Matt,
You make a great point when you wrote...
"Also, how did you view the bunkers at Paa-Ko -- the feeling I get, and one shared by a few others, is that they look forced upon the natuiral topography -- in sum, they seem to stand-out -- as opposed to blending in more naturally."
Then you say-(Ok write)
"The par-3 16th I believe is the best of all the par-3 holes at the layout and makes for a stunning conclusion with the final four holes"
Isn't this pond, on the 16th at Paa-ko, just as forced as those bunkers at Paa-ko?
Here's a bunker example from Paa-Ko
Here's bunkers from Black Mesa. It should be noted that Pat Brockwell has integrated maintenance practices which has accentuated the blending in aspect.
Please justify the apparent dichotomy?
Thanks in advance.
p.s.
As an Aside; I feel most par 3's with the type of water feature, found on the 16th at Paa-Ko, looks virtually the same. Can you say "The Chase"? Two of the four par 3's look similar there.
Don't you think?
The fourth at Paa-Ko Ridge
Naturally Matt and I disagree on this hole. Design eureka at it's finest. Ken Dye couldn't decide between two green sites. So, he combined them into one of America's most unique greens. It's the best thing at Paa Ko.