Bill,
Tis appears, based on your taking this way too personal, that I have struck a nerve. While Aspen Lakes is a nice course, this thread was started with a list of 12 greats in the world since 1945. I am sorry if you are interpreting my comments as disparaging to Aspen Lakes and all that you've done there. However, you've got to admit that your propagation(sp) of Aspen Lakes is perhaps better served via a different medium.
Or, how about a whole new thread devoted to the course. I'll drive down to Bend, bring my digi cam along and we'll play 18 holes. We'll post all the pictures, and once everyone concurs it is the 13th wonder of the world, we'll conclude that Overdorf in Oregon is going to be synonamous with Dye's Teeth of the Dog, Mike Keiser's bluff of dunesland, C & C in Mullen or Fazio's Black Diamond Ranch?
Who, outside of Oregon, knows of Aspen Lakes? It isn't one of the best two course in the state, let alone one of the 12 greats of the world in the past fifty years.
Outside of a discussion about 12 greats, I'd love to discuss the merits of Aspen Lakes as it pertains to the Oregon golf, or even Pac NW golf, scene, for that matter. But, I rest on my claims that it is not worthy of that distinction(as 12 great material), and I'll stick to those regardless of what Mr. Robinson, with all due respect, has to say about the place.
The thread was started with "Frankly, I see 12 great courses built since 1945." Bill, go back and look at your last post, please. I don't mean to be a jerk or anything, but I'm trying to stick with the material here.
:-/