I think one important aspect of these holes, and certainly in general on any course is the superintendent's committment to maintaining the architecture. Where I was you could see the superintendent's committment to MacD/Raynor's design features. I am certain he is ably served by an architect and some members, but he really strives to conduct his maintenance practices in a way that at least preserves the proper design lines, how it plays I am uncertain as I only walked the course.
Mike, I agree when you play really well, I think the thought of replicas, and this or that feature in relation to historical facts becomes less important, however I think as a player you are attuned to any design features that you know are present based upon your studies that can help you on that hole.
Pat and others,
I am not questioning the validity of the replicas, it seems that kind of comes through in your posts, however, and no one has commented on this, perhaps no one knows much about this issue, I did find that Hunter made some pointed comments about architects imposing replicas on the landscape, and again it seems he was trying to make an issue out of it, otherwise there was no reason for him to spend time in his book on that matter, and I would assume he had some first hand knowledge of the courses at the time that may have had the replicas, I am curious if anyone knows why Hunter did such in his book. What was the relationship between Hunter and Mac and Raynor. At times Hunter seemed somewhat dismissive of MacKenzie as well, it wasn't overt, but you could read between the lines.