The North golf Course was built over several years in phases. Holes 1,2, and 18 were originally a three hole practice loop built in1998. As Forest Creek grew and new roads and new sections were developed the golf course grew with it. Before any work could take place, a routing was developed by Fazio Design. This routing showed the envelopes for the golf holes. Based on that routing, clearing limits were flagged for the various holes with different widths at different areas of the hole. The clearing limits were different at the tees, at the greens, and in the landing areas. Finally in 2001 we began work on new holes 3,4, and 5.
The golf maintenance staff was part of the clearing and construction team. The third hole presented exceptional challenges, because the existing grade of the hole was running perpendicular the direction which the hole was playing. Part of the hole clearing process involves designating which trees must be removed and which trees should be saved. The reality of this third hole was that there was only one oak tree which had any size and quality worth saving. That tree is the tree in the waste bunker on the left between the first and second landing area. The golf hole was shaped around this oak tree.
We often hear questions about the appropriateness of this tree as it does effect play. It has certainly grown and is far larger and far healthier than it was in 2001. Whether it should stay or be trimmed is a subject for open discussion. It does not effect play as much as the Eisenhower tree at Augusta nor is it as picturesque as the cypress tree which formerly stood on 18 at Pebble Beach. However, everyone needs to know that thought by the designers went into leaving that oak tree on 3 and thought should go into whether it should stay. The following three pictures show how the size and appearance of this tree has changed over the years. Let us know how you feel about this oak tree.
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| 2013 |
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| 2001 |
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| 2004 |
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