And, if kids like me begin to play golf and courses are really long and tough, is that good for the game and the future of the game??  For future players??

That depends on what kind of game we prefer.

A game that put emphasis on length and straightness?
A game that premiers fantasy and strategy?

Jordan,

perhaps with a little (or a lot) of education on architecture and experiencing the recognized classics that helped shape the tradition of golf course design, you'd cultivate a different perspective.

That means a lot of reading, a lot of travel, and a lot of walking and studying, not just playing those courses for a score.

Jordan,

perhaps with a little (or a lot) of education on architecture and experiencing the recognized classics that helped shape the tradition of golf course design, you'd cultivate a different perspective.

That means a lot of reading, a lot of travel, and a lot of walking and studying, not just playing those courses for a score.

This is my goal for life.

To learn and understand the older and classic courses, and to become an architect, that is my dream.

Jordan,

GREAT TOPIC!

I think that the answer to how we view things is based firmly in our expectations of aesthetic, functional, and playability values.  Consider your affirmed choices to the following very general questions:

A good drive is one that...
  a)  comes to rest in the middle of the fairway
  b)  comes to rest at the edge of a fairway
  c)  covers the greatest distance
  d)  leaves a full swing for the next shot
  e)  requires the player to make a strategic decision
  f)  gives the player a firm target
  g)  requires faith or memory to execute

Ideally a great bunker is one that...
  a)  is aesthetically pleasing
  b)  is punitive
  c)  demands or requires angles to avoid
  d)  is functional
  e)  represents the stylistic theme of the course
  f)  creates a strategic choices for the player
  g)  visible from the line of play
  h)  hidden or obscured at all or various time during the playing of the hole

Green surfaces should be...
  a)  shot testing targets
  b)  comprised of significant internal contours
  c)  visible from the line of play
  d)  varied in compostion and demands
  e)  similar in fashion as to express a theme
  f)  subtle in grade and slope
  g)  massive in size and scale

In general fairways should be...
  a)  flat
  b)  firm
  c)  gently rolling
  d)  rumpled
  e)  cambered
  f)   linear
  g)  meandering and curving
  h)  tightly cut
  i)   full of defined landing zones

Great golf holes are designed...
  a)  from tee to green
  b)  from green to tee
  c)  by finding a green setting first then planning from tee to green
  d)  downhill
  e)  by finding an maximizing scenic vistas

Green complexes should always...
  a)  be well protected by external features
  b)  be in plain view of the approach shot
  c)  offer a variety of methods for approach
  d)  change approach methods based on pin locations
  e)  be very devious in presentation to the palyer
  f)  avoid fronting or carry hazards
  g)  elevated or frontally mounded
  h) avoid  ditches or water features
  i)  provide a bail out or collection area
  j)  avoid going away from the line of play

Rough areas should be...
  a)  punitive
  b)  generous
  c)  lush
  d)  hard and thin
  e)  patchy
  f)  hard pan
  g)  striped
  h)  natural or native
  i)  varied

Trees exist for the purpose of...
  a)  adding aestheic value to the course
  b)  framing views
  c)  creating strategic edges and corners
  d)  to make decking for around the clubhouse
  e)  being aerial bunkers
  f)  providing shade for players
  g) display in the form of specimen trees
  h) showing the native species of the area and site

The trajectory of a shot should...
  a)  be defined by the target
  b)  be varied based on method of approach chosen

The strategic portion of golf design is...
  a)  directional
  b)  lineal
  c)  trajectile
  d)  dependent on ability to shape a shot

Water on a golf course...
  a)  creates drama
  b)  provide irrigation sources
  c)  is a ounitive element
  d)  increases pro shop sales
  e)  used to create a source for fill
  f)  a necessary visual element

A great routing...
  a)  creates the best 18 holes when taken as a hole
  b)  always has a gentle opener and three to five dramatic closing holes
  c)  creates the greatest number of residential lots
  d)  never has a par three in the first two holes
  e)  never has more than three par fours in a row
  f)  has a par of 70 - 74
  g)  must create 7000+ yards of play
  h)  has 18 distinct landing areas
  i)  has multiple landing areas per hole per tee
  j)  is walker freindly
  k) isolates hole corridors from each other
  l)  creates communal golf views

These are just a few and you may pick as many answers as you like to each.  The answers from this group and the public are as varied as they come and will be in various combinations.

Good Luck!

JT

Jordan,

Your passion and healthy curiosity for GCA amazes me when I see that you only have been playing golf for 18 months.

Keep you passion intact, work hard and your dreams shall come true.