Kansas Kid said:
You are far from the only one that views it as the hardest course they ever played. Can you imagine playing it every week as a member? Phenomenal track and you will get your butt kicked every time.
hmmmmm....
I've read/heard that golf course design for public versus private have their share of nuances and differentiations such as private greens tend to have a bit more breaks and slopes etc. I believe that's what Jack said.
Having said that, many golfers who play at one course (not that pine valley members would be limited to this) albeit easy or hard, they eventually figure out how to play the dang course and can play it better than expected but they typically don't play as well on other courses. Difference with pros is that more often than not, this super humans can light it up everywhere they go.
I say this without having ever played PV. I'm sure I'll get my ass kicked but let me play it 100 times in one year, I think I'll do ok eventually.