Matt,
Karsten Creek has some interesting design features, more than most of the other Fazio courses I've played, but it pales in comparison to strategy at The Alotian.
Jim presented the 18th as one good example with the speed slot on the left and the better angle from the right. Many holes have some significant slope and roll in the fairway, and one must challenge trouble or a fairway bunker to find a flat lie. The 9th was one of my favorite holes where you hit over a ravine to an ample fairway. The left side provides a somewhat shorter route again but with a worse angle to the left side pin placement. At 450, uphill, and against the wind, the second shot is everything you could want. The member tees are a more accomodating 385; they do have a way-back tee at 470 as well. The short par four 13th provides some interesting options--although its not drivable save for the longest of the long, the choice is there where to play to find a flat lie for the approach.
While the routing is also excellent, the greens make the golf course to me. On most holes, the greens have at least a few distinct levels some of which are very guarded and others of which allow some accessibility. The 16th is a nice par three with a diagonal green and creek, one must choose their club wisely and execute the shot. The 11th is a short par three with a small section of green at the back left that would make a seemingly simple hole into a tough one. A false front on the 12th is another nice feature that repels mediocre shots--there is plenty of room to err long, but that leaves a scary putt. The pro actually putted off that green when we played.
Unfortunately I don't have any photos of the course to share. The ones in the magazine don't do the course or the elevation changes justice in the slightest.
The service is great, but its great at most of these top places. Quite frankly I'm just as happy parking my own car, carrying my own clubs, etc., but the Alotian certainly does provide excellent service and has a wonderful atmosphere. I've been to courses where the only thing going was wonderful service and conditioning; this is not one of those situations.