Are the 15th, 16th and 17th really that poor as golf holes? Um? They are different in character to the rest of the course but the 15th has always seemed an okay hole and with the elevation changes and wacky contoured greens I suspect the 16th and 17th would be seen as 'quirky', and dare I say it, maybe even praised if they were sited on a UK inland course. Maybe it's sharing the path over the bridge/railway line with the bucket-n-spade gang that's off-putting? As Matt suggests, coming so late in the round there is the last impression effect. In saying that, it would be nice if all the holes were between the beach and the railway line.
atb