re: What makes a golf course great?

I prefer park style courses.

I don’t think every shot needs a hazard or boundary stake.

Take bunkers for example. I think one by the green and one on side of fairway is plenty.

I don’t care for ponds just to slow pace of play down with multiple forced carries.

Have 1 par 3 that is 140 or less, 2 par 3s about 155-170, and one par 3 about 180-190.

Par 5s should be 480-510 so people potentially can reach them without being a really big hitter.

Par 4s should range from 280 (a pond to right of green, bunker left) to around 420 or so.

Some elevation changes are nice, but keep it very walkable.