A few weeks ago I was taking a tour through the clubhouse, as I often do this time of year, making sure that nothing was out of the ordinary. I usually check to see if any lights are on, or toilets are running, or thermostats need to be turned down. As usual nothing seemed out of place and I was about to return to my office when I happened to look out the window of the rear dining room. I could not help but stare at the view, or more accurately, the lack of one.
Sometime after 1957, someone decided to plant a row of spruces and white pines to create a backdrop for the 9th (then 7th) green. This was a popular trend among committees and chairpersons in the 60's and 70's, and probably coincided with the planting on the 7th (then 5th) hole.
As a superintendent, these trees have bothered me since I first arrived in 2007. The trees were planted on the east and south sides of the green, and prevent the sun from reaching the playing surface until very late in the morning. While the shade is not enough to kill the turf, it does have a significant impact on the playing surface. Anyone who plays on a regular basis will tell you that the back of the green is much softer and even wet, as opposed to the front third that recieves significantly more sunlight.
As a golfer, I felt the trees detracted from the hole in a number of ways. First, they provided a frame of reference for a shot that was meant to be partially blind, and therefore negated one of the architect's design strategies. Second, any player that did not hold the green was punished by an extremely difficult, downward chip from a very poor lie. Finally, if the approach shot was so poorly played, the trees could actually knock it down and prevent an even more difficult recovery. In a game that is based on equity, this situation makes absolutely no sense.
After we removed the trees from the 7th green and revealed the character that lies in the features and vistas it became clear that our finishing hole is not living up to its potential. Eliminating these trees will restore the architect's orignal intent and will improve the condition of the turf behind the green, and therfore chance of recovery. Removing trees from a golf course is a very controversial subject, and there are a few other trees that I feel more strongly about, so I never really pushed the issue on this hole. Once I realized the impact the trees have on the view from the patio and the clubhouse, I felt that the issue needed to be addressed.
The leadership of the club is working extremely hard this season to maximize the value of a membership at Suffield CC, and highlight the features that will attract new members and outside business. One of the key amenities at the club is the setting, and the beautiful view of the golf course as the sun approaches the horizon on a warm summer night. These trees block approximately 40% of the horizon when viewed from the clubhouse.I have brought this issue to the attention of the Grounds Committee and the Board for careful consideration. I mentioned in both meetings that it is easy to remove trees but very difficult to put them back, and therefore the decision must be made on the golf course. I went out today and took some pictures from various angles to support these statements. I have posted these opinions and pictures so that people could share their comments for or against removing the trees. While a picture may be worth a thousand words, it cannot compare to being there and observing this in person. I encourage you to stop by the club, walk around, and consider the impact they have on the golf course as well as the atmosphere around the clubhouse.
The snow yesterday will provide an excellent opportunity to monitor the effect of the trees on the growing environment on the 9th green. Over the next week, watch the progression of the snow on the 9th green as compared to the practice green and 6th greens, which are exposed to full sun and wind.
ReplyDeleteI expect that the back half of the 9th green will be covered long after the others have cleared.
I agree with Peter's assessment of the trees behind the 9th green. The ones on the left side (as viewed from the tee) need to be removed to enhance the view from the porch and dining room. The ones closest to the parking lot might remain to block the view of the parked cars as you near the green.
ReplyDeleteRemoving trees from a golf course is a very sensitive subject, especially when they are in a high profile area. While we have enough support to remove the trees, I get the feeling that a more thorough examination of this issue is required. Therefore we have decided that the trees will not be taken down this winter, and the issue will be revisited at future Grounds committee meetings.
ReplyDeleteOver the course of the next season I will be preparing an explaination of the issue from an agronomic standpoint. The issue should also be examined based on the aesthetic appeal of the patio and clubhouse grounds, as well as their influence on the strategy and playability of the finishing hole.
I encourage you to look up at the trees from a variety of vantage points including the driveway, patio, and various locations on the golf course throughout the year.
If you would like to voice your opinion, please feel free to do so here or in writing to the Grounds Chairman.