by Tim
It sure is easy to blame the architect. Would Hills have "all those forced wetland carries" f environmentalists didn't dictate it? And sure, it's definately the architects fault that given 5 choices of tees, some boneheads are drawn to the back tees as f they were magnitized. I remeber going to The Ocean Course and barely making it over the marshes from the Blues, looking back at the Gold's only see the "Pro" tees a mile beyond those. Sure if I were an idiot and played from the nose bleed tees I would have walked off bitchen and moaning.
Let's not forget that the architect get's his/hers marching orders from the guy with the checkbook. If he says "make it hard" you make it hard. If he says "maximize the number of golf course frontage lots" you make it long. Unfortunately too many confuse long with hard. Pine Valley and Cypress Point aren't that long. In fact, if there aren't forced carries to contend with, an average chop playing from the tips will have an easier (but longer) course - because the hazards are set beyond his drive zone. Why do you see so many big scores on "drivable" par 4's? Because they tempt golfers to attempt something they're not capable off pulling off. Easy par if you play 5-iron/wedge but, Driver-ball retriever?

by Larry Duer
I totally agree with you on how courses are becoming too difficult for the average golfer. While much of the blame lies with the designer some of it lays at the feet of the golfer. It's an ego thing. I see golfers who have no business playing from the tips continually doing just that. Most golfers would have a much better time if they would just swallow their pride and move up a tee box or two.

by Doug Blomfield
I think most serious golfers want to be challenged when they step on to the tee. It is not just the pretty views that create a great course, but the enjoyment different golfers can take away with them.
A good course will be able to challenge golfers of ALL levels.
Personally I prefer challenging golf courses, holes that make you think, holes where you only get par if you play the hole well.
Unfortunately, too many designers have mixed up challenging and tough

by Bob
"I have a confession to make. I love difficult, chew-you-up and spit-you-out golf courses. If you followed my course reviews at TravelGolf.com, you realize some of my highest praise has gone to some of the toughest courses."
I don't follow your reports. You are just too boring.