A long time ago the word "homely" (the way the Brits used it) would've been appropriate: "Simple and unpretentious; cosy and comfortable, as in one’s own home".
Of course, there's not much chance of architects or marketers using that word either. Once a word disappears from common use, that which it used to represent seems to go with it.
I like homely courses. They are relaxing; they don't demand that you praise and discuss them incessantly, and so it's more about you than about them.
Pietro
Homely isn't nearly the same as bland. Homely is a positive adjective while bland is at best nuetral and I would suggest that when used to describe an artistic endeavour....bland is a polite way to express mild disapproval or perhaps worse, indifference. So again, I suggest that if an archie is shooting for bland it is time to find a new job.
It is heartening to see that bland seems to have disappeared from the lexicon of the thread as the archies have moved on.
Ciao
Sean,
No architect would ever call his own intention or work "bland" but rather, subtle, balanced, or varied as a piece of the flow and rythym in a routing.
However, the average punter might call it bland.....giving rise to island greens, overbunkering, "every hole a signature" golf courses designed for photos----- not play etc.
I think many, many punters would call some holes at Dunfanaghy bland, butit is a course with some really well placed highs, which do indeed make the more topographically challenged holes seem subtle by comparison. Nonetheless, they are a fun , and IMHO opinion, essential part of the balanced equation.
If it keeps away the tourists-all the better (for me)
Put another way, nearby over the top Sandy Hills was a one and done event, and I return to Dunfanaghy every time I visit the area.