Harold Bell Wright's fourth novel, The Winning of Barbara Worth, was written at Mr. Wright's home, Tecolote Rancho, adjacent to the current location of the Barbara Worth Golf Resort. The Winning of Barbara Worth is an exciting novel that Mr. Wright scripted about reclaiming this area of the California desert and converting it to farmland by diverting the Colorado River. The story is filled with drama and romance. In 1925 a contest was held in the Imperial Valley to choose an actress to portray Barbara Worth in the forthcoming film version of the novel. There were thirteen contestants from the Imperial Valley, however, the winner was a young Hollywood starlet named Vilma Banky. Ms. Banky was born in Hungary and did not speak English. The movie starred Ronald Coleman, a Hollywood superstar and introduced Gary Cooper in his movie debut. The Winning of Barbara Worth was also dramatized for the stage and had a long record of success in both big cities and small towns in the United States and Canada. For the past several decades the Barbara Worth Golf Resort has been the social and business hub of California's Imperial Valley. Located just two hours east of San Diego and ninety minutes south of Palm Springs, the resort is known for its lavish weddings and special events which cater to both the residents of the Imperial Valley and visitors from Mexicali. The property is also the first choice of business travelers who prefer a serene setting at days end. Guests enjoy the ambiance of the Fairways Restaurant or just relaxing with their favorite beverage in the 19th Hole Saloon. Playing the Barbara Worth Golf Course you will enjoy its soft hills and elevated greens. Water hazards come into play on five holes and the course has many sand bunkers incorporated into its design. Old cedar and palm trees line the fairways. The signature hole is 18, a 463 yard par four, requiring shots into the prevailing wind. Over the years the resort has been visited by many celebrities including Charlton Heston, Tom Cruise, John Travolta, George Clooney, Mike Meyers and Carol Channing. The entire landscape is also utilized for Hollywood movies, TV commercials and high fashion photography.