Rob Rigg:
We're close enough. I believe we each have great love for both courses.
What we disagree on is I see no repetitiveness at either course, and particularly not at Sand Hills. I do not see the "required" or even "preferred" aerial shots that you do... I have indeed ran shots up to each of 1, 2, 4 and 13 .. in downwind situations. I have seen many others do it too, as downwind, that's the smartest play given landing on the green means bounding over... Now 17, of course that's a stretch, but reports are that members play it that way at times... for me, heck I also like the variety of one hole where it's do or die must play a fly, especially since it's 150 max. 17 is one fantastic golf hole and if one downgrades it because one can't run it in.. I'd say one is too attached to the ground game.
I also don't see a huge difference between the fescue at Ballyneal and the bent at Sand Hills... each has been very firm and very fast at each place, each time I have been there. In the end grass is grass and how it plays is how it plays.
I also PREFER the more exacting nature at Sand Hills over the "it's gonna end up OK pretty much no matter what" nature of so many shots at Ballyneal. As I say, the intensity is ratcheted up at Sand Hills, and to me that remains a good thing.
So, to each his own. Walking is paramount for you, and Ballyneal being walking only, well it's always going to have a strong place in your heart, no? Me, I prefer options over being told what to do, especially for 2nd and 3rd rounds on hot days.
So, we each have our inherent built in preferences. I can live with that.