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Mike Hendren

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Architectural Theme Parks
« on: October 09, 2015, 11:11:19 AM »
Recent discussions on courses like Fossil Trace, Tobacco Road and Sweetens Cove have me thinking of theme parks.  I'll stipulate that both can be well done.  Both can be a blast.  Both can lose their luster the second go 'round.  Some folks love theme parks.  Some folks hate them. Opinions might shift drastically over time (think kids, parents then grandparents).  Some might consider theme parks "beneath them."  Some might matronly queue up for Mrs. Toad's Wild Ride while others are only content to ride the latest, longest and highest coaster (I damn near fainted when climbing off The Hulk at Universal Studios a few years back and was sweating like a full camo'd hillbilly at a Skynyrd concert). 
 
Is there merit to this comparison?
 
Bogey
« Last Edit: October 09, 2015, 11:19:06 AM by Michael H »
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Mike Hendren

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Re: Architectural Theme Parks
« Reply #1 on: October 09, 2015, 11:21:19 AM »
For what it's worth all three courses mentioned make my top 100 list with Tobacco Road the lowest at 63.
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Jeff_Brauer

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Architectural Theme Parks
« Reply #2 on: October 09, 2015, 11:35:28 AM »
The nearest I could immediately think of was Tour 18 and/or Bears Best, or perhaps some Brian Silva Raynor replicas.  Those, like Disney, try to replicate some other reality.  I actually find it odd that Disney is now touting its parks as an "adventure vacation" when in reality, it is a sanitized and safe version of some region of the world or universe, but that is way OT.

Fossil Trace seems to embody Jim Engh's basic philosophy, adapted to a spectacular site, no?  TR the same for Strantz.  Both guys seem to go over the top as a matter of style, but at least its their style......so I can see the roller coaster analogy to a degree.

Haven't played Sweetens Cove.  Was that Cadbury's answer to Hershey CC?
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Mike Hendren

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Re: Architectural Theme Parks
« Reply #3 on: October 09, 2015, 11:52:40 AM »
Raynor's template holes = Six Flags?
 
Bogey
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Tom_Doak

  • Karma: +2/-1
Re: Architectural Theme Parks
« Reply #4 on: October 09, 2015, 12:52:18 PM »
Aren't all the roller coasters at Six Flags DIFFERENT?


It was only a month ago that I heard this term used for the first time.  I think it does fit a certain kind of course, though it will also undoubtedly be applied to courses with "frilly bunkers" or tough greens or anything else the observer doesn't like, so I'm now thinking I would be very wary in using it. 


I certainly don't see it as being complimentary, which is funny considering Michael likes all of the courses he used as examples.  But there are other architects who may feel differently.  Jim Engh might be all for it; I'm not sure if Mike Strantz would have been or not.  There are other young architects who aspire to their lineage, but they should do so fully mindful that there are a lot of other potential clients they'll be turning off.
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Norbert P

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Architectural Theme Parks New
« Reply #5 on: October 09, 2015, 02:38:50 PM »
Bogey,  I think they can be useful as an appreciation touchstone. A few years back I played The Tribute in Texas --  Motto ...  "Born in Scotland -  Built in America" and it was very interesting to compare what I have played and discover some famous holes that I haven't.
 Some examples there. . .  Machrihanish's first hole - The Battery - was disappointingly UNheroic. 
                                         Old Moray's 4th was subtly fascinating . . .  and I would love to build a variation.
                                         The Road Hole of St. Andrews facsimile had some charming railroad car barns (actually billboards) that facetiously give us a lighter grip.

  Mermaid bunkers are awesome!   (But I'm the "Bunker Slut".)
« Last Edit: October 09, 2015, 03:12:42 PM by Norbert P »
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"Golf is only meant to be a small part of one’s life, centering around health, relaxation and having fun with friends/family." R"C"M

Ryan Hillenbrand

  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Architectural Theme Parks
« Reply #6 on: October 09, 2015, 02:59:09 PM »
Quote from: Jeff_Brauer on October 09, 2015, 11:35:28 AM
The nearest I could immediately think of was Tour 18 and/or Bears Best, or perhaps some Brian Silva Raynor replicas.  Those, like Disney, try to replicate some other reality.  I actually find it odd that Disney is now touting its parks as an "adventure vacation" when in reality, it is a sanitized and safe version of some region of the world or universe, but that is way OT.

Fossil Trace seems to embody Jim Engh's basic philosophy, adapted to a spectacular site, no?  TR the same for Strantz.  Both guys seem to go over the top as a matter of style, but at least its their style......so I can see the roller coaster analogy to a degree.

Haven't played Sweetens Cove.  Was that Cadbury's answer to Hershey CC?

I'll never forget the summer I backpacked across Epcot
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