Pete,
You make some very good points.
I used the term minimalism in the thread title because it’s a common term here and I was trying to imply that it seems most of what is built today is far from minimalist, if we describe minimalism as using the minimal amount of inputs to create something.
It’s why I reference Apache Stronghold in an earlier post. It’s not a great, sandy site, but the architect built a great golf course on a site that you can find on millions of acres through out the SW USA. Unfortunately, the owners of the course don’t know how to run it and my argument could be used against me…as if the builder had used more infrastructure then maybe the golf course would be better. Those familiar with the story know better.
Let me just use your irrigation example for a second. I have first hand knowledge of a couple of projects. On one the course was built in an area with ample rain, but one design would have cost almost 2 million to build, the other less then 900K, yet both delivered a distribution uniformity of better then 85, the difference was in the selection of components and the design style. One had all the bells and whistles, the other had all the control options you’d ever want, single head control, radio, palm, yet it’s half as much.
The fact is, in most cases the more expensive system is chosen because everyone wants to be sure they’re getting the best. We’re not talking a manual double row vs. a computerized system here.
What I’m saying in my post is I believe we’re seeing this across the board and while it may be good for all those building the course, I do not believe it’s good for golf. I’m looking for some forward looking individuals who are driven by producing the best possible golf courses using solutions based on knowledge rather then the most expensive options. We can dam the world’s biggest rivers, but I’d be more impressed if we left the river natural and hid the turbines underwater.
It’s driven by money and I probably will not see what I’m looking for until we are in some sort of prolonged economic crisis. The big money approach wrapped in a minimalist look is driven by the incredible wealth in our country and who can blame folks for cashing in, but it would be nice to see ‘em build something different once in a while, and I don’t think you need to be in the sand hills to do it.