Good question! What were these clubs thinking in the 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's with all the tree plantings and overgrown vegetation?
The design intent and your architectural heritage were not exactly the talk-of-the-town then. Planting trees came rather naturally for many well-intentioned green committeemen.
1.......The installation of golf course irrigation triggered the tree-planting barrage. These irrigation systems were single-row, down the middle of the fairway. The length of the water's "throw" gradually became the lines for fairways, particularly since the turfgrass was naturally greener in these areas. Thus, broad fairways became thin, and their elaborate curvatures evolved into straight lines. In response, greens committees began planting substandard varieties of trees in the prior playing lanes, those lateral areas that could not be irrigated to cover/camouflage the less attractive brown turf.
2......... The Dutch elm disease also served as a contributing factor. The American elm was a beautiful hardwood with unobtrusive root zones and high canopies. As the American elm perished, awareness of attrition escalated and the practice of planting replacement trees became the rage. A countless number of replacement trees were also planted in close proximity to healthy trees "in case" they too perished.
3..........Golf course "rankings" and the "Pine Valley Effect" have also inspired tree plantings. The top ranked course in the country serves as an architectural model for all others. Naturally, the elite courses will be emulated. Such is the case with Pine Valley Golf Club, which most publications perennially anoint as number one. Because one hole cannot be seen from another at Pine Valley, countless clubs have initiated tree planting programs between holes in attempt to create the Pine Valley framework.
4......Club officials can also be blamed for precipitating the tree-lined, parkland look. Often the contention is for safety between adjacent holes to reduce the risks of liability.
5......Other times committeemen plant trees to defend par.
6......Beautification committees also plant trees and shrubs to adorn the golfing grounds.
7......Club officials also started planting trees to honor and remember departed loved ones and significant club figures.
8......Likewise, superintendents routinely plant trees to attract beneficial wildlife habitats.
These were the motivations!