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Of course, such a campus doesn't spring from the desert sands of its own accord. For the rebirth of the course, Parsons hired, then 5-year-old design firm, Jackson Kahn Design to overhaul the campus and create the two newest courses, mirthfully entitled: "e Other Course" and "e Bad Little Nine". e attention to detail on these world-class links carries through all aspects right down to the entirely native Sonoran Desert landscaping. Jackson Kahn Design's website describes the Bad Little Nine as "the hardest par 3 in the world". A sentiment that seems to follow the course's name wherever it's mentioned. As the story goes, at Parsons' request, the course was philosophically themed aer a marine obstacle course. Parsons, himself a marine veteran, wanted the links to be as humbling as boot camp. In fact that's the name of hole #1 and, with the other holes bearing titles such as "Ambush", "Stinger", and "Shotgun" it doesn't take long for the hapless player to realize he's not getting out of this with his scorecard unscathed. "Bob will give anyone $1,000 who breaks par," said Underberg, adding, "not many have taken his money." And while the play of the course is no easy friend to the visiting golfer, the breathtaking views and the proximity of the holes offer a unique sense of shared misery as players search the bunkers together and learn how the links have earned their namesake. David Kahn, who, along with Tim Jackson are the engine of Jackson Kahn Design, says, "it's hard not to fall in love with the Bad Little Nine because it's one of a kind in the world of golf. If I had to pick a favorite scene it'd be the 5th and 6th hole on the Bad Little Nine. at to me is one of the most surreal and fun settings in golf." VUE ON | LIFESTYLE VUENJ.COM 89 VUENJ.COM 89

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