The way I feel about Fazio the architect. Contrived, trite, overused, predictable, boring. If not effective??
The way I feel about Fazio the man. Generous, insightful, family first, entrepreneurial, successful even.
See my point? For the years I was lurking, I saw nothing but vitriol spewed towards this man as if he was evil and horrible. I did my own research and found that:
1) Yes, what many of you say about his architecture is partially true. Don't get me wrong, he is a very successful designer. But his template holes and inability to capture the golfer are noted. However, he does have some interesting layouts.
2) Despite this, the guy is a good man and a hell of an ambassador for golf. Good young associates work for the guy. He takes care of his family. His clients generally love his work. Mike Keiser is a friend (thats enough to sell me).
I think it's time that we on this website--me included--who turn up our proverbial noses at one course or another, or one architect or another. Need to extend an olive branch to all architects that are willing to share their knowledge. It's a fun, silly game guys. It stirs our souls at times, and at others its merely an escape to take a walk and have a beer. In the end though, its a game.