Forrest
I believe many fine courses are (or were) defined in major way by the bunkers: Royal Melbourne, Kawana, Banff, New Zealand, West Sussex, Muirfield, Chicago, Walton Heath, Riviera, Seminole, Merion, The Golf Club, Sand Hills, Prarie Dunes, Engineers, Kingsly, San Francisco, Bethpage, Ekwanock, etc. I don't think these courses have anything to be ashamed for, and there is not a lot missing - is there? The interesting aspect is the variety of styles, you wouldn't want them all to be of Richardson mode or MacKenzie or Raynor - or would you? Courses and bunkers do evolve, but many courses also protect and preserve the original look and feel of their designs. Variety is a major reason why golf architecture is so interesing.