Darwin writes of something of a "par 3 fad" coming in the early part of the 20th century. He mentions TOC's need for only two par 3s setting the standard for a long time.
Many courses up to then did have just two, three, or four short holes. Then those limits were broken, not always but apparently more frequently, at places like Rye, Addington and Berkshire.
I suspect, as in all these things, it comes back to the ball.
I imagine we've discussed this before -- anyone have links to appropriate threads?
If not:
1. Do I have my reading of Darwin right?
2. If yes to #1, was Darwin right?
3. If yes to #2, why did it happen?
Thanks,
Mark