JSlonis
The Merion bunkers lost some of their playability, how so?
"...but when my score really counts, I could care less what a bunker looks like. I care how severe it is and how it can effect my score." It doesn't sound like you would be in the optimum state of mind to judge the complete architectural merits of a golf course. Although not caring, and not noticing what the golf course looks like are two different things. Obvioulsy you have to see what the hazard looks like (to make the proper judgement as a focused technician) - you see the severety of the hazard to the left of the 13th green at PVGC - you just don't care. Again this reminds of what TE Paul said his attitude was prior to his interest golf architecture, he was focused pretty much on outcome, I suspect that Pat Mucci has had similar experiences.
'I think the bottom line is that "look/aethetics" and "severity/playabilty" are two very different factors that when brought together and designed correctly make certain golf courses as great as they are. The perfect melding of these factors is what make us protective of the Golden Age courses and excited about the new designs by guys like C&C, Doak, and Hanse to name a few.' I agree with you and I think that is what GCA is all about, the pursuit of great golf architecture.
Rich
Thanks for your advice, but I've been on the ground plenty of times: The Golf Club, Sand Hills, Cypress Point, Crystal Down,
Shoreacres, Shinnecock, Eastward Ho!, Oyster Harbors, Pinehurst #2, Chicago, Pepper Pike, Riviera, Bel-Air, Cape Breton, Cascades, Camargo, Kirtland, Oakmont, Burning Tree, Oakland Hills, Pebble Beach, and Casa de Campo to name but a few. But I am certainly not complete in my "field work".
One of the advantages I might have is that I actually look at/study the features of the given golf course, in an attempt to better understand the architectural whole--including aesthetics, playing characteristics and the melding of the two. It doesn't do much good walking though an art museum with blinders on. I liken your your extraordinary tunnel vision to a visit to Mackintosh's Hill House or Wright's Fallingwater for the expressed purpose of going to the can, you might accomplish your goal, but you will miss a lot.