This thread has been repeated at least 376 times, so let's vector off the path and make it a thinking game. It is all well and good to cheerfully chirp how splendid to spend eternity playing #7-9 at Pebble Beach or "any three holes" at PV or NGLA.
Unless St. Peter is providing a golf cart to shuttle you back from the 9th green to 7th tee at Pebble, what idiot wants to hassle with a 1000 yard trudge up a hill steep enough to require petons?
How about three holes in a row that make sense as a "Whiskey Route?" Like #4,5 and 8 on Olympic Lake?
Or #1, 17 & 18 at NGLA?
#7, 8 & 9 at Cypress?
#14, 15 & 16 at Shinnecock?
As a matter of fact, let's not limit it to three holes. How about great Whiskey Routes that include any odd number of holes?
We have all been there. After several hours of slamming dice cups and busy bartenders, one of the local punters gets the bright idea that a three or four hole skins game is in order. Invariably this comes with an odd twist, like limiting everyone to one club.
So out the clubhouse door burst a gang-some of middle-aged adolescents in varying stages of drunk, marching down to the tee in their Topsiders and a five iron.
There my friends, is the essence and spirit of the game. It is on those holes where we can find true Heaven whether at Maidstone, Ballybunnion or Disgusta National, the affectionate name we locals give to Poplar Creek/San Mateo Muni.
If the "Commissioner" in the sky is only going to cough up three holes, then there is my wish, Pine Valley or not.