Gentlemen,
I read this thread with great interest and anticipation, when you where discussing Deal and others recently, but as it was about 7 years ago since I caddied round Deal, I decided to wait till my trip this weekend to add to the discussion. I'm sure I'm not going to add anything new, but her goes:
There are 4 holes at Deal, that are possibly amongst the best links (or any other type of course) that I've ever played. Great par 5s are often considered a rare thing, but Deal has 2 in the 3rd and 16th. The 6th shows that a great short par 4 doesn't need to be protected by tons of bunkers, just push the green up high onto a plateau (in fact Deal's 6th really remind me of Brora's 1st, only better) and Sean's favourite 10th, a great example of a medium length par 4, showing that good strategy can help defend a hole, not just length.
In fact the 16th probably has just about eveything I would ever want in a hole? Cross bunkers to challenge the shorter hitter, a pot up the left to catch a layup or a bombed tee shot wind behind, beautiful rumpled fairway, approach to a raised green which is therefore tricky weather approaching it with a wedge or a 3 wood, a green itself which has as many rumples as parts of the fairway, and a wee bit of none golf character and history in the old pill box bunker on the right.
There are so many other great holes, greens, drives, and so much fun to be had. I didn't think the fairways were narrow at all, and in most places were they are ther rough was manageable. The club itself has a great feeling, and with a first floor lounge, a great view over the course.
I think its fair to say, when the Deal Appreciation Society is set up, I'll be happy to join!
Cheers,
James