Agreed that Cypress is so much more than just the ocean holes. But when has it ever been just about the ocean holes, in particular the shot on 16?
The inland holes are spectacular in their own right. I've always been favorable to the fourth hole. I think it's underrated and a great transition into the cypress, tree-lined, holes.
The fifth hole is simply magnificent. The bunkering is big, bold, and majestic, and the way the hole seemlessly tumbles around the corner is brilliant. I love how you can challenge going left to hit the downslope in the fairway, allowing for extra yards off the tee and the chance to go for the green in two.
Six is incredible too, while also being incredibly unique. Do you go right over the bunker and try and get a big kick or even challenge the bunker further left to get around the corner and try for the green in two? The dune as a backdrop to the green is swell and the green itself is subtle and tricky, in my opinion one of the best on the course.
8 and 9 are talked about ad nauseum. They are some of the best short par-4's on the planet, and each completely original even to this day.
10 through 14 all have their special qualities that make them great. The little cookie shack on 11 tee is pretty special too, and nobody makes better oatmeal-raisin cookies.
The opening three holes, too, have strong qualities that make them great. I just love the opening tee shot over 17-mile drive.
Saying Cypress is great just because of 16 and the ocean holes is like saying The Godfather is great simply because of the ending. Surely the ending is great, but it is the sum of a magnificent story that builds up a lot of smaller, great parts together to a climax that seems eloquently yet astonishingly fitting. Similarly , the first fourteen holes at CPC are magnificently crafted and produce a majestic build up to what may be the best three consecutive holes in golf. It would surely be disappointing to have three such fantastic ocean holes follow fourteen average, below-average, or simply good golf holes. Rather, Cypress uses the first fourteen holes to build up the crescendo that are holes 15-17.
What more can you ask for in a golf course?