Several of the older courses in the phoenix metro area have older stands of Eucalyptus and Pines ppanted in the 50's and 60's or so and then the various odds n ends varieties that were planted after that through the 80's. Working with 2 of the older country clubs in the area we are very careful with the trees as those "parkland style" experiences are unique and valued. As those older yet prominent varieties fade out we are in the least putting back proven species that do not tax water use as much and handle the heat, soils and poor water. Not too many do as you can imagine so where appropriate you go back to the more natives.
Forest would recall better but I do not think Papago had a big negative impact from trees like other courses do. remember, shade in the desert is good when it is hot so as long as there isn't too much shade for turf health.
DbD
David, the thing that strikes me is, they enlisted the help of their neighbors at the Desert Botanical gardens to re-introduce the native desert in areas of the golf course. Why go half way? It will be interesting to see a kind of half desert/ half parkland layout at Papago. Plus the Euc's are blocking views to the Papago Buttes left and right, not to mention their impact of the turf and playing conditions with their roots and peeling bark that sheds all over the place. I'm not going to lie, I am kind of hurt by the news. My hopes were high for Papgo but this is not re-assuring. I understand your points but I think they will get less of a golf course as a result.
Adam, I'll keep an eye out, my issue hasn't arrived yet.
Scott,
He just had to go and top the stunt he pulled on Oprah. Were see how it turned out. in a few months.