I have been eager to play the new layout for a while, but I didn't get the opportunity until now (12-30-07). Wind was on the mild side cutting distance off the holes playing into the wind, which was nice after a few weeks of tough wind conditions even early morning. The linksy layout still reward knockdown shots and bumping it in to the greens, which is really what makes this course so fun to play (apart from great $). The change in layout with the four new added holes has been very succesful. The new elevated holes add both a beautiful view, variation and definitely reward smart play. With a reachable par 5 and a par 4, where you can drive the green with the wind in your back you will be tempted to let the horses out. I did however put my driver back in the bag on #6 after a gutsy player in the group in front of us drove his first ball OB and his 2nd one in one of the pot bunkers. Believe me, you want to stay well clear of those... To end on the signature island hole is a more worthy ending than the old #18, which was a dissapointing ending hole. On a negative note the rapid jump from links layout to a house lined parkland on #14-18 is a bit disruptive compared to say Rustic Canyon, which has a nicer flow to it and more exciting greens. However, the greens were very slick and in good condition. Fairways were typical River Ridge i.e borderline accepteable, apart from #14-17, which need to be shapen up. Even RR Victoria Lakes have better fairways than this... All in all, it is really nice to see a course actually in the process of transforming a pretty decent 27 hole facility to 36 exciting holes of golf with great practise facilities and great value for the money.