it all comes down to layout for the pro's. A long par 3 is ok but too many hazards make it ridiculous, but, without sand or trees or elevation changes, a hole looks pretty bland. Deadly short-mid length par 3's are much more fun to watch the pro's tackle.
Personally, hitting a long iron or more into a green is no fun, intimidating and a score wrecker. I had the 'joy' of playing a 225 yard par 3 recently that was slightly up hill and guarded on 3 sides by sand. The pin was tucked behind a bunker and in a spot where the green was narrow and impossible for my 3w to hold. I just took my lumps and planned for an iron-wedge into the green. Playing a hole where I have 0 chance of hitting a GIR is not fun. The next time I play there, I will choose another tee box.
A hole that is long for the sake of playing long has lost something.
Personally, hitting a long iron or more into a green is no fun, intimidating and a score wrecker. I had the 'joy' of playing a 225 yard par 3 recently that was slightly up hill and guarded on 3 sides by sand. The pin was tucked behind a bunker and in a spot where the green was narrow and impossible for my 3w to hold. I just took my lumps and planned for an iron-wedge into the green. Playing a hole where I have 0 chance of hitting a GIR is not fun. The next time I play there, I will choose another tee box.
A hole that is long for the sake of playing long has lost something.