I think it is “moving dirt” mentality. Some of my favorite courses just seem to sit on the land. Building the green complex is a must but everything else is just “there”. Look at Fortrose, Cruden Bay, Brora, Luffness. In the US, Gil Hanse did this with several courses, like Mossy Oak
I find it astounding when someone says “I have never experienced . . .X” when an event occurs. Like it never has happened in history because they had not personally experienced it. It constantly happens here in Louisiana regarding hurricanes or tornadoes. They happen all the time and have for thousands of years. History didn’t start the year you were born.