I think the creators of The Gailes did a wonderful job of trying to replicate the look and feel of a UK course. The landforms, hills and dunes, while manmade, are the most realistic I have ever seen of this type in the States. For the most part it is very authentic. If you dropped someone from the UK on this course I think they would feel right at home.
The one BIG item that the owners should address is the deep, thick hay that surrounds every hole. Richard's picture clearly shows what I'm talking about:
I know Americans have this idea that UK courses are covered in this thick stuff, but for the most part, it just ain't so. UK golfers hate searching for balls in the worst way and they would never put up with a constant dose of this stuff!!!
I also played Blackshire. It's a fun course that is enhanced by some of the trickiest greens you'll ever putt. If you enjoy "internal contour" on your greens play Blackshire... it has them in spades... they're almost as squiggly as Doak greens!
I don't get the "Pine Valley" reference at Blackshire. There is nothing about it that I could see which is reminiscent of Pine Valley. It is not a difficult course except for the greens, which are almost impossible to read at times.
We finished our trip at Red Hawk. This is a very solid semi-mountainous course. Lots of elevation change and sloping contours. Greens are fairly basic and would make the card & pencil player very happy... not too much to fool you here. While a fun and interesting course, Red Hawk is not "special." I don't mean that in a bad way as it's a very well done modern "formula" course. But, living in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains as I do I've seen this type of course many times. Solid course. Well thought out. Decent challenge. Would definitely like to play it again if I'm in the area. But, it is not "special" and I would not make a special trip to play only Red Hawk.
The Gailes, on the other hand, is "special" and unique. I would definitely plan a trip to play just The Gailes. If they would dry the damn place out and let the turf firm up I would visit often!