I think we need to define the difference between firm and fast playing conditions, and hard pan. To me firm and fast is still healthy living grass, but not necessarily lush green grass. The preference of this group, myself included. Hardpan on the other hand are areas where vegetation no longer grows, usually due to drought. Also fine, depending on its location and how it affects the length of a hole. Was the hole/course intended to have balls rollout as they usually do on hardpan? If not, than that is not good maintenance meld.
Speaking of disappointing maintenance meld, I played the Gailes course at Lakewood shores and really enjoyed the layout, however, they were absolutely drenching the place with their irrigation system. That course would be infinately better and truly worth the effort to get their if they achieved firm and fast conditions.