Thanks a lot, Michael. The pictures are fabulous looking.
I went to the website and investigated a bit. I think this will be a demanding course to walk. The course map shows the green to tee walks on 8-9, 9-10, and 11-12 to be sizable. David Kidd is quoted on the site as follows:
"For maintenance we will do a little mowing, but will mostly rely on the wandering sheep to keep the fescue in check - just like the old courses used to do. We are returning golf to how it should be played; no longer is it a gentle walk in a garden, it will be a full-fledged mountaineering expedition at this course."
http://www.machrihanishdunes.com/course/If I had to generalize, I would say the modern architect expects more from the golfer in terms of the physical demands of walking the course. It seems that most of the great classic courses are easier walks, especially in terms of green to tee walks.