RIP to the 2 significant trees on #7 and #8 that were cut down this week on Harding. The loss of the trees greatly impacts the quality of the holes. The tree on #7 par 5 grew next to the lake, whose overhanging branches guarded long approaches hoping to reach the green in 2. Especially from the right half of the fairway.
The tree on #8 affected the high draw drives that were called for to hit the longest drives. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve flushed a drive that was pulled a smudge and was eaten up by that tree…argh!! (Good times).
Otherwise, the course has almost fully recovered from its aeration a couple months ago. Greens rolled true at a faster than normal speed. Fairways were full with not much rough. Several bunkers were on the this side but they are easy to get out of. I’ve always favored Harding over Wilson but combined with the loss of the giant tree on #16 last year, may have changed2 2 it too much visually and made its playability too easy.
I may be over reacting because we still had a fun round. Ha!