The truth is that the player/design arena seems to be getting more competitive and many more players are entering the field. But, I think it is safe to say that there are all level of player involvements from merely signing the design plans to getting out there and really grubbing a golf course design out of the ground. Then it becomes sort of a guessing game by novice golf course architecture hobbiests to glean which player/designers are truly doing significant work, and which are mailing it it. Following a name player whom we might have all enjoyed watching play the game and then translating their name to actual GCA is a pity, IMHO. We get so caught-up in celebrity endorsement in all these commercial marketting fields from equipment to real estate-golf projects, that we diminish the real genius and talent that goes into the making of a great product, golf courses or whatever. So Tom's first calling attention to the shapers is a good thing. Now it would be great if he expands the comments as to what specifically is going on that is great.
Of course we all know Ben and Bill are the real deal. And, Graham Marsh truly did spend vast amounts of time at Sutton Bay. Tom seems to be quite involved in the real process at the new Prairie Club and some of his other co-designer work.
I wish there were some sort of standard of real time investment that these player/designers would have to demonstrate to earn the co-design credit. Alas, that may be to idealistic or not very commercially realistic.
But, Tom coming on here and entering the discussions in a meaningful and descriptive way is very encouraging because he runs the risk of exposing weaknesses and steps up to show confidence in his brief. That he shows up to discuss in comparison to how many player/designers who wouldn't dare, is telling.