Tommy Naccarato,
I"ve heard many people claim that a green that's difficult to two putt is unfair.
Part of me thinks it's the mentality created by the "Hogan" myth. On in regulation, two putts or better.
And, the perceived element of "fair"
People don't like to be challenged on the putting surface.
They feel that once they reach a green they should be able to skate safely home.
The green pictured at Sitwell doesn't put a premium on putting, it puts a premium on the approach. As a short hole, one is expected to reach the plateau where the hole is locatied, and, failing that endeavor, one must encounter a putt that is akin to a recovery. It's an interesting concept.
For years I've played a golf course with three substantively tiered greens, a par 5, a par 4 and a par three. All require relatively short approach shots. Two are uphill, and the other downhill. Despite their short length, whenever a tier is missed, getting down in two is a challenge, especially when going from the higher tier to the lower tier.
Two of the greens have some nice back to front pitch to the back tier, making traversing the tier difficult. Sometimes when the hole is on the flank of the upper tier, you're better off on the lower tier.
Look at the picture of the green at Sitwell and ask yourself how much fun it would be to approach that green from 30 to 150 yards.
With it's large scale, it's a greens within a green, and as such, missing the tier of choice will effectively force one to think in terms of recovery, rather than putting.
Modern day greens have little or NO character.
Think of all the greens you've seen and think about how many of them can't be recollected. They're bland, mundane, and indistinquishable. Then, look at the Black and White photo in this thread and you'll never forget this green.
We need more modern greens with internal character and unique challenges.