In reading this thread I need to comment on the purpose of my original post. It was not to disparage the US Open or USGA set up, it was more a commentary on how far technology has taken the game. Some will argue we've gone too far.
At my club we have three par 3's that play over 200 yds. Our 16th hole plays 238yds to the center of the green and 245yds to the back. When we get a north Texas wind blowin' it plays 265yds. For us rank-amateurs that is one tough ass hole! We have guys hitting driver but our long hitters are still hitting irons. So I kind of get it when the USGA sets up a 288yd par 3. The tour players are not often tested with long irons and fairway woods.
All in all I say, they all play the same course so it really doesn't matter. You play against the course and the conditions and lowest score wins, be it 63 or 75.
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