John Conley said it best regarding Tom Fazio --
"Hiring Tom Fazio is generally a good business decision."
On that point, there can be no real argument because a "Fazio name" course moves the bottom line big time. For developers looking to push lots and anything else that adds to the financial ledger bringing TF on board makes perfect sense in any major $$ investment involved.
The question is does Fazio produce golf courses that will still be discussed 50, 75 or 100 years from now? That's the key point that is often raised by many here on GCA.
I've played a wide assortment of Fazio layouts over the years from all over the USA and will see one of his newest this weekend in my home state. Among the ones of note I enjoyed include the following in no particular order of emphasis or preference:
Shadow Creek
Wade Hampton (only wish the grounds could be consistently firm and fast)
Galloway National
Victoria National
World Woods / Pine Barrens
Estancia
The Quarry at LaQuinta (solid ending and maybe one of the more underrated TF designs!)
A few others worth listing:
Sand Ridge -- not impressed and can't fathom how it's listed among the 100 best by GD
Black Diamond -- good layout and the quarry holes rise to the occasion -- especially the 16th, but a bit lite.
Pinehurst #8 -- quintessential layout for those anti-TF people. Contains plenty of color but no depth.
Pelican Hill -- great beauty but again pro forma layout.
Meadows del Mar -- decent layout for the reasons Matt Cohn mentioned. The long par-4 5th (?) is a honey of a hole but the overall course is not in the same league as Diego counterpart Barona Creek.
However, if you took the "best" of TF and compared it to the "best" of Pete Dye it would be no contest. Pete Dye changed the landscape and thinking of modern course design. His impact will be lasting and he will be mentioned in the pantheon of the greatest designers of all time. He has not followed the high-end Nordstrom franchise mentality you often get with a TF design.
I second what redanman says that TF does build good golf courses. It's neatly done and very top shelf. I often think of a TF design as a high profile model walking down the runway during an exclusive fashion show. Very polished -- very sleek, very full of body and presence but I often ask where's the depth? Where's the sophistication, complexity or is it just skin deep?
Just like redanman I'm always interested in the next TF design because one can never tell if something of real quality will be in the offing. A few TF designs I've played indicate it can be achieved. I'm also hopeful for his future efforts becayse he has a unique role in influencing set the terms of where design can be. The question is does he want to do that or is it nothing more than a well-oiled financial cash cow.
My mind is open but I'm taking the Missouri approach --
SHOW ME !
John C: I have not played John's Island / West and will when I return to Florida this winter. Thanks for the heads-up.