I was able to play Sand Valley 3x in 2016. I played the front 9 on the first trip and the full 18 on the 2nd and 3rd trips.
Here are a few thoughts. Hopefully they address some of the questions that were asked in earlier posts.
Perfect terrain. The familiar views of lakes and trees just outside the entrance changes dramatically once inside. Suddenly the land has morphed into hilly terrain consisting of sand dunes and sandy hills and ridges. The course has enough changes in elevation to offer terrific views and a variety of uphill, downhill and flattish holes. The slopes are gradual and soft enough to make for a fairly easy walk . The walk is less extreme than what is encountered at Erin Hills, Kingsley, Dismal Nicklaus, or even White Bear or Northland in MN. Lawsonia or Bandon (x Trails) are better comparisons. There are very few blind shots because the slopes are gradual. Sand dunes and ridges provide interesting fairway contours and green sites.
Playability for different skill levels. Duffers like me will appreciate the wide fairways that catch balls that would normally land in the rough or rattle around in a tree's branches. Forced carries were optional on all of the holes I played. The player can choose his line and level of risk. Low cappers can take aggressive lines over the sand to catch a speed slot and maximize distance. There are 6 tee boxes ranging from 6800 to 5300 yards (par 70). Mike Kaiser has expressed an interest in creating courses that are more forgiving and playable. The C+C course has accomplished that. It is certainly less difficult than Erin Hills or Kohler's Blackwolf/Whistling courses. Many golfers will not lose a ball during a round.
Expansive feeling. The feeling of expansiveness is similar to what one experiences at Kingsley or Lawsonia Links. At least 7 holes are visible from the combined 1st and 10th tees. The fairways are very wide (2-3x a parkland course) with lots of sand on the sides. There aren't many trees left. There are no tee boxes as the teeing areas are an extension of the fairways. Bunkers emerge from the sandy area next to the fairways. It's a very natural and uncluttered look.
Excellent routing. The green to tee walks are mostly short. The way to the next hole is intuitive in most cases and follows the natural flow of the land. Holes move up, down, and through the sand dunes.
Great hole and green variety. Each hole and most of the greens were distinct. Some greens had tiers, some had significant contours, some had minimal contours with significant slopes, and some were rather flattish. As a collection, they are less extreme than at many of the peer courses I've mentioned above.
Optimal turf. The fescue fairways are already fast and firm. The greens are bent and are rolling smooth.
Best holes. The front 9 is the stronger of the 2 for me. I think that the last 3 holes of both the front and back are the standouts for each 9. Hole 7 (par 5) has a fascinating serpentine bunker that emerges from the left side and then runs in the middle of the fairway for about 30-40% of the length of the hole. Hole 8 (par 3) is the one of the best short par 3s I have played. There are a lot of elements on this little hole: uphill tee shot, infinity green, massive bunkers short, lots of wind, green with more slope than you think. Hole 9 (par 4) is a dramatic downhill short par 4 that big hitters can reach. The green has an interesting horseshoe-shaped back tier that makes judging the 2nd shot - even a short one - challenging. Hole 16 (par 4) has really bold and interesting fairway contours and a great kick plate left of the green. Like number 7, this one will take more plays to figure-out the best ways to play it. Hole 17 is a long uphill par 3 to a punchbowl green that is hidden behind 2 grassed dunes. This green reminded me of some I saw at Dormie where there were many little sections within the green itself. Hole 18 is a long par 5 that travels up the hill. The green looks so far-away from the tee. Imposing bunkers must be avoided with all 3 shots. The green is massive; I believe it's 50 yards deep. This is a BIG hole, which is the perfect way to end your 18 hole journey.
Management. The Kaisers and their team are dialed-in and making all the right choices. It took many years for the short course and the Punchbowl to be built at Bandon. They are not waiting at Sand Valley. A short pitch and putt course is being built right now. An alternate 6th hole that runs from the 5th green back to the starters/half way house has been built to create a 6 hole loop. Beers and cocktails are $3. Burgers/brats and (awesome) Italian beef sandwiches are 4 or $5. Some of the employees were transferred from Bandon. Clark was their front man when I visited and couldn't have been more accommodating and enthusiastic. The on-course lodging is being built adjacent to the courses and looks to have the perfect mix of nice but laid-back finishes.
I will post some pictures soon.