As part of our hazardous tree management program, we monitor all trees on the property and assign levels of safety concern to trees that may need attention. The arbutus tree on #5 has been on this list for some time but due to the fact that it is leaning away from where players would be, it has been left alone. It's time has come though as the rot inside the tree has become too much.
Providing a professional opinion on the tree from a golf perspective, Alex Hay of Lobb and Partners Golf Course Architects (the firm retained to consult on all Golf BC properties) had the following comments:
Unfortunately from time to time on golf courses we have
to consider tree removal, not only for the playability of the course itself,
but also for the health of other trees and the vegetation around them. Tree
removal is never a decision we take lightly.
On a recent walk around as part of our golf course
review, the Arbutus tree on the left side of the 5th hole came into
question. The tree was of poor health becoming a safety concern, and had also
become big enough to impose itself on the playing line. Removing the tree has
freed up space slightly to the left and will allow us to plant Oak trees that
will frame the hole better, whilst protecting the 6th hole from
errant 5th hole tee shots. The improved playing corridor will give
those golfers, that hit the ball with left to right shape, a better chance of
finding the fairway from the tee.
As mentioned above, we will replant 3 trees slightly to the left of the current arbutus location. These trees will be planted this fall to allow for easier establishment. The removal of the arbutus will allow us to use the left half of the 5th tee that has been avoided due to the tree being in the tee line.
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| Before |
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| After |
It is more notable in person, but the oak tree that was behind the arbutus still provides good protection / screen from drives headed left while not penalizing a left to right ball flight drive that will easily land in play on #5 fairway.
