Ally (Who)
I fear that we could be mistaken and that design DOES contribute a great deal to The Ground Game, perhaps more so than we think.
I would agree that the Wind is indeed a major factor helped but not necessary by firm /fast conditions as this is where I believe the importance of the design input is forgotten. Routing a links course is by far rather complicated, well in the observation of not just the daily weather conditions but also the Seasons as well.
I would say that from my experience the design intent was well known and used to its full extent by the earlier designers and perhaps like blind holes and penal hazards, their usage has nearly been forgotten through the last couple of generations in the drive to make courses more accommodating for the less skill players or is that players in general?
There is a skill in designing courses suitable for the ground game, more so than a conventional course that takes a mix erring on the side of the aerial game.
You want to hinder the ground game, then look to modern designs incorporating Island Greens, shallow bunkers, Greens surrounded by bunkers. All designed are for the aerial game, the Man’s Game of long drives (with sod all real skill- just grunt and hit drives).
Looking to design a course (let’s say on a sensible budget) then we need to get back to basics, seek first land fit for purpose – money can always detract/alter the argument but in current times with money tight common sense seem to advocate conventional design. I would also question the amount of soil movement and extent of ground drainage, perhaps a little over the top for a golf course which is meant to represent Nature, not built upon manmade drainage foundations.
As we work with Nature we need to remember our past in case of repeating old errors. We can over engineer a product that may result in bankrupting its manufacturer and itself into extinction.
Melvyn