by Vic Williams
Chris,
Having been one of the first journalists to play Trump National, and having followed its progress from the Ocean Trails days to its final waterfall-laden restoration, I agree with much of your impressions, but I urge you to return when it's a sunny, clear day. The ocean becomes much more of a factor then, and the views are indeed spectacular, even dwarfing the waterfalls. In fact, they become mere accents to the entire experience.
As for playability, I believe it was entirely Mr. Trump's intention to put everything "right in front of you," with no tricks. It's a straightforward, eminently fair track now, and played from the tips (try it just once), it's a full meal of forced carries and epic approaches. Before it was pinched in all the wrong places and as uncomfortable as an ill-fitting show. Now it's show, go and glow. All it's really lacking is an onsite resort, and with Mr. Trump, I wouldn't count that out of future plans, either.