I've meant to start this thread for a long while, but hesitated: those who know me know that I haven't played all that many courses, and only one great course -- so my opinion on this is worth little.
But the Par 5th 8th hole at Crystal Downs is one of the very few Par 5s I have ever liked -- and is by far the best I have ever played.
I can't explain why exactly, but at every moment and on every shot and chip and putt, I KNEW the first (and only) time I played it -- and as it was happening, in real time -- that this was a GREAT golf hole.
I don't remember ever having that experience before or since -- not even on Crystal Downs itself; which by that standard means I think it the best hole on the course. Yes, I think that's true - it's the best hole on the course.
From the right tees, the length seems to me just the right length for a Par 5; the dogleg seems to be just the right angle; the uphill-ness of the second (and third shots) and the rumpled fairway add something special I can't quite define; the small but great green and surrounds fit just right with the hole, and would be a fine green/surround on just about any hole, anywhere; and the strategy-demands-beauty-naturalness equation and balance seems, well, perfect.
There are many holes at CD the give you choices and are lovely and interesting and challenging etc, some much more overtly so -- but only the 8th is perfect in my mind.
I know I'm not saying anything new or surprising when I say the 8th is a great hole, but I don't believe that it can be praised nearly enough.
As I say, I haven't played all that many courses, but I have read about quite a few and looked at pictures and read histories of the great ones past and present -- and while today's architects excel in Par 3s and 4s, I just have not seen or read about anyone who has produced such a great Par 5.
Anyway, my thoughts for what they are worth. I wish the 8th at Crystal Downs could become a 'template' and encourage architects to look over sites with an eagle eye seeing if they could find the topography by which to replicate it. Actually,I don't wish that, or that it be replicated.
Do you gents who've played it know of any/many Par 5s better?
Peter
PS- I bogied it. I hit a good drive (for me), and a very good second, and had just about 80 yards left from a good lie and a wedge in my hand and I kept staring at that green and getting nervous and I pulled my wedge 10 yards left, and barely mucked it out, and hit a mediocre first putt but a good second putt. (I can't remember how I played any other hole on the course).
PPS - You know, it may simply be the best golf hole of any kind/par I have ever played. I suddenly have a new appreciation for the sheer JOY many of you gents must have at the memories of the many great holes/courses you've played. No wonder you guys love gca.