These are neat answers, but don't do much unless we hear why these courses are so well bunkered. Aesthetics? Tie-ins? Placement? If placement, what kind? I think a number of people have explained that there are at least 2 kinds of strategic hazards: Those that pose a direct risk/reward hazard, i.e., a "cape" tee shot, or a heroic carry leading to an easier next shot or better chance for birdie; and, the 2nd kind, those where every yard closer to the hazard improves your next shot, whereby golfers start giving the hazard healthy respect, then venturing closer and closer until -- plonk! Then the process starts over again. How do these named best bunkered courses hit any of these points (or others)?
I miss Rpurd too. The guy was hilariously "out there" and led to some of the best invective in the early years of the DG.