TEPaul,
I'm sure that you are already aware that other holes have had their tees extended back over the years, and that doing so at # 18 would not adversely affect the architecture and play of that hole.
Par does make a difference to the golfer, mentally.
It either takes the golfer out of their comfort zone, or puts them in a comfort zone. Making # 18 a par 4 would add STRESS to any golfer who has played it as a par 5, and probably to those playing it for the first time.
As for the gates, they are narrow, and there are some great stories about them, and about more than a few members and guests who motored through them and failed to negotiate the sharp right turn. Tow truck services and/or car dealers benefited in many instances.
Moving the gates and the road and moving the tee directly back will produce far better results, and preserve the design integrity of the hole, versus moving a new tee to the north side of the existing road.
It's such an obvious move architectually, the club can afford the relocation project easily, and next spring, noone would notice the difference.
I expect you to champion what you must perceive as in the best interest of the golf course while preserving CBM's design integrity.
My sources tell me that you putted sideways, away from the hole, from the very back of the second green at PV, to a pin location in the valley front right, and that your ball went back and forth up the sides of the contours in the green, hitting the hole, severely damaging the cup, before miraculously falling in to the hole for a sudden death victory on the 20th hole of your match. And, that your opponents are still standing there, several weeks later, in total disbelief. And, that the club sent you a bill for the repair of the cup.
Is this true ?