Matt - thanks for the interesting thread. I imagine there will be responses that cover the entire spectrum.
As someone who enjoys the game first and foremost, there is no doubt my opinion as to the greatness of a course encompasses more than just the architecture. So with that said, my personal preferences in courses is far from single-minded. And that is probably to me the number one reason I love the game - the opportunity to experience such a variety of designs, environments, company, and purposes for the game.
To this day I have not had a greater experience than the two trips I have taken to Sand Hills. The course, the peace, and the hospitality are such a great combination. However, I hope to add to this as my friend who is a member there is also now a member at Ballyneal, so the next trip will now consist of two days at both places. How could life get any better?
But at the same time, I take an annual trip with my father and brother-in-law, and usually play decent courses that don't have nearly the pedigree as a SH. With trips in recent years to both Mesquite, NV and Myrtle Beach, several of those courses still stand out as memorable. I can't imagine that there has been a lot of discussion on this site about the Palmer Course at Oasis in Mesquite, but I can remember every hole out there and would love to go play it again.
I would imagine that if I held to any specific set of likes or expectations for a golf course, I would probably find myself regularly disappointed.
And like I said above, the variety we get to experience (including in our own games from day to day) is what makes this pursuit so compelling. To truly appreciate the game, I believe one has to appreciate the differences.