Was a member for several years 10+ years ago. I loved the whole place, from the practice area to golf course, to the 'pasta dinner' - I am a mid-handicapper and can't explain it but I guess the course always fit my eye - I played well at 'The National' and my handicap index has never been that low again! My take on some of the holes (10 years out of date):
1 - a terrific opener...from the photos it appears that a blocked drive down the right now has a fairer chance of recovery?
3 - I really liked this par 4 - a strong drive opens up a nice approach to a difficult, downhill, dogleg right green
4 - one of the more challenging holes I've played anywhere - needs a good drive and strong second to offer a solid approach into the elevated green
5 - I actually think the par 3s are the weak point of the course - I may be wrong, but they all seem to play in the same direction, and 5 and 8 just 'feel too similar' to one another - 10 and 15 are obviously distinctive, but again, I think the course would be stronger if the par 3s played in different directions
7 - one of the great par 4s anywhere!
11 - this hole grew on me - I initially thought it non-descript, but the more often I played it the harder it seemed to get!
12 - I have mixed feelings about this hole - many laud it as the greatest/toughest hole on the property, others think it is unfair...on balance I like the hole but wouldn't oversell it - the green is challenging but wouldn't stand out in the NYC area
16 - not sure what it is about this hole but I always enjoyed it
17 - a very demanding driving hole, with OB left and water right
18 - played as a par 5 when I was a member, and now (I believe) a very challenging par 4
The National is a great track - I'm not sure it is any better/worse than similar-vintage courses in the US, but it stands out in a market with great old classics and few modern masterpieces. Likely the best-conditioned course in Canada, and a wonderful challenge - 'not my favorite, but a course that I respect very much'