Has hole 17 always had room left of the traps? I played the course last year and don't remember there being any from left of the traps off the tee.
Bob,
In its original version, the center line bunkers in the photo were left edge fairway bunkers. Everything left of them was dense forest. It was quite a tight drive and difficult.
The decision was made to do massive tree clearing on the back nine to provide a more consistent experience with the front nine. The area between #10 and #18 for example was dense woods. Contrast that with how it looks now!
#17 was cleared WAY back creating the center line bunkers from the original left edge bunkers. Fairway was created to the left providing a drive option off the tee. I believe it was decided not many players were intentionally using the left fairway so long grass was allowed to grow back in eliminating the left fairway option, but retaining the more open feel.
Ken