Those of us that grew up on tree lined courses will resist cutting down trees. It just makes sense. It is what we are used to. Members that are not well travelled might want their course to remain as it is. I played Baltusrol Lower this past September. I have played it a dozen times over the years. I have always liked the course. I loved what Hanse did to the course. Yet, when I spoke with a few members some hated it. Some beautiful specimen trees were cut down and they mourn their loss. My wife didn't much like it either. She said that now you can see guys on the next tee and it was distracting for her.
Years ago the little resort where I had a second home called in Tom Clarke to look at our Ed Ault course. We got to the second hole and the first thing he said was to cut down the five trees on the left side of the fairway to open up the sight lines. I resisted. The hole is easy enough. The trees offered more interest off the tee. Fast forward fifteen years. I am playing in the member guest. My partner hits his tee ball down the middle and has 120 yards in. I hit mine in those trees on the left. My first thought was, "I should have let him cut down the trees!" My four handicap partner chilly dips his second shot into the creek fronting the green. It was our last hole and I figured we needed a birdie to win. I found a little hole in the trees and thought I could find it with my 8 iron from 135 yards out. My partner says,"punch out and try to get up and down for par." I couldn't resist and went for it. It was the best shot I ever hit. One four foot putt later I had my birdie and we had the win. If we had cut down those few trees the shot would never had been so much fun or difficult to pull off. When my son would hit a shot into an impossible lie I'd tell him, "Now you have the opportunity to be exceptional." I had that opportunity.
I love what was done to Baltusrol, but certainly can appreciate that not every member loves it. I can't wait to see what he does with the Upper Course, I know full well that not every member is looking forward to the changes.