I sat in the stands for much of the final round of the 1990 (or was it 92) Open with the crazy wind they had that day. It was in their face with a far left hole. Many players did hit it into the bunker but I doubt that it was intentional. They just couldn't get there in the wind with 3 woods. Davis Love was the only player I saw hit an iron. Some other hit far right to the wide open apron and chipped up and made 3. Most players that day were making 4. It was good spectating. Bob Crosby, it is not unusual for players to hit into bunkers in a U.S. Open because the greens are so silly firm. The 16th at Olympic comes to mind. Snead claims he aimed for the front of the bunker, if he hit the green it would be in the front part and have a chance to hold, if he was in the bunker he was confident of getting up and down.
Two things. I bet the pinched part in the middle was wider at one time. If that is the case, it is a shame the owners don't address it. Secondly, with the flag on the left then why not demand a chip on occasion. Like life, it doesn't have to be fair.
Finally, I was amazed how few players that day went left of the green. They had remarkable control considering the wind. I left before Kite got there, but didn't he get up and down from the bunker?