Neil,
I have a copy of an excellent article discussing the over-use of sand hazards written by Dr. Mackenzie, somewhere (I'll have to look through my files). Perhaps you've seen it, too? If memory serves correctly, I think this particular article appears in The Fairway magazine (c. 1920s). I've read it, and re-read it recently.
If I remember, I'll dig out my copy of this article over the coming days, scan it, and post; knowing many participants of this discussion group will enjoy Dr. Mackenzie's own writings on this very subject... if they haven't already read the article I reference.