It's a very playable course. Ironically, Nicklaus chose to start with a hole that doglegs slightly left. Your approach shot is to an elevated green that features pot bunkers to the right. Depending on the pin placement, only the brave or foolhardy try to play over the bunkers. There's water to the left and back, but a well struck tee shot can easily result in par.
Course management is put to the test at the start of the back nine.
Water comes into play on your second shot as a stream runs through the fairway. The green is guarded on the left by a lake. There's water on the left starting about halfway down the fairway. The 32,000 square foot clubhouse will be redesigned inside this year. National offers limited outside play, but caters to its upscale membership first.