I know that the 17th is considered a gimmick. But I don’t understand why.

What makes one hole a legitimate test of a golfer’s skill and another a “gimmick”? If the 17th had a length of grass between the hole and the tee, would it suddenly be considered a fair but easy par 3?

Other holes rely on treacherous water to intimidate golfers and sink their scores. Why would they not also be considered “gimmicks”?

I’m just curious why this hole is so maligned.

Thanks.

All of you who mentioned “you know who” just helped the talking heads. The problem with the media (aka paper, radio, tv, magazine et. al.) in focusing so much on “you know who” their credibility as a trusted, objective, source of accurate information drops. They are clearly more interested in “stories” and making money, than in reporting the facts.

Furman is old school and I think he can be trusted but most can’t be trusted and we should all be wary of believing anything we hear or read. They are selling information and will do anything to do so.