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.
