RJ
In response to your query
In no way was I maligning the quality of the holes at Sand Hills, rather I most appreciated the holes with either uphill tee shots or a rolling feel, the second shot at #10 stands out in my mind.
Interestingly enough, Pine Valley, one of my favorite golf courses and obviously one of the best tests of golf on the planet, has some of my least favorite architectural traits. Its emphasis on the aerial game, forced carries et al would never be something I would espouse as classic architecture, indeed it is target golf to the max, yet the way Crump tied it all together speaks to his spectacular achievement at PV. It even has a great downhiller(#14) amongst the dart boards.
With all this in mind I like Pat Mucci's storming the fortress mentality, particularly if it is a gentle rise on the tee shot. I have never really enjoyed golf in the mountains, as dramatic elevation changes are better to be viewed than played.
As to Rees' work, I have no opinion!