In my Cypress Point book, I read that on #13, the traps to the right of the green were VERY deep.
Just yesterday, I heard from another GCA'er who found peril in the LEFT greenside bunker (he is a pro too).
Thus, the traps definitely punish a bad shot, and as they well should.
They are, after all hazards.
Yet, when I look at the 13th hole from the fairway, where shots are approached from, I get very distracted from the depth of the bunkers. Instead of worrying about where to miss the ball, I can easily see how a golfer would be looking more at how nicely the bunkers fit into the hillside, and how awesome the Pacific Ocean looks.
The vista seems to provide a strategic challenge, at least of some sorts.
Instead of focusing on the shot and where to hit it (did I mention the green was built as the most severe on the course?), the mindset changes to the surrounding view.
What are other good examples of a hole which uses a vista, or a great view to distract the player from executing his shot?
Can a good view on a hole be considered as a legitimate strategic challenge?
And, if a view can provide a good strategic challenge for the shot, does that provide the reason that courses on the ocean tend to be some of the more talked about and great courses (such as PD, Pebble, CPC, NGLA (especially #17), Turnberry, etc)?