Wayne:
Trust me -- I won't rip you.
The day I played Dismal River it was nothing less than a Chamber of Commerce Day - there was wind but it was more of a non-factor than what it can be at times.
On the flip side I have found that assessing courses on a very windy day can be a bit more difficult because too often holes that are into a headwind may not play as demanding when the wind is less so -- ditto holes that play extremely easy with helping wind.
The key that has elevated the Nicklaus team in my mind is how they have evolved their thoughts on routing -- the course moves in all sorts of directions. You cannot simply hone in on one particular type of shot and believe that will suffice for the day. It won't.
Keep in mind when I say it was an ideal day wind wise there was still a breeze blowing at given moments at given points on the course. The design has calculated that element into the mixture and when I list the remaining holes I believe that point will come to the forefront.
From the standpoint of Nicklaus courses played the count is closer to 70+ and I can truthfully say that Dismal River has all the earmarkings to be on the very short list of "must plays" in the USA and certainly a key component on the evolution of the broader sand hills region.
John K:
I rode the course but I believe it can be walked if someone was so inclined. I believe the course policy will be to mandate carts in almost all instances. The club does provide, if requested, a forecaddie, to be with any group that needs one. It's not a bad thing to include.
The greens were at optimum speed when I played. They were fast but they were not Oakmont oriented speeds given the array of internal contours you face.
Personally, I like the "sectional" elements of the greens. I see that tool as a reasonable weapon at the disposal of the architect given the length people hit balls and with the development of three wedges or more in a bag.
In regards to Ballyneal -- I already played the course when I was in the neck of the woods with Dismal River. I will opine later on that layout -- in a word -- impressed to the max with the design and the vision Rupert is following.
The next three holes ...
4th hole / 596 yards / par-5
Interesting hole with the back tee on a high ridge that overlooks the fairway below. From the back tee the play is over a fairway bunker on the right side. Anything pushed too far right will meet a quick and certain death in the buffalo grass. The fairway has plenty of room on the right side and it behooves a player to swing a slight draw in order to max out the distance.
The second shot is a risk and reward situation. There is an old-fashioned western windmill that sits in front of the green but is away from the target line to the hole. A large unkept sand area is also on the same side as the windmill.
The player can play safe and hit to the far right of the fairway but the angle to the varied pin placements is quite vexing -- especially rear right where the pin was on my day there.
The green can be reached in two blows unless the wind is in one's face. Solid par-5 hole that will yield birdies but anyone thinking that Jack has provided a "welfare" hole is quite mistaken.
5th hole / 190 yards / par-3
Could arguably be the finest Nicklaus par-3 hole I have played. You tee off adjacent to the 4th green. The tee pad is set below the green complex that gives a "saddle" impression. The frontal bunker must be avoided at all costs -- it is truly deep and immune to 60 degree club plays.
The green falls abruptly back to the green for any shot that is just a smidgeon short. The green has two distinct sides and you had best be on the side the pin is located.
The range of options and the matter-of-fact manner in wich the hole presents itself is truly well done. Such a hole like this would not have been part of the Nicklaus design menu in his earliest days in the field.
6th hole / 375 yards / par-4
To the credit of Nicklaus -- Dismal River has two par-4's below 400 yards from the tips and each is stellar.
Here the 6th provides two landing areas -- one that is bowled shaped and meant to handle tee shots that can make the upper landing area which can require a carry of no less than 240 yards. There is a fairway bunker on top side and it can be carried with a solid hit provided the wind is not blowing in on the player.
The green is also deliciously angled from lower right to back left and is protected by a mound on the left side which is well placed.
Strong players can beat drivers and try to get near the bunkers that guard the front -- however, there is another false front that is simply waiting for anyone who comes up just a tad short. I hit driver and came within 30 yards of the green but my next shot was to a frontal pin that put me at a definite disadvantage although I was thaaaat close.
Again, another example at how Nicklaus and his team have added to their design skills. Too often such holes would be nothing than basic filler at many of Jack's earlier designs. The 6th at Dismal River is truly an eye-ful for all types of players and the sheer range of shots needed will always be present no matter the wind or skill of the player involved.