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Now, with that headline, you would think I had a terrible time. I didn't, it's an enjoyable and challenging-but-fun Pete Dye course.

But to call this a "bucket list" experience, and to rate it a Top 5 you can play in the US, is to WILDLY overrate it. It's a good course with classic Dye bunkering and green complexes. But it's in the middle of nowhere, the conditioning is spotty in places (tee boxes were muni-level poor), and it boasts near-Pebble-level pricing for an experience that is nowhere near. It's not even close to worth the money.

I don't know where it should be rated, Golf Digest, but I know it ain't #4. Better than Spyglass? Are you serious?? Bethpage Black? Pinehurst #2? I could go on, but I imagine there's a maximum character limit here.
Put it this way: there are 3 tracks in Bandon, Oregon, that are FAR better golf courses, and you could make a solid argument for a 4th.
AND THEY ALL HAVE BETTER VIEWS.

So about those vistas...
I was astounded - and pretty angry, frankly - at the marketing material claiming an ocean view from every hole. This is totally false. The front nine is played through marshland (still lovely, but not the Atlantic). Then on the back nine, you hear the waves crashing throughout, but you rarely ever see the water besides peek-a-boos from the tee boxes (14th Hole is one beautiful exception). Even the beach-side final 4 holes are bizarrely blockaded by a sand dune, so feel free to shank your tee shot right in order to get a good look.
Frankly, it should be called the "Hear-But-Not-See-The-Ocean Course".

All in all, the experience is fine -- great staff, excellent service, good golf course. It's just not remotely close to worth the price of admission.

The clubhouse is striking, though - and it's got the best views on the property, by far. Be sure to enjoy a post-round drink so you can finally get a good look at the ocean.