Adam L:
Couple of small corrections -- people should only play the Kidd tees with a certain handicap in mind. It's a fair carry for those who can really handle what such tees entail.
A proportionate carry, within the means of other players, can be attempted from the other marks.
Nothing wrong with that in my mind.
Couple of other points -- the right side is a psych job to fool the player. No doubt there is high grass in the area but if cleared the slope of the fairway will guide the ball to an appropriate landing site for the approach play.
Adam, frankly I think the hole spooked you. You opted to take everything out of play with a 4-iron tee ball. So be it. Then you will be forced to play a far longer and riskier shot with your second. Those who decide to get closer to the hole via the tee shot route will certainly have challenges but if succcessfully negotiated the second shot situation becomes one far less complicated and demanding. I don't see anything wrong when players opt for the most conservative track to the hole and then are left with more demanding second shot options. You see, from my point of view, YOU made that decision yourself. The hole didn't shut you out -- you shut yourself out with the game plan you went with.
Here's the other point you missed -- one doesn't have to simply hit the ball OVER the bunker but there's sufficient room for a skilled player to play a fade around the blockage and for the ball to room over the hill.
Is it tough?
No doubt.
But shotmaking of a high sort is never easy and quality archtecture makes that so.
Shivas:
Try this for starters ... "So in other words, "I liked 16 at Tetherow because I cleared a 300 yard bunker and got 120 yards of roll-out on a 475 yard hole and had a flip-wedge in, so even though the hole is at altitute and 300 really isn't 300, it gives me a huge advantage over the guy who can't and has to hit a hybrid or whatever"?"
Hey Shiv -- guess what break out the crying towel.
I simply outlined the nature of the hole and the VARIETY of ways it can be played by different players. There's enough elasticity with the hole to allow for players to use different strategies to their advantage and score well through any usage of them.
I like the idea that if a strong drive is played with the proper positioning over the center-placed bunker then a reward of some sort is given.
Here's what you missed -- allow me to explain further.
Even IF a guy can carry the bunker it's likely he will exchange less distance for the second shot but will be partially or totally blocked from seeing the putting surface with the second shot. On the flip side ...
Those who opt to lay back will give up a shorter distance but then will be able to see the entire green surface. From the center point of the bunker immediately behind it is 192 yards. Those who opt to go over the bunker had better not pull the shot even the slightest -- there's plenty of junk down the left side.
Shivas, power is part and parcel of the game. Get over it. So is accuracy. The continual whining and moaning of those who can't the ball a certain distance is really about a narrow me-ism that reflects a condescending attitude to those who choose the risky play and then have a proper reward to go with it when executed to perfection.
Let the tears keep on rolling -- my ducks back will gladly shake them off.