Tim:
You come here to discuss golf course architecture, to learn and to study.
I come here to have fun and shoot the shit with friends, about a topic I find interesting, but about any topic really. Golf is what brings us together, golf course architecture is the usual topic, but it isn't the only one.
I believe even Ran would agree there is room for both of us here.
And I don't believe I've "disrupted" any thread. I just chose to question premises. That is not disruption in any way, shape or form. Here's what I said in my very first post on this thread:
"The camera adds 30 pounds, even from far away.
(I'd add a smiley, but they don't seem to be working - is there something I have to do now besides just clicking on them? I do not have them disabled.)
Re Yale GC, I think the "problem" is that it's so damn fun to play just as it is now, that although to devotees of golf course architecture it is "tragic" what the course has become, most players could care less, using the "if it ain't broke don't fix it" line of thinking. In their minds, it ain't broke and don't need fixing!
But Geoffrey's pic obviously tugs at the heartstrings of those who care about what was, might have been, might still be....
Geoffrey has been fighting this battle for so long now, along with George Bahto they are the experts on the whys and what fors. It is tragic, but they can speak to the realities of making this a triumph.
I just do think there must be a sentiment from many players that I describe above... I know I sure didn't come off Yale saying anything but my game that day sucked. I enjoyed the heck out of the golf course, just as it is... even understanding what was and might be.... and I'd have to guess I am WAY more into these things than the average player there...
TH"
You tell me how that is disruption. I basically accepted your premise, but speculated as to why it's become how it is and why no changes get done. I could be wholly wrong, I don't know... but why is that not a worthwhile addition to this thread? You then challenged me as to why I think it's "fine as it is" (which I never said) and how "MY" thinking is what's causing the problem. Just who is doing the disrupting?
As for attention from the golf industry, well... if they're paying any attention, I represent their consumer very well.
But I do understand what you're saying. I just don't agree on the manner on which to focus. Putting it in many different threads seems silly to me.
In any case it remains Ran's site and what he says goes. Last I talked to him, he had no problem with anything I've written or my approach.
Is this site going to attract world-wide industry participation and thus change the golf world? If that's Ran's goal - which I am not at all certain is true - than God yes I shall pipe down and stay the hell out of every discussion, because in the end I am just a golfer and neophyte at all of this. But as I leave, you're also gonna have to banish forever good guys like Dan King, JakaB, Rich Goodale, and yes, Tom Paul - because he too strays from the topic all the time.
Is that what the site needs? You tell me. Better yet, Ran should tell one and all.
I hope to see him in September and we'll discuss this topic. Hopefully you too can be there, Tim. I'd like that.
TH