About the only thing I get of the above is the haiku...
Oh yeah, and I absolutely 'get' the O'neal's intentions. Providing an open to public sample of the kind of golf that is possible to achieve there can only enhance the greater investment and prestige of the grand flagship facility, IMHO.
Frankly, I would have thought that a similar public/private model would have developed up at SHGC, what with all the land and extra holes already generally routed and known. I think that it would have been a big gamble, and perhaps the developer there at his age was not inclined for such another risky undertaking (one leap of faith such as SHGC may be enough for a lifetime!) But, had it been done around 2000 or so, I wonder if we would have seen DR come about.
As stated above, a public prairie dunes style course - easier to negotiate facility - that 'allows carts' is a great alternative to those members that may be staying an extended time and want to have a bit of variety to 'add' to the experience of being out there. As Adam said, those not in battle shape or getting a bit older and having a bit of pain to walk more than 18, would have a great alternative and still maintain the flavor of golf they came all the way out there to enjoy.
I'm not sure how much the alternative public course would go towards stimulating new memberships at the flagship private, however. Over the years, those that regularly go and love Wild Horse probably have not been so stimulated to apply for membership at SHGC or DR because it may be more market segment than desire. That may be a function of simply having the $$ or not. Simnilarly, I wonder how many folk out of the Denver area that have been going up to Bayside at the Lake, who particularly have experienced this style of golf as found particularly on the front 9, have lined up for Ballyneal. Perhaps, more than I guess...
But, the incredibly generous effort to offer the less well healed - but equally passionate golfer, the chance to experience a unique style that this prairie dunes golf can offer, is just a display of real developer commitment to the game and its followers. They have awards for those around the game that are pioneers and movers and shakers to keep the game strong. Who better than the O'neals to be recognized as such?
As for the name... I don't care if they call it Sue. Many of the locals never refer to the actual name. They just say, are you playing at Gothenburg or McCook, or Holyoke today?