what was the optimal or ideal distance from which to play a par 3, the 6th hole.
In reflecting on a number of par 3's, some seem to work best at a relatively fixed distance.
Take the Redan for instance.
At 120 yards it wouldn't pose the challenge presented by the form or configuration of the hole.
And, at 230, it would be far too difficult for the great majority of golfers.
The same could be said of "short" holes, with their fortress like green perched above a surrounding moat of sand, some with great internal contours.
At up to about 150 they seem to function well, but, beyond that distance, I think the enjoyment of playing the hole would quickly diminish as the challenge increased.
Ditto the "Eden" hole. There seems to be a distance which blends the challenge with the fun.
It's when that blend gets out of whack that the hole seems to lose it's appeal, from an architectural and playability perspective.
# 12 at ANGC would be another hole that would seem to have an "ideal" range of play.
From 120, the challenge would be lessened, and from 180 the challenge would be overwhelming
What about the diagonal "Road Hole" green, a green that could probably be played from any one of 360 degree angles.
Where does it's blend lose it's appeal ?
Some of the answers may be influenced by conditions, ground and air, but, for most golfers, it would seem that many if not most holes have an ideal range from which the challenge and the fun don't lose their balance, where neither one is out of whack.
The first hole at The Creek comes to mind.
A short par 4 with a really great Redan green.
Unfortunately, the hole is land locked and the tee can't be lengthened, meaningfully, and, the way the fairway is mowed, the approach is at a slightly awkward angle.
While the hole is fun to play, the length of the second/approach shot, assuming one's drive lands in the fairway/DZ, doesn't present the challenge offered by a typical Redan hole.
Now, maybe that's by intent.
Maybe there's a concession granted to the golfer, easing him into the round, but, somehow, the hole seems far too benign.
The hole seems like it need added length to reach that point where the challenge and the fun are in harmony.
What holes suffer from the imbalance of challenge and fun ?