Tommy,
I think the feature or aspect of the game that you refer to is abundant at NGLA. I think that is what provides a good deal of its appeal to every level of golfer.
From the first hole through the 18th hole this feature appears again and again, and in some cases, like # 6 and # 8, it's not an option, but a mandate.
When I've talked to people who have played NGLA, either for the first time or the umpteenth time, I usually ask them what shot stood out the most in their round, and in the majority of cases, it was a "sportsman's carry".
There is something challenging and exhilirating about the shot that causes every level of golfer to attempt it.
The beauty of NGLA is that that shot exists throughout the golf course, for EVERY level of golfer, on both the tee shot and the approaches.
In the first three holes alone you can find it in 6 or 7 places where it exists.
"Sportsman's Carries" remind me of Clint Eastwood line, to the effect that they offer challenges, risk/reward.
So how are you feeling today, punk, ...... Lucky ?
Some days, the "force" is with you, others it isn't, and at each hole you get the chance to "make your day", and that's one of the reasons that I find NGLA so appealing.
Each hole represents a series of choices, a game within a game. Each hole has variety, yet with the constant theme of choice. One of which is the "sportsman's carry".
All too often, that feature can be taken to extremes, with few or no alternatives available to every level of golfer.
The Medalist comes to mind.
I think the distinction between "Heroic" and "Sporty" has been lost. SLOPE, Course ratings and the quest for difficulty have been largely responsible for the demise of "sporty", or its transition to "heroic".
It's clearly one of the elements that makes the game fun.