Sigh.
I must say it's rather frustrating how you claim knowledge of a hole you've never seen - even to the extent of asserting superiority in knowledge over those of us who have played the golf hole.
So let's try this again.
Differences:
1. There is indeed a carry over water at DV for the layup. As I've described countless times, any shot that would actually advance you to the hole and give a simple shot in requires a carry over water. You can see it in the picture. Yes one can safely avoid the water on a VERY short shot. But I'd venture to guess the number of instances of this occurring is infitesimally small. But it counts in your world, so we'll leave that as a difference.
2. Ok
3. Delta's tee and green ARE raised! You can't see this in the picture of course, but how many times must I tell you it's so? I've been there Patrick, have you? Yes, each is a bit more raised at CPC, but not enough to make it a significant difference.
4. I've played BOTH courses - have you? So who would be more expert on the wind conditions of each? On top of that I am quite familar with the surrounding area of each course - are you? Man you have to give this up. I am here to tell you the wind conditions are quite similar at these courses.
5. There is indeed more room left at CPC - but not in an area that the golfer is likely to ever use, as I've explained.
Similarities:
1) 200+ yard carry over water Only in one direction
Of course - the direction directly at the hole. Never said otherwise.
2) Bailout area left; strategic choice available to go left if one can't make the carry Not really.
Hell yes it is - when I last played DV, I believe 2 out of the 4 in my group couldn't make the carry and went left. But I guess you know better having played the hole so many times.
3) Both the tee box and green are elevated
I would doubt any similarity to CPC or substantive elevation change at Delta.
How high above the water is the tee at Delta ?
How high above the water is the green at Delta ?
How about at CPC ?
I suspect that your comparison is seriously flawed.
And you'd be wrong. As for the exact levels of how each is raised, such would depend on the tide at CPC and how high they keep the water in the lake at DV. IN any case each would be a bit more raised at CPC - but not enough to make this a huge distinctive difference. In each case, balls that fail to carry the water will be wet - there is no bouncing on the green. As Kalen described, that grass bank in front of the green at DV is pretty steep, such that all balls that hit it roll back into the water... pretty much the same effect as hitting the wall at CPC.
4) Mounded behind the green.
Absent good photos of Delta, I can't compare the two
Correct, but you could just take my word for it. But I guess that's outside of your abilities.
5) Water is in play short and to the right of the green.
You could say that about Baltusrol Lower # 4 and a zillion other holes.
Certainly. I'm not saying this is particularly notable, only that it is the same in the playing of the two golf holes.
6) Green side bunker(s)
The bunker patterns aren't remotely close to one another
Correct. But a bunker exists that effects the play at DV, so it's at least in the ballpark. If no bunkers existed, then we'd eliminate this. In any case feel free to eliminate this; it doesn't hurt my case at all.
7) Lost ball potential left
HOW ?
Are you serious? Into the ocean at CPC, over the fence at DV. I've explained this several times already also. You can also see it on the google earth look at DV. My my but you are getting forgetful.
8 ) Unpredictable and sometimes fierce winds
I'll have to rely on your experience, but, are you telling me that a hole that sits high above the ocean is subject to the same winds as can be found in Pittsburg, California ?
NOW you say you'll rely on my experience? Gee thanks. But yes Patrick, the winds can be varied and fierce in each place.
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Now back to the question.
Once again, the issue of whether they are templates or not is irrelevant. Nice try to keep coming back to something that has no bearing.
The issue is that in truth, no matter how many times you try to debate the specifics, in the playing of the golf holes, there are a few pretty insignificant differences, compared with a lot of very basic and important similarities. You can keep trying to debate this, but all the evidence is right there for all the world to see.
So... care to take a stab at REALLY answering the question?
It's very simple and this can all end very easily.... the answer is patently obvious to everyone but you....
Why is CPC16 great and DV18 not?
You still haven't answered... that is unless "because DV18 is not a template", and continuing to debate the specifics regarding a hole you've never seen, is your sole and only answer. And if that's it, than that is pretty weak.
TH