John (yes, I am still alive), I believe one could cogently argue that Pasatiempo has the most interesting set of putting surfaces in California. Some will throw rotten fruit at me, but the greens at Spanish Bay are certainly top-25; in my book, top 10.
When evaluating and asserting the subjective qualifications of what makes this green complex - or that one - "great," it is necessary to look at the actual rolls and folds of the putting surface, irrespective of the way it is presented. To me, both Pasatiempo and Spanish Bay (since the ill-advised turf conversion) have wonderfully clever putting surfaces, but have been rolled and cut to the point of unplayability.
Since I have a direct line to C.B. Macdonald (through my seances with George Bahto), he is perplexed why anyone would choose to inflict lighting-fast putting surfaces on players at NGLA. Stimp-meters have become nothing more than measurements of club penis-length, irrespective of the original intent of the architect. #1. is absurd - and #6 usually Stimps at a level to encourage what Goodale refers to as "infinite putting" - and completely negates the fun to be had, trying to navigate a wild labyrinth.
If Pasatiempo were to slow down their greens by a third, it would introduce all sorts of heretofore untried, creative short game and putting options. As it is, even a tentative, constrictive tap can run a ball off the green on at least six of the holes. The imbeciles managing the facility have made #8, 11 and 16 unplayable.
Putting aside Wille Campbell's bunker, Sea Headrig might be the outstanding green on the planet - but the rest of the hole is a fairly-straightforward tee shot to a garden variety, undulating links fairway. The two times i have been there, the putting surfaces were rolling at perfectly sane levels, providing an opportunity to study and experience the genius of the greens without inflicting the unnecessary stress endemic to trying to negotiate an obstacle course on roller skates.
Several other courses with undulating - but terrifically conceived greens - ruined by egocentric adherence to the "faster is better ethos" come to mind: Winged Foot West, Oakmont (stop it!, you know #2 is ridiculous) and 1/2 the Mackenzie courses. The Good Doctor and Robert Hunter would roll their eyes, watching balls at Green Hills blown off greens (like #9) and down the fairway 100 yards.