I am curious as to why many people have expressed their dislike for the 16th at Dornoch.
I have read, and heard, in numerous places that it is widely considered as the weakest hole on the course. Is it because the green is flat? ..that there are no bunkers up by the green? ..that the second shot (most of the time) is blind?
I am curious to hear what others think because I consider it to be a great hole. Your club selection off the tee presents a tough decision, especially if playing down wind. Do you want a long/blind/severely uphill shot in, a long/somewhat blind/moderately uphill shot, or a short/visable/slightly uphill shot? Deciding, then pulling it off is a tough combination to get. Then guaging the distance (on a very deep green no less) is crucial, and if you are down below it is tough to judge the wind up top. As for the green... because of its 'High' location it is usually a fair bit quicker than the rest and gusting winds make putting even that much more difficult. I have found this green to have subtle breaks that are often difficult to see; sometimes tougher than obvious, severe slopes. I feel that 4 here is always a good score.
Having not read a lot about golf course architecture, I mainly rely on my experiences playing holes when 'judging' them. How much they make me think..., how many different ways they can play..., what types of shots they require..., etc. As I said above, I am interested in what weaknesses others find with this hole-- in my mind it is clearly the most underrated on the course.
Andrew