Derrick,
The trees on the 1st hole on the outer curve were not dying. They were also not removed for corporate tents or other reasons, but for the same reason that the trees behind the 4th were removed, that is to to make the frame of reference more challenging for the player. (I am not saying that I agree with this reason).
The large tree guarding the right corner died and was removed last year.
Those were beautiful trees.
Bethpage needed more challenge
(the frame of reference hazard always gets me)
Glad they were able to put in some more bunkers on the course as well (because they're so native to inland Long Island)
heck, why not take out all the trees and make #1 a par 3?(or golly a driveable par 4 cause that's cool) ----sort've a hole #7 par slashing solution /Mike Davis wet dream)
or they could just go play the course...