Trees are sometimes a big deal in the golf world, and that’s exactly the case this week with Congressional Country Club.
The course that has hosted four majors (and is scheduled to host the 2031 PGA Championship and the 2036 Ryder Cup) is under scrutiny in the D.C. area after it has removed many trees without permit.
According to a report from the Washington Post, the club has removed more than 20,000 square feet of tree canopy on its property. The total number of trees removed is hard to tell, but that amount of canopy is four times the amount that necessitates a permit. Because of that, the club as been cited by Montgomery County officials.
The citation follows an investigation, which was, according to the report, spurned on via a disgruntled member. “I am [upset] because they’re ruining my club,” the member said, anonymously, to the Post. Despite the citation, the club has noted it is filing paperwork for the requisite permit.
A forest conservation inspector noted that much of the tree removal took place on and around the Blue Course, which is the Congressional course that has hosted three U.S. Opens.
Check out the entire report here.
