I read somewhere (but am not sure if it's true) that the 12th at Pebble was originally supposed to be a Redan-type hole. It might have worked if it had been, but the entrance on the right is not deep enough to land and bounce on the green, and the green is so firm it's very difficult to hit and hold.
Either the green needed a bit more tilt from back to front, or it needed to be a bit bigger, or there needed to be a more receptive approach.
Tom, Glad you brought that up. The hole does and can play exactly like a Redan. The front right bunker has a kick plate on it's green side that when struck, yields the same type of result as a well played shot to a Redan. I would always advise my realist loops to play short for the opening and if they got lucky they would catch the kick plate and roll onto the green and towards the flag. I've seen it happen thats how I know it's the proper play. For the pros, if they are that good, they should be able to find that spot too. However, most would not risk flirting with the bunker that closely. To me, that sounds like the strongest in fundamental principles. Risk, and get the reward.
From my reading of all the negativity surrounding the hole, the people doing all the ragging, have never figured out how to play the hole, so therefore do not like the hole. Even Jack Nicklaus.
Anthony, No one has offered how to alter the hole? You'll need to read Paul Cowley's thoughts on the matter, which I'm sure are on a thread about this hole. He was on the grounds crew there for many years. I don't agree with altering the routing of course or the hole, nor, do I believe the course is best evaluated with a hole by hole analysis. It's a controversial course that has lots of people, on either side, who are passionate and emoting on it's quality. If the course can create feelings of this magnitude, whether it's in a cornfield or not, it's a very good thing and of the highest quality.