Seeking Examples of Good Tree Removal Projects

[Robin_Hiseman]

I've enjoyed looking at the before and after photos of Addington recently and wonder if the group can help refer me to other large scale golf course tree removal projects of recent times that I can check out.


Here in the UK I know of the work at Woodhall Spa and Beau Desert. In Europe, Barseback is a good example and in the States I know of Oakmont, Congressional and Oakland Hills.


All suggestions will be gratefully received.

[James Reader]

Sherwood Forest has taken out a huge amount of trees and scrub over the last 15 years; mainly deliberately but it was a very localised tornado that showed the way.  I wish I had more photos of what it used to look like in the 80s and 90s but, for those that know it, it used to be virtually impossible to walk between the 8th and 14th fairways because of thick hawthorn scrub, for example.

[Niall C]

Robin


Apart from trees on the boundary of the course, every tree (and a whole load of gorse) was taken out at Glasgow Gailes. The result was quite startling to those that knew the course before. Unfortunately I don't have any photos either before or after but if you approached the club they may be able to assist.


Can't recall who suggested it, whether it was a consulting architect or STRI or whoever, but it was very contentious at the time and provoked an EGM. Now that the work is done I think the vast majority are happy with the result.


Niall

[Bruce Wellmon]

It's not a recent project but Carolina Golf Club in Charlotte, NC is a primo example of tree removal.

[Dan_Callahan]

Kittansett in southeastern Mass has been transformed by all the tree clearing over the last 10-15 years.

[Matt_Cohn]

Are you looking for tree removal with golf course renovation; with no other course changes; or either?

[Jeff Schley]

Paging Vaughn and the best damn golf club in Iowa!

[Adam Lawrence]

Paging Vaughn and the best damn golf club in Iowa!

He's working (with me) right now at another candidate for the best damned golf club in Iowa, viz Davenport CC!

[Robin_Hiseman]

Are you looking for tree removal with golf course renovation; with no other course changes; or either?

Either will do Matt.


Thank you.

[Jeff Schley]

Paging Vaughn and the best damn golf club in Iowa!

He's working (with me) right now at another candidate for the best damned golf club in Iowa, viz Davenport CC!

The only other one worth mentioning Adam. 

[Ian Mackenzie]

Old Elm in Chicago


Oakmont (obviously)


Here are some more: https://geekedongolf.com/2015/01/the-sweet-sound-of-chainsaws/

[JJShanley]

If memory serves, Broadmoor wants to remove more trees, but they've removed quite a number from the time of Ran's review.


Rolling Green.

[Joe Bausch]

Rolling Green.

Not just good. Tree-mendous!

[Jim_Coleman]

   Beware of beautiful tree removal photos that depict great looking vistas and site lines but do not reveal how the removal negatively affected how the course played.  Some trees do provide proper challenges.

[JJShanley]

   Beware of beautiful tree removal photos that depict great looking vistas and site lines but do not reveal how the removal negatively affected how the course played.  Some trees do provide proper challenges.

Indeed. But (if I may be so bold) I base that position it on having been a member 2017-19 and then seeing the course myself again when I visited the U.S. last September (admittedly the latter involved just a single round.) 


Removing the tree on the left on 11, that's 80 yards from the front of the green, would remove a proper challenge. I spent a lot of time dealing with that shot.


My sense is that "restraint in the face of a new option to take on a hero shot to the green" becomes a challenge. I think that's now the case on 2; it's probably also the case on 8, 13, 15, and 18 if you miss the fairway.

I enjoyed my (brief) membership at Rolling Green prior to the various work that has taken place. I'm envious of the membership that get to enjoy it.

[David Schofield]

Lawsonia Links in Wisconsin is another example.  Most of the clearing was done in the 1990s but more was done recently on the back 9.

[Stewart Abramson]

Sleepy Hollow


Here's an example (#8) of the many holes that were transformed by tree removal, among other things.



Sleepy Hollow #8 2008





Sleepy Hollow #8 2018

[Theresa Stotler]

I would suggest  searching articles by Dunlop White III he has published and has some interviews regarding Tree removals.

[Peter Sayegh]

   Beware of beautiful tree removal photos that depict great looking vistas and site lines but do not reveal how the removal negatively affected how the course played.  Some trees do provide proper challenges.

...and some (unique) vistas/sight lines on their own.

Brave post with THIS crowd.

[Terry Lavin]

In Chicagoland, the five most prominent examples of tree removal are (in no particular order) Beverly, Flossmoor, Old Elm, Bob O’Link and Shoreacres. Each course still has plenty of trees, but only where they “belong” IMHO.

[Robin_Hiseman]

Old Elm in Chicago


Oakmont (obviously)


Here are some more: https://geekedongolf.com/2015/01/the-sweet-sound-of-chainsaws/

Ian


Thank you. This was the article I had in mind from several years ago. Some startling images within.

[Robin_Hiseman]

I would suggest  searching articles by Dunlop White III he has published and has some interviews regarding Tree removals.

Thank you Theresa. I've done that and found much of interest.

[Tim Martin]

Between 2004 and 2019 thousands of trees were culled at Yale. More than 7000 is the number that has been quoted from small saplings to larger hardwoods. This process will continue under the supervision of Gil Hanse as he undertakes the restoration.

[Phil Burr]

Gil Hanse's work at Taconic c. 2006-2009 removed thousands of trees and the results are stunning.  Improved course conditions and expansive views of the surrounding mountains.


Question for Adam Lawrence: as a proud member of Davenport Country Club, I'm curious as to your comment that Vaughn is working with you on our course.  What are you doing?

[Bruce Katona]

Ridgewood's fairways in the 1980's suffered from tree overhang and damp turf conditions due to minimal sunlight.  The club undertook a removal program and look what events they've hosted recently.


AW Tillinghast's home course, Philadelphia Cricket Club undertook a very successful removal program to restore  the original design intent.


Old Oaks in Purchase, Westchester County needed tree removal when I last played it.........hopefully they've begun or have completed the work as turf was soggier than needed due to lack of sunlight.