Jud T:
You are correct. Nothing should detract from the real subject of this thread, specifically Mike DeVries' opportunity in Tasmania. I wish Mike the best, am sure he will do a great job and hope I get to see the course someday.
That said, I can't help but briefly comment on your exchange with Mark Ferguson. As much as I love Irish and Scotish golf, I must say that my two trips to Melbourne and Tasmania were very special. They were special not just because of the great golf courses, but also because the folks from Melbourne were so welcoming.
My first trip was during the Renaissance Cup and it was probably the best Renaissance Cup I have attended. But, the second was perhaps even better when the Melbourne boys invited me to Captain a match between Australia and the Rest of the World played at Barnbougle. Later during a group visit to the Mornington Peninsula I was asked to give a speech to the group and it was quite humbling.
But, honestly, right away I knew the one single message I wanted to share. It was the same message I would have given if I was speaking in my beloved Ireland. So, I told my Aussia friends to preserve the great things about Australian golf: the courses, the people, the very friendly way they played their matches and enjoyed a good beer after.
So, I am quite comfortable taking Mark F's word he simply didn't know about Mike DeVries. If he did, I am quite sure Mark would have appreciated Mike's ability to produce something worth going well out of one's way to see.
In short, the Aussies aren't xenophobic, but like the Irish and the Scotish, they might just do golf better than we do here in the States.