Tiger- That's an interesting distinction, and one that I''m sure is bound to compare the two courses for eternity. What I found was that the long gently rolling hills, found near Mullen, are almost hypnotic. While Ballyneal has those longer rolls too, it has the added "Chop Dunes" which add to the variety and allows for the more severe contours, ala the TOC's greens. I know that chop dunes "look" has been a personal preference for a very long time, I just never knew what it was called.
Here's the best way I can describe how Ballyneal made me feel.
There are specific places that I've experienced which have a certain soulful feel about them. i.e the 12th at Pacific Grove, The 8th and 9th at CPC, among others. Well, I felt that way with nearly every step at Ballyneal.
From my zero exposure, to the linksland of GB&I, I will just assume the differences between the two(SH+ Ballyneal) will be similar to the differences in the tastes of those who prefer a Ballybunion, to a Cruden Bay, to a Painswick and Dornoch + the like. Ballyneal appears to be a perfect fit for this pallete. So much movement going on, lots to consider startegywise and the ability to use the terrain. If I searched every inch of America I wonder if there would be another that comes as close to my heart, the way my walk around Ballyneal's frontnine has. And I hear the back is even better, HA