Chappers
I didn't say #8 was unfair and I don't think it is. I think given 20mph downwind or wind quartering from the right the hole doesn't offer enough space. You say the green is 39 yards long and that isn't the part which bothers me - though it would be nice on such a tough shot to be able to see the landing zone/bunkers. My beef is when the shot is hit long one can easily end up in a rocky lie. That isn't on so far as I am concerned. I end up aiming left side to an already narrow green to have a better shot at a clean lie when the ball goes long. Why doesn't the club clean the rear of the green up? It doesn't make any sense to me for a guy to play from rocks when he hasn't hit a bad shot and is only 10-15 yards off a green with a bank to the rear shedding the ball away.
My beef with #14 is we are in the middle of what can be an awful slog if the wind is up. Then, instead of offering something a bit different, the course asks for another long approach. Shortening the hole effectively widens it because in theory folks are more accurate with less club. Coming in from the right half gently moves left because of wind and the slope of the green. Plus, to the rear is a nice bank which will contain a slightly aggressive shot and thus leave putter in the hand for the second. Its not a flag hunting tactic, but I think its a sound tactic for me. A shot missed left can bring in all sorts of horrible rough into play. I would rather play from sand than that. The bunkers have excellent sand so are not overly difficult to recover from. I don't have an issue with bunkers on the wind direction side of the hole at all. Its a nice break from the usual of bunkers on the far side of the wind direction. Bottom line, I think its a better hole for the daily course from 170 rather than 200 yards.
Brian
In theory I agree with you. You in practice, its a no go. I can't imagine Deal opening up the right especially as they are fully aware of the amount of traffic on the road. A bouncing ball can do some damage - I know. That rough down the right really does it job of stopping balls.
I too really liked Seacroft's 7th - great use of the road, but I think its a bit easier to keep track of cars there than at Deal. Remember, its not just the road, its the parking lot as well. How does one watch the road and the lot and is the lot ever clear of people on it, entering or leaving it? In truth, I am surprised the club doesn't sell insurance with the green fee.
Ciao