Pat,
You must correct the omissions. I will be glad to accompany you as you like. Kittansett and Lehigh are wonderful courses with excellent par 3s. But your training is not complete.
As to Pine Valley, I think they are all unique and to dismiss three of them as long irons or fairway woods is minimizing the differences.
#3 is a long green with a lot of back to front slope and internal contours and from the tee it can be a variety of clubs discounting the wind. Aerial shot required.
#5 is all-world. These days no more than a 5-wood for most players but the run-up option is there that doesn't exist on 3. Danger left, right and rear.
#14 is really downhill and plays shorter. Visually it is nothing like the other par 3s.
Gene Greco,
I do disagree strongly that the other par 3s aren't great at Shinnecock. I do agree that the 11th is the best short par 3 in America and at least the equal of any I've seen in Scotland, Wales or England.
#2 may be the weakest of the bunch but only in comparison. It is a very fine hole with a demanding putting surface and falloffs that make the green play much smaller. Granted wind makes this hole much harder but it is a great hole in my opinion.
#17 is to me a wonderful hole but many people seem to share your view. I think the angle from the old rear tee is demanding as is the new championship tee. I always seem to end up in a bunker, usually right. But I love this hole and it plays harder than it looks for whatever reason.
By the way, on Friday we all teed it up on the Flynn tee that was obsoleted on the 7th hole. It makes a HUGE difference with that green. It is only 7 or 10 paces to the left but you wouldn't believe the difference in playability. I hit a draw with a 7-iron and held the green. It wasn't 2004 sunday Open speed but the slight angle change makes a remarkable difference. Maybe Tom Paul, Craig Disher or Adam Jessie will attest to it. That tee needs to be put back in order. Maybe we should start a collection drive
