With the lengthy debate about Alps vs not-Alps in the Merion #10 thread, I have to ask whether there is any kind of consensus around here about what are the requisite minimum features for a hole to be called a xxxx-like hole? Apparently the answer is no, there is no consensus.
As an attempt at definition and consensus, why don't we try to define a set of criteria for a hole to legitimately be called an Alps hole? For example:
a) it must be a par 4
b) there must be a sahara like crossing bunker across the entire front of the green
c) the entire green surface must be entirely blind behind a rampart which is located between the sahara and the green.
d) The top of the rampart must be at least 6 feet above the level of the normal second shot
e)there must be mounding visble from the fairway, behind the green, that has an embedded bunker in it.
Feel free to amend, add or delete.
Just think, we could end up with a meta-template for an Alps hole.