Gary & Greg,
I think, to characterize something as eye candy, there has to be a disconnect with the surrounds.
That's not the case at Hidden Creek where the high grass flanks every hole.
If it didn't and it just appeared at the perimeter of the bunkers, then, yes, I'd agree with you.
But, it doesn't.
When you play Hidden Creek your vision isn't confined to the direction and target of the lens, you see everthing, the pine woods, tall fescue grasses, fairways, greens, bunkers, etc., etc.. and they're all in harmony, there is no disconnect.
I've always maintained that what's inside the property line is the only thing the architect can influence.
He can't change the color of the Ocean or create waves on a pond or lake.
He can only create and orient the features within the boundaries of the property.
If he wants to orient a hole to provide a view of a desirable external feature, or avoid the view of an ugly one, his work must be done internally.
One of the most interesting studies this group could embark upon would be to see how Flynn and Ross routed the same property at CC of York. To see how they used the topography, internal and external features.
CC of York as a lab rat proves one thing, that most sites aren't constrained to just one routing, one golf course.
I'd also love to study Friar's Head and the routings provided by architects other than C&C to see how they envisioned the golf course.
Some have been very critical of Pacific Dunes, especially the back nine with four (4) par 3's and three (3) par 5's, leaving only two (2) par 4's.
I'd like to see what alternate routings they could have come up with and how they would compare to the existing golf course.