I think your last sentence sums up why links golf - I dare say, real golf - is the greatest test of a true champion, Jim. Along with creativity and shot-making, you could have also included perseverance.
It seems to me that many skilled golfers (including a number of Tour players, of course) expect the golf course to cater to them. Beginning an Open championship at a place like Royal St. George's with this belief will rarely, if ever yield the desired result.