Not sure if this topic will go anywhere but thanks to the FAA at least some of us have time to ponder!
Darwin wrote every great course must have a great 17th hole. He was thinking in match play terms but I agree.
We have probably covered this plenty of times - blast that new and improved search engine! - how bout another go round anyway?
Thinking about great 17s on *great* courses - again, Darwin is writing about great courses having great 17s - I notice many of my favorites play as 4.5s.
In fact, the only par 3 17th that comes to mind immediately as a favorite is Ganton. This is the exception that proves the rule, though, for as those familiar with the hole can attest, calling it a 3 is a cruel joke.
Does anyone else feel great 17th holes are best when they are par 4.5s? (BTW, 4.5 here is meant to include hard par 4s and is not meant necessarily as gambling par 5s.)
Some favorites on great courses:
TOC
RM West (closer to a 4 than a 4.5)
RM East
Ailsa
Prairie Dunes
Ganton
Cascades
How about MacKenzie's NLE 17th on ANGC? It seems to be getting closer and closer to a 4.5 in The Masters. (FYI this hole is the current 8th.)
Let's expand it a little now so more can participate. What are great 17s on good courses? What in your opinion make them great?
A few favorites from this class - interestingly there appear a fair number of 4.5s in here:
Ravenstein Old
St Andrews Beach
Congressional Blue (NLE)
Seaton Carew
Fanling
Royal New Kent
Now to take Darwin head on. What great courses have less than great 17s?
Here are my nominees - interestingly both are 3s:
Rye
Pebble
Mark