in the 1960s the 9th hole was altered to make way for the construction of a baseball field at arcadia park. the original tee box was re-positioned to the south west of its original location and the hole was lengthened and turned into a par 5 thus changing par at the course to 71. the original dog leg left configuration and chute of trees has been lost and the hole now plays due east and relatively straight. additionally significant changes were made to the short 281 yard par 4 17th hole where the large expanse of sand on the left side (south) was replaced with grass. the hole retains its name from the time (desert) but has lost much character and altered the strategic challenge of its original configuration. other changes from the era include the removal of several bunkers on the par 5 third hole and the sandy waste area between the 10th and 18th holes.