NCC - 1937

The photos below are of the original design of NCC by the famed Donald Ross.   As you can see, Ross was not a huge favorite of trees on a course.   The one photo shows what is now part of the red nine, shows the massive stand of Oaks in the SW portion of the property just north of Clavey Road.
I thought you would find these photos interesting.
           North of Clavey

          North of Clavey

           South of Clavey

Storm Damage

Several weeks ago and again last week, two different storms hit NCC. Winds of 70 mph were registered at NCC. We had a number of trees that were completely uprooted and fallen. There were also a number of trees that had large limbs or the tops of the trees damaged. In the photos below you will see the extent of the storm damage and the amount of work the staff did today to get the course ready for play.
Rotten trees, like the one in the photo below, are the first to fall in a wind storm.
Staff members blew leaves and small limbs from the fairways and into the roughs for removal.

The staff collected fallen limbs and put them in piles for collection.

The staff blew leaves out of the bunkers and removed limbs and sticks.

Truckloads of fallen debris were collected and piled for removal.

Crews removed loose limbs that were hanging from the trees.

Hundreds of fallen limbs were collected and piled for removal.

A number of trees were uprooted by the high winds.

The golf course was a total mess that morning at daylight.

Crews worked 12 to 13 hours a day to remove the fallen trees and debris.

The most extensive damage to the course was on the red nine where we have more trees.

In total, we lost `12 or 13 trees but the most impacting damage from the storm is the number of trees that are still standing that have broken limbs and damaged tops to the trees.

Storm Damage

Two recent storms have significantly impacted the golf course. We have lost 12 or 13 large trees and many trees are damaged. The staff has spent over 800 man hours cleaning the debris and removing the fallen trees. They have kept the remaining part of the course in great condition at the same time. The photos below show some of the damage and cleanup from the storms.

Tree - Blue #1 Tee

These two photos show the planting of a new tree that is located to the right of #1 Blue tee.

It is a White Oak. We have planted approximately 25 trees on the course in the past year. This is part of our Tree Management Program that is designed to provide care and attention to our entire tree inventory.

Tree Plantings

Our trees are an important resource for the golfing experience at NCC. Understanding that, I developed a Tree Management Program several years ago that was approved by the Grounds and Green Committee. With over 2800 trees on the property, we have a variety of trees that are in varying conditions of health. Our Tree Management Program includes trimming, fertilizing, pruning, controlling pests, and planting new trees on the course. At times we may have to remove a tree that is dead or rotting and becomes a safety hazard. I work closely with the Green Chairman, our architect Dr. Hurdzan, and with a certified arborist to insure that we have a solid plan for caring for our trees.

Below is a photo of 4 new trees that we planted last year behind #2 white tee.