I've played both courses and think the Fazio course is better than the Nickalus due to the bunkering, terrain elevations, and the more expansive variety of holes. I haven't even made a dent in playing all the courses in Texas but I wouldn't consider this course the best in the state. My personal favorite is Whispering Pines (Trinity, TX) which is really a special course IMO. My favorite Nicklaus course in Texas is actually Lochinvar which is a men's only club. I would put Carlton Woods in the same category as Vaquero in Dallas which is basically a really nice course but nothing mind blowing. I have tons of pics if you'd like me to post a few. The weather wasn't the best for pics that day, but it can at least give you some feel for the place.