If Ted doesn't mind, I'll weigh in on this thread rather than starting another one. I'm just leaving today after two fine days on the links. Couldn't have had better weather - hot (for here) and very calm.
I also think it is the real deal, but I think it needs to settle in before we get too carried away with where it ranks.
Ted's description on the standout holes is spot on - with the exception of the 8th (at least in my limited opinion). The 8th just didn't fit my eye - too punitive. It's the fairway or death. And, it is not driveable for us mere mortals.
Mac, I'll post some pictures to help you out.
Ronald, I can assure you that the other holes are all good too. I'll get to them later.
David, stop reading if you want to discover it yourself some day.
My first views were from the beach road that separates 10 and 11 from the rest of the course. First a view looking back down 9 from the Workshop.
Looking down the road over the halfway house/canteen to the 11th green and the salt pond.
The beach below the course.
A look along the boardwalk, the 13th hole and the Resort up on the hill.
The beach alongside the 15th as seen from the end of the boardwalk.
The patio overlooking the 18th green. I foresee lots of kibbutzing from the patio crowd to players on the 18th. I hope Ben has insured all those windows overlooking the green. They can't be more than 20 yards away from the edge of the green.
Hole by hole pictures to come as time permits.