If you have not played Tamarack from the back tees in the past 2 years, I would highly recommend getting out and seeing it in it's current condition. I cannot say enough positive things about the restoration work that our greens committee has completed over the past 5-6 years. They have been trying to stay true to Silva's recommendations in returning the course to the original specifications while adding some minor enhancements in the Banks' style to offset some of the effects of modern equipment and technology.
The first phase of the restoration involved restoring the greens to their original size and shapes (over the years as much as 3 feet of rough had grown in on some of the edges). That was completed in 2008 and has brought numerous pin placements back into play that had vanished over the years. The blue pin on the Biarritz #12 can now be placed above a horseshoe shaped ridge on the center of the back plateau so that it barely appears to be on the (87 yard long) green! And of course, the edges of the elevated greens now provide no resistance to long or slightly wide shots which will now roll all the way down the often steeply banked edges.
More recent work includes the tree removal plan, which was carried out over many members objections, but which in reality has created better vistas (looking back to the tee after climbing the fairway on the #6 Alps hole is one of the most scenic views on the course), a more true links style feel, and far better sunlight and oxygen for the turf. In fact, in a tough year for growing grass, the rough and greens both came through this summer very strong. Funny enough, there was a storm this past April which took down an additional 10-15 trees, one or two which will be missed, but the majority of which were additional help. The course now looks much more like it did in the original photos with many open vistas and not so many trees along the way.
There were 2 changes which were not part of the original Banks layout. First was some additional fairway bunkering on holes 2, 4, 5 (a nasty little bunker that catches more than a few almost perfectly struck drives), 8, 10, 16 and 18. While not quite "Banks"-like in terms of depth, they have added some challenge to many tee shots. Second, was several back tees added (2, 3, 4 which now plays 495 yards par-4 from the new championship tee, 6, 9 and 18) to lengthen the course to nearly 6800 yards given all the new equipment technology.
So, overall, given the restoration and excellent turf condition, I posit Tamarack as a contender for best Banks course. Of course, I am somewhat partial, given I am a member, but that also means I can get any of you guys out on the course for an exploratory round!