Pebble Beach defends removal of historic tree after social-media criticism
Tree removal has been a hot-button topic in the world of golf. Most recently, Aronimink’s large-scale restoration, including the removal of hundreds of trees to restore the original design intent, had golf social-media pundits barking about how easy the course would play during this year’s PGA Championship. That was early in the week. Turns out, Aronimink played perfect with a varied leader board and a winning score of single-digits under-par.
The most recent rallying cry from the anti-tree removal folks has come about the removal of one of Pebble Beach Golf Links’ well-known cypress trees, which sat about 90 yards short and right of its 16th hole. The two trees created a field-goal post of sorts for players to navigate in their pivotal approach near the event of a round.
Photos surfaced recently showing the removal of the tree, and people sounded off, including Justin Thomas, who said: “makes no sense to me why they’d do this. When are places going to realize getting rid of trees is not the answer to making courses better, haha.”
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Well, there’s actually a very good reason why Pebble Beach removed the tree on the right side of 16.
Unfortunately, they didn’t really have a choice. The tree was diseased and posed a risk to other trees nearby. Here’s a statement Pebble Beach provided to Golf Digest:
“The cypress tree 90 yards short and right of the green on #16 had become diseased and infested beyond recovery, despite our best efforts to treat it over the past two years. The tree was removed upon recommendation from a local, certified arborist to prevent the risk of spreading to neighboring trees.”
Context and research matters. These days, social media accounts are quick to spread misinformation. Some internet videos claimed that it was the USGA’s decision to remove the tree ahead of the 2027 U.S. Open, or maybe just a strategic design decision from Pebble. It was neither.
There are a number of nuanced tweaks to Pebble Beach before the U.S. Open returns for a seventh time in 2027. Another very notable tree, the second giant tree in the middle of the fairway at the iconic finishing hole, was replaced after an ice storm in 2014 caused the tree to fall down.
Tee boxes were shifted or moved back and some bunkers and greens were rebuilt. Other than that, it will feel like the same old Pebble Beach next year. That's a good thing for those of us with a bit of nostalgia for one of the world's most famous golf courses.