Given the generally flattening affects of TV, it's surprising to hear anyone who watched the telecast compare KH to either Merion or Shinnecock.
Even in HD, I was surprised at how little elevation change registered in the second shot to 17 at KH.
It's an interesting phenomenon and perhaps explains why all first time visitors are wiped out by the time they leave the grounds at ANGC. They thought they were about to see 18 holes of golf in the Promised Land, and instead they signed up for a vigorous 8 mile hike loaded down with 15lbs of clothing and souvenirs from the merchandise tent.
On a larger scale, TV generally minimizes how much skill it takes to deal with the topographic changes, multiple hazards and pin placements on a world-class course presented in tournament shape.