Yes, and this is why I always like to get a few cracks at a course. If you think about an individual hole, it is tough to assess it if you go three off the tee, dunk one in the pond on your approach and pick up for an eight.
My first trip to Bandon, I was in a slump and played like a dog. I loved the courses, loved the experience, but I was fighting my swing and the courses the whole time. PD in particular chewed me up and spit me out. That being said, the courses and resort were so enjoyable that I was not a sourpuss.
If I shoot a good score on a tricked up track, by my third beer I may begin to wax on about the course being "a great test" and an "enjoyable and underrated challenge".