Ensuing futility
-- but today's equipment for the better player makes bunkers really more of a "frill" than a strategic consequence.
Matt, This blanket statement is probably more true on a less than thoughtfully designed hole. But, there are plenty of examples where better players are put into a go no-go decision, and/or are smart to favor away from a well placed bunker. Add a firm canvas and your statement holds even less weight. How else did Tiger master those Links courses a few years back? By avoiding the bunkers, that's how. To imply they are not relevant to the better player, or that he doesn't consider them, as a generalized trend because they are oh soooo gooood, just doesn't support what I have seen.
I totally agree with you about undulating landforms best use, is sans bunker. White Bear Yacht Club being the poster child for this recent trend of removing many green side bunkers, and letting their ground's movement do the talking, with shorter grass. Wait a minute...Is a trend? Or, just a playbook gimmick. coming out of the minds of these favored architects, you keep harping on, from this site?