The U shaped green around bunkers isn't new, although I can't recall another with the U in the back.
MacKenzie did several U shape, wraparound greens. They still exist at Crystal Downs and Un of Michigan courses. They have been bulldozed out at other places (including ANGC)
I like them, but then, it seems as if a greens committee chair or other important member loses a match to having to putt around the corner, or an influential super decides he doesn't want to fix divots on the green anymore, they go away in the name of practicality. I have also seen a few greens in the same principle, but with the U being a low green area, forcing only a huge down and up putt if on the wrong side of the green.