Of course the 'Missouri Breaks' refers to the unique breaking of the soil formation profile. But, it sure also can be said that the bad breaks came to this project.
I haven't been there in years, but the two successive years I did enjoy a stay there, were highlighted by a very enjoyable golf course and being welcomed by Mark. The conversations I've had with him, lead me to believe he is a most sincere, honest and earnest in his mission to make Sutton Bay a world class facility.
My heart sunk on the second visit to see the breaks that had occurred in a period of a mere 14 months or so. But, the writing was on the wall. The long term prospect of that course on that land, if the breaks would continue, seemed untenable. I thought it was particularly regrettable, because that whole design and project effort was so well done on its face.
I don't know if one can be so confident as to imply that the 'breaks' should have been known and expected. Because no one in their right mind would ignore that fact, if it were known and expected, it seems to me. Yet, as explained by the geo-engineer, a series of events including the undermining or weakening of the strata or geological layer blocks from the creation of the dammed up huge - otherwise beautiful lake, was just the catalyst along with the disturbance of the course construction to set things literally in motion.
I am very glad to see that they have more confidence that the new top land site is stable and not going to be subject to this aberration of landslide breaking. Graham designed a first rate course the first 18, and he has in my opinion done a very fine one at Prairie Club. I would bet that he will do as well with this new 9 and ultimately 18 holes. The one rap about the first course was the walkability. It seems they are going to address that in the new course lay-out. The entire approach as described by Mark in his letter speaks highly to the sincerity by the developer group to rectify the problem. I think they have no better ramrod to continue to oversee the operations than Mark and his letter is very much in character with his reputation.