Dirk,
Yes you can see but you cannot measure the wind from a computer.
That is a huge difference and an integral part of design in Scotland.
Should every bunker have a strategic element?
The bunkers on the left that you are talking are very much in play for someone who has to hit a long iron or rescue club and has a fade or slice in their swing (80% of golfers?). They have to set the ball starting off on those bunkers to let a. the fade bring it back in and b. most important to let the wind work it back in.
How do I know this? I have played the hole. But most important I played with two other players and that is exactly what we had to. We all ended up hitting 3 balls each to get it right and the far left bunkers were the line. Now it could be said that those bunkers are aiming bunkers but what if the wind died as a you put the ball in the air or a player hits a draw or even straight?
I do not agree with you either about the right hand bunkers as that is the prevailing wind side in the summer and the same strategy applies.
Yes, you can see but you cannot gauge a hole in Scotland (especially on coastal courses) without judging a hole with regards the wind. You have not done that.
I believe your statement to be wrong that the hole would be better without them.
