Alcohol, Swedish invasions, and membership patterns have derailed the discussion a bit. I will try to bring it back on track with new thoughts on the Sandwich-Deal comparison:
I played Sandwich for a second time today. It was a GLORIOUS day for links golf. It was my first UK round in only one long-sleeve layer. It made the second go-around a great experience.
I think my impression of the course improved overall after a second play. I definitely gained more respect for the first four holes. The 4th is indeed a great hole. The only thing that turns me off about the hole is the angle of the tee shot. I understand that the lure of the flag is meant to throw off the player. The best line is away from the green and over the dune bunkers on the right. Yet the tee shot is still a bit awkward. I think a hazard as grand as the giant dune bunkers are better suited to the inside of a dogleg. An epic hazard calls for a heroic type of tee shot, and I just don't get that feeling on the 4th at Sandwich. Nevertheless, the strategy is sound and the green site is indeed tremendous. The hole moved to one of my 3 or 4 favorites on the course.
I still like the set of par threes at Sandwich quite a bit. The 6th and 16th are very fun. Furthermore, the 11th is underrated long three. The front part of the green is very exciting, and I love the look of the green against the backdrop of the Channel. 3 is still my least favorite, but I gained more respect for it this time around. I prefer the four one-shotters at Sandwich over the three at Deal by a bit.
The par fives at Sandwich are excellent. 7 is just a gorgeous hole from start to finish. I love how the over-the-rise tee shot leads to the gentle valley in which the final 250 yards of the hole are set. 14's strategy is simply timeless. No matter a player's skill level, he must try to fight nerves and hug the boundary line. Otherwise, a 6 awaits. As good as the fives are at Sandwich, they are just better at Deal. 3 and 16 are two classics. They are much more about creativity and fun than the Sandwich holes. 5 is also a solid hole through crumpled terrain.
The fours are strong at both places. I love the long fours at Sandwich, especially 5, 8, 15, and 18. The skyline green at the 10th is very striking--another underrated hole. My very favorite hole at Sandwich is the 9th. There is effortless strategy off the tee, and the green is the most fun on the course. I spent 10 minutes around this green today and left with a smile on my face. Deal's par fours are a bit inconsistent, but 2, 6, 10, 12, 15, and 17 match the best at Sandwich.
Yet despite the great day and the fun of Sandwich, I am left doubting that it is better than Deal. Deal has a sense of wildness and adventure on many holes. I only find this on the approaches to 5 and 8 at Sandwich. Like I said before, Deal's strong holes are stronger than those at Sandwich. There ARE weaker holes at Sandwich, though maybe a few more at Deal. The back nine at Sandwich is a bit of a letdown after the excitement of the front, whereas Deal is strong to the finish line.
If I had to pick one to play...it would be Deal.