DMoriarty,
How many golf courses were built, inland in GB, between 1837 and 1901 ?
It's probably more germane to ask how many courses were built between 1850 and 1901, since I doubt you can call courses built in 1838 or so as under the influence of the Victorian age.
How did they differ ?
And, how were they similar ?
Taking into account and understanding the uniqueness of their topography, soils, climate and drainage.
Only after you evaluate all of those components, on all of those very limited number of golf courses could one draw a conclusion, even though the data base is so limited that the study and its conclusions would be deemed questionable at best.
If one was to do a study or clinical trial based on 100 cancer patients, it's doubtful that the medical community would accept and embrace the results as an absolute truth.
In many cases, clinical trials with far broader data bases reach erroneous conclusions.
Unfortunately, many undertaking the clinical trial are driven to prove their theory and lose sight of the purpose or function of the clinical trial. It's to come up with an "absolute" or "independent" answer, not necessarily the answer that those performing the clinical trial WANT to come up with. And, that's where you have to be careful.
You, and others have come up with a CONCLUSION, first.
And now you want to prove it, hence you do your research in a biased, slanted or limited way.
One would think that you would undertake a study of all of these courses, examine their features, their similarites and differences, and then put forth a theory based on your findings, rathr than coming to a conclusion and looking for SELECTIVE evidence to support it, to the exclusion of all other information.
I'm sure you've heard of Celebrex and Vioxx ?
With regard to schematics or drawings, I wouldn't rely on them as impeccable representations of what was layed upon the ground. They were rudimentary representations that in some cases bore no resemblance to the actual holes built.
GCGC is a perfect example.
Don't you remember, when you were a kid in school and had to draw a person. They taught you to draw a stick figure first, then fill it in, or give it form and substance. Many early diagrams of golf holes were no more then stick figures, the early beginings of the general concept of the hole.
TEPaul and I anxiously await your arrival at Gate B-4, and will continue the debate on the ride from the airport to the front entrance of Hidden Creek. Tommy Naccarato can act as moderator, although, he too may be disquallified as a party with a vested interest or predisposed opinion.
Once the property line is crossed, all conversation must be focused on Hidden Creek
Have a good trip with the Emperor and we'll see you soon.