Tom,
There's no doubt that the northwestern part of the property is the most aggressive. And aside from the awesome green at #3 (some Eden qualities there), it was too big in the high vs. low department. But that feeling quickly subsides as you move on into the meat of the property on #4 and 5. Returning to that area on #6 is odd I thought. But the 7-8 stretch again corrects that feeling.
What I enjoyed the most about the massive earthmoving was the use of turbo slots to get water out of the fairway, away from bunkers, and generally reward golfers who challenged the bunkers. Except on one or two holes where the reward is to play away from them.
I also really enjoyed playing the shortest par 4's down wind and the longest par 4's generally into the wind. This must really piss off the college golfers that think short hitters shouldn't be able to challenge them on the shorter two shotters.
The blind 12th was a highlight. As was the 13th. In fact, nearly the entire back nine (11-17) worked very well in terms of variety, change in direction, and variety in green shape.
I made an observation that #1 could be in a conversation of your strongest openers along with #1 at Old Mac.
Ryan's favorite hole on the front nine was #8 because of the elevated green and how uphill the shot was for both of us. We both lashed drives that went about 240yds. Conversely, we both caught one on #17, and they rolled out to 400yds. Throughout the day the theme was "pick the right line." Mostly because the approaches were the hardest of any Renaissance course I've yet played. And because the wind was brutal.
The fact that all of this was built was pretty cool. I have never felt that way on a "built" golf course before.