Brad:
I do believe there is a clear place for short par-4's, but the 1st at Fenway just simply lays there and says blah to me.
I do like what Geoffrey mentioned regarding the rerouting that Fenway does for special events with the 7th serving as the starting hole. Obviously, someone at Fenway feels the same as I do if they use this routing on important occasions.
Forgive me for this pipe dream, but it's too bad the 1st hole at Fenway wasn't situated nearer to where the championship tee is in the 2nd hole. Yes, I know such a scenario would involve jumping over the entrance road and abutting the driving range. Would really be interesting to see.
Among great short par-4's that play 300 yards or less that I have seen include the following:
7th at Olympic (288 yards)
2nd at Desert Mountain (Chirichua Course)
16th at Weschester CC (West) plays as 7th during Buick Classic
17th at Oakmont CC (especially when it played at 296 yards)
There are a host of others I could also add. I also really like the 15th at Fenway because it requires plenty of decisionmaking from the tee to the green.
Brad, keep in mind, I'm not saying the 1st hole is bad. It's just a complete downer / yawn for what's to come. In some ways, Fenway mimicks Cypress Point, which as you know, concludes with a turkey of hole.
The green at the 1st is good with the front third being really challenging, however, the tee shot is simply pro forma stuff and although I badly hooked it when we played my chops are licking as a long hitter to simply "grip it and rip it" all the time.
Hope this helps ...
P.S. Can either you or Geofffeey e-mail me privately the names of the President of the Club and Greens Cmte Chair. E-mail to mattwardgolf@hotmail.com -- I'll be sending them a thank you note for a grand time at a grand course.
Thanks!