The survival of Chambers Bay’s iconic Douglas fir is in question following an unknown person’s apparent attempt to chop it down late Tuesday or before dawn Wednesday. A $1,000 reward is offered for information leading to the chopper’s arrest.
An arborist will inspect the tree Monday and determine whether it can be saved. The tree is perhaps the world-class golf course’s signature image, appearing in magazine, newspaper and television news accounts of Chambers Bay’s numerous accolades, including selection as the 2015 U.S. Open and 2010 U.S. Amateur site. It also is used in the course’s advertising and marketing materials.
The fir also is home for bald eagles and is a point of reference for golfers and walkers on the Soundview Trail, which traverses the course near the tree’s location between the 15th green and 16th tee.
“This isn’t a simple act of vandalism,” said County Executive John W. Ladenburg. “We’re talking tens of thousands of dollars in addition to the intangible aspect of losing a living icon.”
The University Place Police Department is investigating the crime. The reward is offered by Crime Stoppers of Tacoma-Pierce County, which can be contacted at (253) 591-5959.