I'd think their location alone is what would make them great holes, they add variety to the course's landscape which is one of it's outstanding features.
And as Bob said, your boss must be a blaster because for most people a 5 iron off that tee would mean hitting a fairway that's 15 yards wide (not to mention likely a blind approach) as opposed to the 80 yards it widens to farther out in 3 wood range (for most people).