I would frist like to say that I have never been to the TPC. I have been to PGA West way too many times to remember, and while I'll never compare the two, nor probably should anyone else, I do think that their is the possibility that the TPC is the better shot makers course, with fairness in mind, and not the extreme penal nature of the Stadium.
Now, here is where I would like to add my opinion to the topic of this thread. Call it a drop of a speculation, if you will, since I haven't been there.
There are so many features of this course that influenced current modern day standards to many architects who were trying to emulate a certain style influenced by this design, I think that the majority of them are negatives because of the TRANSLATION of those ideas. The first being containment mounding, which at the TPC was in the form of spectator mounds. I think modern golf architecture is literally cut off at the throat because the over-abundance of containment, where the architect is designing to control play in a very unatural sense. In fact, it's a horrible preceedence because it has choked-up playablity and disguised it as challenge from the tee.
All of it gave way to the notion that the best players--the Tiger's, are the ones who golf courses should be designed for, thus leaving out all of the genuine options and variety that can be acheived throughout the fairway for all. As a VERY astute individual conveyed it to me yesterday, the style of play--"throwing darts." The problem is that it occurs throughout the round. Ultimately it destroys variety and memorability.
Now, I don't no exactly how close these mounds come into play at the TPC, and that isn't my point. The point is that I feel that this is where the use of the containment really took foot in the early 1980's, and it led to some pretty horrendous stuff--Where Architects realized this enormormous popularity of the Dye style; his list of works grew enormously, and other architects were foreced to copy or be influenced by that style to remain or become competitive. Heck, even Pete couldn't handle all of the work. He had a force that would seemingly resemble a US Army convoy in Iraq, building and designing for him. Heck, even Perry, who has exhibited absolutely not one shred of his Father or Mother's abilities is still working.
While Harbor Town seems to possess the playing characteristics that eventually influenced the TPC, it doesn't seem to have the containment or "grassed specator stands" at least that are with-in play or with-in the eye of the lens.
Use of railroad ties also had a huge influence. How many courses designed and built just after the TPC became popular had to have them? Most every lake on a new course or remodel had to be bulkheaded with sleepers, which added to the cost, which of course was passed on to the user. Now I can see having to use them in a swamp. Great idea!, but what about at the Desert Springs Marriott or the Indian Wells Golf Resort where a certain architect not only was influenced by that idea for the aesthetic, but also the entire reasoning of water presentations. Ultimately, I think the dramatics of bulkheads and boulders and the overabundance of the very penal hazard of water--which has to be used at least 14 times during the round on the typical "inspired by Dye" golf course is not necessarily a good thing either.
While someday I do hope to experience the TPC, by at least seeing it, then I can reaffirm my thoughts and opinions.
Cheers.
BTW Tim, This is an excellent thread, and I too am a very big fan of Pete Dye. I can only hope that you know that. My critique of PGA West as being the best in the Coachella Valley as proof. At least for now!