Chambers Bay is an incredible design, with interesting slopes and options from tee through green that make it one of the most fun courses I've ever played.
The shot options here are absolutely spectacular in a few different ways. The green complexes are enormous and offer many different pins. For instance, a right pin on the par 3 3rd would require a much different shot (and short recovery) than a left pin. And a back left pin on 12 may encourage a layup while a front right pin might entice the player to drive the green. Additionally, there are lots of ground options where the player can utilize interesting and functional slopes. The bank to the right of the 11th green, the slopes all around the 4th green and the slope behind the 9th green all create options for creative but realistic shots to certain pins. In some of these instances it might require playing away from the flag, but after careful analysis actually presents a better chance to get the ball close.
Many of these features also contribute to the distinctiveness of Chambers Bay. Of note is the 10 foot deep pot bunker on 18. It is not often that you have to hit a perfect 10 yard flop out of a fairway bunker 100 yards from the hole. But the threat of that shot certainly demands careful consideration on the approach.
The beautiful layout over Puget Sound and the firm and rolling fairways also contribute to the high marks for Chambers Bay.

Favorite Feature

• The 12th green complex is a little enclave that funnels golf balls onto the surface...if you hit your drive up there, it makes for a thrilling reveal as you approach the green.

Sand Hills is truly remarkable in so many different facets, and achieves deservingly high marks across many of our criteria.

It's extremely vast, and visually welcoming for the most part. But on almost every hole there is a perfectly placed bunker, slope, or blind area to play just enough of a mind game to cast doubt on many tee shots.

The wind is such a critical element of the design, and contributes strongly to the variety and shot options. For example, on the scorecard 7&8 are back to back short par 4s, but the two holes play extremely differently, in part due to the wind. In both examples, your desired shot into the green will dictate your strategy back on the tee. Mid-iron through driver could be used on each tee shot, while infinite short game shots await around the greens.

The 3 closing holes perfectly encapsulate the brilliance of Sand Hills. Each consists of remarkable, bold landforms that epitomize the Nebraska Sand Hills, and require challenging, fun, and interesting shots. In particular, 17 is one of the most intimidating wedge shots with no hazard or OB in play.

Coore and Crenshaw struck an incredible balance at Sand Hills by rewarding a combination of careful consideration and creativity. The result is a fun and playable golf course that will make you question your strategy and hit a large variety of exciting golf shots.

Favorite Feature

• The 7th green is one of the smallest putting surfaces I've ever seen, but it fits perfectly because your drive can end up short, right, or long leaving a wide variety of chips.

Maidstone is a really pleasant golf course with a many strong qualities. In particular, the consistently impressive sightlines contribute to the aesthetics, character, and distinctiveness of the course. The visual intimidation often reveals larger landing areas or less punishing outcomes, but forces thought and indecision frequently. The par 3 8th is a great example of this, with barely 25% of the green visible from the tee, tempting you favor the left side of the green. Although it's just a wedge, a left miss is very costly, however the large dune fronting the right of the green makes the direct angle of attack much more daunting.
The layout design is also of note at Maidstone, with a nice variety of shaping, width, and elevation. The par 3s range from wedge to 3 wood, and the par 4s demand a variety of shots themselves. While there are number of mid-length par 4s, the 9th hole (for example) is a narrow chute and testy uphill approach shot creating a very unique feel.

Favorite Feature

• The two large sand dunes that border the 9th fairway are make for one of the coolest visuals in all of golf!

Lookout Mountain incorporates some impressive design qualities on a severe piece of property. Many of the features, especially on the green complexes, combined with the mountainous terrain and surrounding make for a fun and difficult round of golf.

The Aesthetics at Lookout Mountain are really strong. The mountainous landscape along with the rocky and rugged terrain within the golf course really match nicely. In particular, the punchbowl 11th green has mounding on the backside of the green to match the mountain forms right behind it in the distance...what a neat concept. Plus, it's accentuated by the fact that you can't see the full green on your approach. It's a blind shot, but with the raised mounds on the back of the green, your eyes are drawn right there and you can see the mirroring mountain forms right behind the green.

The severe slopes on and around greens (#3, #5, #11, #13) make for some interesting choices on preferred approach angles and landing spots. For example, the punchbowl 5th offers some risk reward off the tee, and multiple options for approaching the green by using the surrounding slopes or going directly at the flag. Plus, the Biarritz on #4 allows for a running approach on both the tee shot, and on a chip from short of the green.

The par 3s highlight the Layout variety at Lookout Mountain. A long iron on 3 is followed by a short downhill wedge on 6. And the mid-length 16th plays severely uphill. 4 very different shots asking for different shapes and trajectories.

With the firm and fast conditioning there are a number of short iron and wedge approach shots. Considering the severe greens, the challenge is still very strong on this course, however that is one area where shot options could be improved.