John-
This seems to be in response to my question about whether Dunedin, Bradenton, and Bobby Jones are like. I've never had someone disagree with discussion of possible hidden gems....
Both Brad and trip planning compatriot Ryan hit the nail on the head here.
I ask about them because you can see hole-by-hole photos of World Woods, TPC Tampa, Innisbrook, etc....on the internet...but the old Ross-related courses are low-key enough that they seem mysterious to me. There are some modern special places to see, but there are also some old perhaps forgotten layouts that need to be remembered. I know going in that I will like a classic course better than your "regular Florida" course that has been built since then, that's the way I am. As Brad said, the intrigue is there. I would take a marginally-documented Ross course over Sunny Key Palms any day.
For instance, I played about 7 courses in eastern NC in December 04. I liked Wilmington Muni better than Carolina National, Thistle, and Magnolia Greens....its experiences like this that make you search for the hidden gem. And those courses had grass in the rough and well maintained bunkers, unlike WM.
I would love to experience all the great Ross courses in the country, and all the great courses of the world, but the last thing I will ever do is not play or seek out a certain course because "there is only ONE exceptional _____ course in our state."
In Mass., we have Essex, Brae Burn, Winchester, Worcester, Oyster Harbors, etc...so does that mean I should not go seek out Sandy Burr, George Wright, Bass River, Greenock? Of course not. Some aren't that great, but there are too many formulaic upscale courses with perfectly fair features, containment mounding, and 7 tee choices in this country.
I know you are just ranting here, and so am I for the most part, but "If modern work isn't your thing then maybe Florida golf isn't either" sounds a bit sour to me...