While I am at it, let me mention that I have played Ballyneal and Sand Hills. While the decision was not mine to make, we didn't play Dismal, probably for reasons similar to Jim's. While it wasn't my decision, I was as fine with the decision then and am now. I am not able to play everywhere I might like, and so I have to rely on those I trust, and I haven't really heard much which would lead me to believe I really missed out on a great course. I keep investigating, but most of what I hear about Dismal is hype I cannot quite reduce to anything of substance.
And, Mr. Johnston, to answer your rhetorical question above, where you manage to get in your digs at Ballyneal and rumors of "slow greens, walking only, the food, or smell of nearby livestock, snakes, rakes, or space aliens in the rough . . . If you or anyone else posted that about Ballyneal (and you just did) I'd keep in mind in all your posts, and discount your opinion accordingly. As I said, I played Ballyneal, and if anyone came away from there thinking those things, I'd have no respect for their opinion about golf course architecture. If that is the feeling of those at Dismal (and you have created the impression that it is) then it is another strike against the place as far as I am concerned. I don't share those tastes.
Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion and tastes differ, and that is terrific. Understanding the tastes of others helps us all make better informed decisions.