Melvyn,
Interesting take on the topic. If I were so lucky as to get a commission like that, I think I would be inclined to try to forget where the design was and what it was being compared to, or I would never be able to lift pen to drafting paper!
It would also appear that David took the approach of trying both his more or less "standard stuff" rather than trying to emulate the older courses, and probably for good reason.
First, does a golf resort need one more course styled like its first one? Would that draw customers, given that it certainly can never match the history of the original?
Second, if the Trust picked him, they must feel his style is worthy.
Third, and as mentioned, a completely new style for the town (although Kyle Phillips may be deemed similar, I suppose) makes the course get judged on its own merits, rather than on comparitive merits.
Lastly, it was a flat field, with little internal contour for interest. Forgetting where he was, it was obvious it needed to be shaped completely. So, the question is, what style? Subtle, dramatic, trying to replicate dunes found in other areas of Scotland, or Shadow Creek style, dramatically elevating and sinking the property? Given the proximity of the ocean, Shadow Creek was probably out, as its style is geared to blocking out external views. DMK probably threw out the subtle approach for reasons above, leaving him with a low profile (not any really, really, high features) that are very dramatic.
I haven't actually seen the course, so I am answering in theory (and broad theory at that, not looking at any of the individual hole designs) but I thought the question, posed to other gca's, deserved an early answer. I will be interested to see what others might say.