New trees on holes 11, 12, 13

Trees and turf grass can coexist. They do need their own space and attention, but when selected and placed correctly, the benefits shine through.

Magnolia on #11

We recently added 3 new trees to Bretton Woods. As you are out you will notice them: on the hill above and left of the fairway bunker on #11, to the right of #12 gold tee, and to the right of #13 fairway. Each tree was placed specifically and we used two species that we don’t have anywhere else on the course to add more variety.

First, the tree on #11 was used to break up the large open area above the bunker. When construction removed the bunkers up on the hill and lowered the remaining bunker down near the fairway, a large grass area was left. While not all large open areas immediately need to be filled with trees, this particular spot allowed for the selection of a large tree that can really become a focal point from the tee. Also, this tree will help to shape the inside corner of the dogleg. In consultation with our tree vendor, we selected a Southern magnolia for this location.

Willow oak on #12

Next, we planted a tree to the right of #12 gold tee box. There are currently two locust trees near where we added this new tree. One of the locust trees is very close to the line of play from 12 tee. We decided not to remove it during construction, but rather to limb it back. We also know that as it continues to grow we will have to continually trim it to prevent it from encroaching towards 12 tee. As we repeatedly trim this tree, it may gradually become less and less attractive, or even decline in health. So, we are preemptively planting a replacement tree just behind it. We selected a Willow oak for this location. This is a slow growing tree that will allow the locust trees to continue their growth.

Black tupelo on #13

Finally, we planted a tree to the right of #13 fairway, just passed the new fairway bunkers. This tree is a replacement for an oak that died and was removed last year. The previous tree stuck out towards the fairway and blocked some of the right hand side of the green. After construction, and with the new location of the fairway bunkers, we decided that putting a tree back in the same location did not make as much sense. Instead, we used the new tree to accomplish similar things as the other tree, but in different ways. First, the tree helps separate the 12^th hole from the 13^th hole by providing a screen. The previous tree helped with this, but the new tree is in a more open area and therefore is actually a better divider. Second, this new tree works with the fairway bunkers to shape a slight dogleg, but not to over penalize shots that are missed just marginally right. Previously, a ball could have been in the fairway, but nearly completely blocked from hitting a shot towards the green by the original tree. Now, the hole still has a shape and there is a penalty for missing to the right, just not as penalizing as it used to be. For this position, we chose a Black tupelo tree.

While this wasn’t a large scale planting, we did select very specific locations to enhance the holes to which the new trees were added, while balancing the needs of the turf grass. We also deliberately selected trees that will add to the diversity and visual interest of Bretton Woods’ overall tree stand.

Also, here is a link to a post regarding the poor areas in the rough around the greens: http://teeoffwithjoe.blogspot.com/2017/09/update-on-green-surround-rough.html. We are fully aware of the problem and have devoted much time and resources to solving the issue. We have not corrected the problem and have not given up. Thank you.

Lastly, please note we will be switching to once per month posts starting in November and running through February. Thank you.

Etiquette Reminder of the Month

Please be patient with our leaf cleanup process. Thank you.

Also, as part of a Golf Committee initiative to improve course etiquette, we have included links to videos teaching proper on course etiquette. Please take a moment to watch:

Ball Marks - How to properly repair

Bunker etiquette

See you on the course!

Joe

jvillegas@bwrc.org