David:
I can't agree and think the elevation use is very good, except for 17 which is too much from 210, I think the hole would better play at 170 or so:
7: the slightly down hill tee shot gives you the ability to go for it in 2 especially if you use the speed slot down the left side, and the elevated greensite means this 517 yd 5 par doesn't roll over for the better player. I had to hit a great high 3 wood to a back pin to set up an eagle try.
9: reminds me of a lot of the 18th at Engineers, except is a bit more narrow and favors a fade not a draw. I'm sure the bigger hitters catch the speed slot down the left side and take it all the way down by the green. lots of fun and a real tough shot if you hang it up at the top of the hill on a down slope, it also creates a blind approach for those not hitting a good drive;
Like Engineers, the routing stregth at NGC is in its challenge of ridge lines (up and over and thereby creating boh uphill and downhill shots). Thus what you identify as weakness is likely NGC's greatest strength . . . my major criticism is that the greens are not quirky enough
10: the elevation change makes the entire hole, it's a short 4 par that makes you think off the tee and the approach, what's not to like about that?
15: You just don't like elevation b/c 15 is a great use of elevation off the tee, the fairway to the left of the bunkers is wide but looks tiny from the elevated tee and if you crack a great drive, like I did, you have wedge/sand wedge (I had 65 yds) but it's to an elevated semi-blind pin with a two tiered green making distance control critical;
I think the use of elevation is what separates NGC from many others.
What did you think of the elevation use on 14?
Jason