John...being a gypsy sounds like a lot of fun!!
But here is the kicker on the point...
"is there anything new out there?"It is ALL new to me. I just played NGLA for the first time a few weeks ago and that course has been there since 1907/1911. I just played some courses in the Pinehurst area. I haven't played The Old Course. I haven't played Pebble. So, it is all new to me.
I've read a great deal, here is a link to the books I've read thus far...
http://www.mrpgolf.com/books.htmlHere is a list of the courses I've played...
http://www.mrpgolf.com/MY_RANKINGS.htmlSo, I am making solid progress...but I've got a lot more still to do. It will take a lifetime, but that is ok.
I've heard people (Tom Doak specifically) say, that I'd get more out of studying a few courses in depth rather than going here and there and playing this course and that. But if all I do is play a few courses and study them, then I have no context to contrast and compare against. And his resume of courses played and knowledge base seems second to none, so it would appear that playing the key courses (and some clunkers) are important to a well rounded education on the topic.
So, my idea (which is further bolstered by this old thread) is to:
#1--read and study (Tom Paul's point mentioned above) and ask knowledgeable people their opinions on things and get clarification on other things.
#2--travel and play significant and important courses (Ran's idea above). But I have no plan to play the Top 100 or anything like that. But there are a few courses that I feel must be played in order to be knowledgable and experienced enough regarding golf course architecture to have enough context to accurately judge things.
#3--the big hole in my education is St. Andrews and the British Isles. But I've already got my trip in place for early next year to start that portion of the education.
One of the courses that I've already played that I plan to play again and again and again and study continuously is: Pinehurst #2. Hopefully, the Old Course will be added to that list and a few others. And once I've at least seen the courses I feel are vital to have experienced, then I will settle in on a handful of courses to simply play as part of a continuing educational process.
I've already begun to understand what I like and what I feel regarding certain courses and architectual features on a golf course (another Tom Paul point above), but seeing and experiencing more probably will further refine those feelings and ideas.
Anyway, that is the plan. And thus far, I am really enjoying myself...so why not keep pressing forward.