There can be several reasons for a bunker to be placed. Using the Pasa example, it could also be a saving bunker in that it keeps the ball from rolling into an unrecoverable shot area (I have never been to Pasa so I can't be too definitive on this example). Also, designers are aestheticians and Mac was definitely one of its prime advocates of using it. Imagine the view of that tee shot without the bunker. Does it reduce or enhance interest? Scale? Depth? Contrast? Strategy? Does it solve a hilside erosion problem? Etc.
By the picture, I like it. The windows on the houses bug me more, what with me having no minimum standard of golfing proficiency. (Hi Pat). And the flanking barren yards look unhealthy.
Barona Creek (San Diego area) went through a recent massive renovation to eliminate tall grasses from the fronting areas of tees and adding sandy wastelands to, I assume, reduce irrigation concerns, rattlesnake strikes, and mowing requirements. Personally, I liked the tall grass look better, though the sandy wastes were well done, but money is a prime motivator. The change probably helped speed up play as there is less time looking for lost balls, though the cuss/foozle factor is probably just the same as before.