What is the greatest strategic use of a SINGLE tree in architecture, and why?

Not in my book - I played a course last week where this would apply (and got me thinking about the topic) - the 6th hole at Hunter Ranch in Paso Robles which has a big tree (sorry, not an expert in tree species) right in the center of the fairway about 225 out from the green on the par 5.  This tree, coupled with the funnel nature of the fairway, is pretty darn bad.

Then in reading the Taconic restoration thread, I got to thinking how important the enormous trees protecting the right side of the hole on the par 4 4th were to the strategy of the hole, and how any tree removal program targeting these would be a HUGE mistake.  

So then, in thinking about holes like 18 at Pebble, 17 at Cypress, 17 at ANGC, and others of that ilk, I'm wondering who got the best balance out of a single tree and it's affect on the strategy of a hole, because so often it can easily go wrong.

TPC Sawgrass - Hole 16 - Live Oak at left side of fairway short of green.

The incomparable Leland Stanford Jr. Golf Course, 12th hole ...

Brian Curley's Goose Creek #13. It just simply works.

 There is lone tree on #15 (?) at Bulle Rock . It gets into your head on the second shot. It sits next to a crossing creek which also makes you fearful that if you hit it you end up in the water.

Sorry guys, I can't buy in on this.

Trees that effect the line of play from either the fairway or with 150+ yards of a tee box are like "bunkers in the sky" - I hate them.

I call them Stupid Trees.  The most egregious examples are on the 18th hole at Pebble, I'm afraid.

I agree wholeheartedly. However, I believe the most egregious example would be at Stanford's par 4 12th(?) which I plyed in April.

If someone on here has a copy of the Stanford scorecard and can post it I'm sure this will ring true for those who haven't seen it.

Played a new course yesterday that had a large oak guarding the green about 40 yards short. Only way by was over, under, or squeeze your drive to the right near the OB and get by the right side with your approach. When our foursome reached the tee, the topic of conversation immediately became can you get over it. I said I thought I could hit over it and drove to the center of the fairway. Others were not so sure.  My partner went down the right side and hit by it and secured his par. I drove dead center, lofted my gap wedge over it to six feet, and lipped out the putt. I enjoyed the hole very much. It gave me choices, it made me think. A tree is not a hazard in the rules of golf, but it must be dealt with more than those so called, pristinely raked, hazards called bunkers. Take the rakes out, make bunkers a real hazard, and trees will lose part of their bad rap. Of course there are agronomic reasons for removal of trees, but I think a single specimen tree like this one that influences the strategy is a good thing. But then again, I am on record as liking tree gates such as those that appear on Black Forest's 10th.  

Toothpicks?

I agree wholeheartedly. However, I believe the most egregious example would be at Stanford's par 4 12th(?) which I plyed in April.

If someone on here has a copy of the Stanford scorecard and can post it I'm sure this will ring true for those who haven't seen it.

Gene - I guess you missed my post above ...

Quote from: Doug Wright on June 13, 2006, 11:14:28 AM

One problem from an architectural standpoint--what happens if/when that one tree dies?

Have you seen what they do at Pebble?
 

Yeah they spawn and multiply--your greens fees at work!  

Sorry guys, I can't buy in on this.

Trees that effect the line of play from either the fairway or with 150+ yards of a tee box are like "bunkers in the sky" - I hate them.

Wasn't the "bunkers in the sky" quote (Mackenzie, if i'm not mistaken) in PRAISE of a well placed, preseved tree?

Mike:


   You love the hole. I could see how the quirkiness could appeal to some.

However, look at the picture you posted. The larger tree completely blocks the entry way to the green.

Might you not concede that the tree is a bit overgrown and could stand a bit of trimming? At least enough to provide one with a clear avenue of approach from the pseudo split fairway which it creates?