I'm a 4.2 index which makes me a 6 from the golds. I will gladly only give one shot on the 8th hole all day long. It's a dream scenario.
This sounds right. If you're only giving one, you're in great shape. He's gonna need 3 to get across the chasm and from there he's likely to have a pretty awkward angle. 5 isn't out of the question, but 6 is much more likely and every shot is botchable.
The advantage he has is that the conventionally-played approach is a really tough shot. Much harder than it ever seemed on TV or video games. A stronger player who gets greedy or sloppy can really make a big number and open the door for him to bunt his way to an easy win.
But there's no real "advantage" to being the shorter guy on 8 at Pebble. You're still at risk of missing short right on your crossing shot, even if you play it conservatively. And the pitch or short iron from short left isn't easy. The hole rewards the guy who's honest about his abilities and executes well, but like most great holes, the better player who plays it well is gonna be hard to beat.