Tees and trees

[Cliff Hamm]

Played golf today which was hot and humid.  Back nine was links style with few if any trees and none around the tees.  This has been a pet peeve of mine for awhile.  While I am in favor of tree removal, etc.  when you're waiting on the tee with the sun beating down it is not a pleasure.  I believe that architects should incorporate a shade tree or two near the tee boxes so one can get a respite from the sun.  I think this makes sense even if it means planting a few trees only for this purpose.  It would not change the architecture of the course one bit but would be a welcome addition in the heat.

[Brad Klein]

Cliff, excellent idea. You'll be glad to know that modern arborial research has now produced the first "penumbral shade" tree. It casts a shadow for human beings and provides ambient cooling for golfers standing on tees, but has no effect on impeding sunlight or air movement for turfgrass. Moreover, its roots are permeable, meaning they feed the tree but do not absorb moisture or nutrients from nearby ground structures like tees.  

[Cliff Hamm]

Brad...Do you know if Home Depot carries the trees you speak of and what is the price?  Would love some for my yard.

[Michael Plunkett]

Umbrellas- not just for rain anymore.  

[Sean Remington (SBR)]

   You can actually find were W. Flynn agreed that a shade tree near a tee would be a good idea. At the same time I'll bet he would never take a tree over a well maintained tee. All things in moderation. An occaisonal tree or group of trees can be wonderful in the landsape of a golf course. If is just happens that they are near enough a tee to provide some shade while waiting without compeing with the turfgrass then so be it. Back to the "while waiting" thing. If the pace of play is better you probably wouldn't have noticed that you were standing around baking in the sun. A good player assistant should keep things moving so you don't need to head for cover.

[wsmorrison]

Sean is right about Flynn's affinity for trees for strategic, segregation and shade purposes.

Donald Ross planted pairs of trees, Sycamores I believe, framing most of the tees at Gulph Mills GC for shade.

[Cliff Hamm]

Finally, some wise comments....I never intended that trees should shade the actual tees.  My words were "near the tees". This is certainly the case on parkland courses where the tees are not affected but shade is provided. My point is that on links style courses I fail to see why some well placed trees that do not affect the turf of the actual course would add an intangible - respite from the hot sun. For those fortunate enough to play golf without waiting this is not necessary.  But for those who play the local muni and are constantly waiting I do feel some well placed trees "near the tees" are welcome when it's in the 90's, humid and the sun is beating down and you find yourself waiting and waiting.  It would be nice if rangers could keep things moving but unfortunately pace of play is the biggest negative to the golfing experience.