Tom Doak,
But, if the 7th fairway were shifted to the right, to its earlier, circa 1936 configuration, it would remove the 11th tee from the line of fire, thus allowing it to be moved back, which in turn would bring the cross bunkers on # 11 back into play.
Returning the 7th fairway to its 1936 configuration would also bring the long, right side trench bunker back into play, and it would optimize the risk-reward, similar to # 3, wherein, the closer one comes to the right side trench bunker, the better the angle of attack into the green which slopes from high left to low right.
In essence, the 7th hole is improved and made safer, the 11th hole is returned to its intent, vis a vis the tee shot, and the backdrop to the 10th tee is favorably changed, since the 11th tee would be moved to the left of the 10th green removing it from the sight and play lines.
A lengthened 5th tee is an interesting study.
Most golfers aren't on the 4th green or anywhere near it when the previous foursome is teeing off # 5.
The hole has become a 3-iron, wedge.
With respect to Ballyneal, how much of a factor is the winter in terms of the impact on conditioning and a limited playing season ?
Can anything be done to extend the season, or, does Mother Nature have the final say ?