Ed,
Thanks for digging back into the GCA history book. I reread my post and I would make the same comments today.
http://www.golfclubatlas.com/forum/index.php/topic,35026.msg706137.html#msg706137Adrian,
I have to agree with you, but for a different reason than you suggest. First of all, no matter whether you have a "commercial set up" or a club (which I would argue also has to deliiver a product perceived to have high-quality and value for dues paid), a par 3 opener does restrict the number of rounds played. In fact, it can (if the length is correct) properly regulate the flow of play on to the course . That same hole, appearing as hole #2, 3, 4 or whatever, will have the same regulating effect on the flow of play, just later in the round. When it appears later, if the course has been overcrowded by not having a starter in place, or too aggressively commercialized, it will back-up play. On many courses this is what we now incorrectly label as "slow play" ie. players playing slowly.
This is a wonderful and always interesting discussion for a GCA thread. Because no matter what we want in the way of numbers of rounds and revenue, the GCA, through the routing and sequencing of holes, is the one who determines how smoothly the pace will flow on the course, and what the ideal starting interval should be so as not to overcrowd the course. That starting interval can be enforced by a starter on the tee or by a properly designed par 3 hole.