worked along side many. It would be a toss up for me between Ranger, Landscapes Unlimited or Joe Neibur as to which I think is most dedicated and performs really well.
I have done my best not to adopt a specific style but sometimes there is no choice depending on location only. Take for example; A Florida course near a beach. If you don't have some elevation to work with you will not come up with much other than looking like many other Florida courses. I left there many years ago because of it and headed for the mountains. Plus, I sure did eat enough sand down there. I'm still searching for that perfect combination of mountains and ocean with at least 12 holes running along the beach.
Ya' know, I do like an archie with a firm set of plans. It shows me he is in command, he believes in what he is doing but I could not work with him time and time again. No matter the terrain, they all have their own style and I'd get bored fast. Plus the real busy ones would have me living out of a bag, running from one site to the next, a few tees here, a couple of greens there. I've already lost two marriages out of this life long gig. For me it's one complete project at a time, most of the time. An archie who hands me a set of plans, doesn't say much and I don't see him but about every two or three months ain't bad either. I get the opportunity to do my thing, knowing damned well I can knock something out or down in 15 minutes if he doesn't like it. And I never get upset about it. Two things that do get my Irish up are clients/owners trying to get involved in the physical design process (where he thinks he can do better than the archie) and a construction company or team trying to get between me and the archie.
All and all R.J., I've had the time of my life in this business. Stress is happy stress as long as it's golf. I have been to so many places around the world, met so many people, played some courses many only dream of, met some mighty fine women, stayed in some 5 Stars from time to time and nearly all of it, and the best part, "All Expences Paid". All of that do to Archies. I can't knock 'em too much.
Michael Kelly