Sean,
Thanks for the pics. They have definitely taken alot out near the clubhouse around the 4th hole as there was a mass of gorse between the 4th green and 5th tee which looked fantastic in bloom, but I guess it was getting too big and blocking the great view from the clubhouse. There was also alot more trees inbetween 1, 2, 3 and around the 4th tee which seem to have gone. Other than that though I can't tell if any have been removed elsewhere which seems slightly strange. Whether it was just out of necessity in that area of the course and they haven't bothered on the rest of the course I don't know. I will have to go back and look sometime soon.
I've searched out and had a look at the course tour by Jame Boon a few years back for some more pics and can't believe the Doak 3 ratings.
I can understand people will say the front nine is too easy, but that is only because they will have just walked of the 18th having had to play the back nine......and then I can also understand that 12, 13 and 14 are quite similar, but they are all fantastic holes in their own right in my mind and a great challenge.
Personally I just love the feel of the course, from the open view of the holes near the clubhouse to the secluded nature of each hole out near the turn where you could be a millions miles form anywhere, with a bonus being that it is always in fantastic condition. Finally it has the 7th one of my favourite par 3's anywhere, get a touch of wind about and that long narrow green can play havoc with you on what 'should be' a simple little hole.
I would rate it quite away above Coxmoor and Worksop, on par with Lindrick but the variety of Hollinwell just pips it.