All - forgive this lengthly reply.
Ryan - here is a brief reply and summary of the changes made from the beginning:
Most important - Irrigation - finally fully calibrated and "tuned" have driven the terrific course conditioning. Getting this right is key on every course. Irrigating the native grass was a problem as this caused lost balls just off of fairways and that simply isn't fun. We have leaned the water and mow the (3-6 bands) of the native 2-3 times per season to mimic cattle grazing. The pure fine fescue fairways are fast and the water is now where and in amounts it needs to be. The layout provides a very unique experience, even for the Sandhills. Playability has been enhanced.
Experience - DRGC had at least 5 Superintendents in 5 years. Turnover was a killer. We now have continuity - a key in any organization. We have an outstanding crew with great management and we like and suport each other. I have known and worked with our Super for 11 years, Dir of Golf for 16, and Exec Chef for 16. They are all among the best in the business, the attention to detail and planning are dialed in, all of which help deliver the "experience".
Engagement of the Designer - Mr. Nicklaus and Chris Cochran were out often last year. They love Dismal River and have been and continue to be very supportive. Be it Doak or Nicklaus, an engaged designer is important.
Greens - I believe 8 greens were reworked to lessen severity of which I am not a fan. With A1/A4 and reasonably fast (not Sand Hills fast) the slopes were too much for the members. I don't enjoy greens too fast and hate them too slow. While still challenging, they are now a whole lot more fun and fair for a wide range of players who visit. The combination of speed and slope/pitch is now "just right".
Finishing Hole - Old 18 was a fun but not a finishing hole reflective of a true top course. We moved the green complex so you can see the entire hole. She is now 515 yards, uphill and into the prevailing wind. Reachable for some, still a challenge, a very fun way to finish up. One of the most beautiful holes I have seen anywhere. I can't think of a weak hole in the routing and, yes, some are very challenging. I like it that way.
Focus on fun/soul - we keep things pretty simple out here and are engaged, friendly and fun. Dismal is not pretentious or strict as we simply revere the game and the experience. Dismal isn't expensive to join - that allows a great member make-up as economic barriers are a downer. We like to think we do what we do quite well but don't have a ton of frills. We treat all members, and their guests like guests at our home. We don't much care the pedigree of your home club, we just want people who appreciate good and pure golf in a unique place.
To the comments about the past and the designer. If you look close enough, all courses have warts and challenges - many of these are what become endearing in time. Rather than focus on what was, we look at what is. Fact is, good people make for good golf and we have to play on after a bad hole. I am flattered hearing people who do visit say we are comparable to, or better than, Sand Hills, Ballyneal, Sutton Bay, Prairie Club, Awarii, Bayside, or Wild Horse, but take this with a grain of salt. I get feedback all the time of perceived shortcomings, here and elsewhere - these can be found at every course. One place has slow greens, one is too strict, one may require walking only, one may have ridiculous greens, or that conditioning is subpar or better. As we interact with people, we hear that kind of feedback all the time, as I'm sure our neighbors do - differences simply help define that particular place in the world of the game. Fact is, Dismal River is in a great neighborhood with absolutely outstanding courses nearby, not unlike Long Island, Columbus, Scotland or a host of other areas with terrific golf. It would be great if we could work together for the good of the game, each other, and the region. That is a noble goal. The "this is better than that" discussion really doesn't matter - All are very good.
fwiw, I do believe Dismal River would be considered much more openly and favorably if the neighbors weren't so very good in their own right. We are fans of and support good golf in all iterations. Differences are good and we celebrate them. We support and admire every course out here and revere the differences each offers. The game is one of gentlemen - you don't play each other - your opponent is the ball and old man par. The game would be boring if all were the same or if it were easy.
Again, you are invited to come out and form your own opinions in the "now". It should be a fun weekend for friends, new and old.