Tom MacWood,
The hole can't be returned to a par 4 for three reasons,
1 The land isn't available to extend the tee far enough
2 Par 74 would never be accepted
3 The hole has been a par 3 for about 100 years
Tommy Naccarato,
An interesting dilema exists.
Restoring the hole, at its present length allows shorter hitters to carry the bunkers, estimated carry from the back tee would be in the 150-160 range, from the front tee, estimated 120-130 range. One of the keys to a hole like this is that firm and fast conditions exist, such that once the bunkers were carried by the shorter hitter, the ball would run to the putting surface.
Over the years, I've noticed that the course is not getting faster and firmer, but slower and softer, which would impact that particular shot, as well as many others throughout the entire golf course.
But, I'd rather have the hole restored and deal with the systemic conditions seperately.