Because of lengthening restrictions those two fairway trees are rarely in play. The bunker and OB right suffice to make one re-think that option. Those trees are perfect aiming points and how often do you end up exactly where you aim?
It sounds as though the new bunkers are exactly where a timid soul would play for, approx. 180 off the tee. Now, this is a par 5 and in order to have a wedge in your hand for your 3rd one needs to attack this tee shot. Bring in some elements like wind and your most likeky to have to aim either over the water or very near to it, just to stay close to those trees. Thier spindley nature makes them even less penal and even if one is within a yard of the tree it is possible to get into good position for the third. The addition of the bunkers is starting to sound like a dumbing down of the hole. I wonder who consulted?
Could it be...should I say...UFF Da I'll think I'll wait for facts for a change.
On a side note, I have lamented every tree that has fallen or been pruned out of existence on the site that is PB. Most were never in play but were either wonderful landmarks and reference points or esthetic. The tree seems to be a re-ocurring theme throughout the course. Starting on one you are made to think about them and avoiding them is crucial. On two, I love the tree right side before the baranka/cross bunker. It has stood me well every time I go for the green in two as an aiming point. On three the trees on the left are not as hard to carry as they probably once were but are still paramount in ones mind over the tee shot. Holes 4-10 only have two significant trees. The beautiful oak on five and maybe one of rear pines for targeting and the lone tree on six, behind the green, is a perfect example of how the trees are used at pebble as aiming devices. The dead Oaks on 11 are good lines for reference points and the trees on 16 frame that approach magnificantly. Now, your on 18 and if I read you correctly these trees are somehow stupid. I don't see that, ever. I see it as the sort of subliminal message the course is sending me and without them on 18 you'd be ignoring or missing a visual motiff that has been there all day long.