It's amazing to me that as much as we hear GCA posters complain about "normalcy" and "formula design", this thread does not have more of the attitude: "Why not?"
A few comments:
Matt — Embarrassing? Well, it also would allow an opening hole-in-one, so give that some thought
As for difficulty, a par-3 is THE equalizer among golf holes, with nearly all players being able to attain the green in regulation
Bill Yates — would remind us that an opener as a par-3 (unless it is some sort of odd-ball design), "self-regulates" the course by spacing groups appropriately without the need for much management.
Jeff B — Holes that are "progressively easier" is not science because that "difficult" opener could have as few as just two groups on it (depending on player ability and hitting length), or several groups....it would amount to the absolute worst situation, especially if "holes became progressively less difficult"following this hard and nasty opener.
Tom D — You are correct, most of are too worried about reputation to suggest and defend one