David,
I understand your point about the tiered greens at PH. Again, my comment to Mr. Pazin was that if one could play a ground game at Black Mesa and the Rawls Course, two places where the gentleman had played last year, that he could do it at PH as well- provided that the green entries weren't over-watered.
For me, the aerial game is easier for me at PH as well as most courses because I can generally control my distance and don't have a problem with putting spin on the ball. The exception to this rule is when the wind is blowing hard that I prefer to play the ball low to the ground. Also, my objective when I play golf is much more modest- I am just trying to get the ball on or close to the greens in regulation. When I happen to get both distance and direction right and the ball finds the proper tier, it is a very pleasant, welcomed surprise.
I don't want to get into a semantics debate on what a parkland golf course is and is not. Suffice it to say, that the pinion pines do not resemble the oak, walnut, hickory, maple, and the occasional elm trees on the courses that I learned to play on in northcentral Ohio. The PH site is exposed to the elements, primarily the wind, as well as having a rather harsh and rugged terrain. The holes at PH are not framed or isolated like at numerous parkland courses, and the ground beyond where the irrigation reaches is much harder. While PH is arguably overwatered, it is hardly lush. Unlike many parkland courses which have several greens protected on the front and sides by bunkers, mounds, and swails, PH are generally open at the front.
That Ken Dye left the green entries open is an indication that he wanted the course to be playable on the ground as well at the option of the player. And let's face it, most people have trouble getting the ball airborne with any degree of control.
BTW, I don't know which desert courses you've played. I have not played very many, but those that I have use sand and the rugged, open terrain as primary obstacles. PH may not be a traditional desert course like we see on TV at Palm Springs and Scottsdale. It has been a long time since I played Desert Forest, but perhaps PH is more similar to this type of course in a high desert environment.