Over 20 trees that were dead or almost dead were cut down near the green on hole 13 at Connaught Golf Club as part of their annual tree program. (Ross Lavigne/CHAT TV News)

By Jesse Gill

Long-standing trees at Medicine Hat’s Connaught Golf Club taken down

Apr 3, 2024 | 2:15 PM

Golfers playing at Connaught Golf Club in Medicine Hat will find the green at hole 13 looks noticeably different this year when it opens later this month.

Over 20 trees have been removed from the area that sits near the Medicine Hat College residence.

Driving by the golf course on College Drive over the last month, Hatters may have noticed the longstanding trees are no longer in view.

PGA of Canada head golf professional Brian Oliphant said the removal was part of the organization’s annual tree program.

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“We find the trees that are either diseased or dead that are on the outskirts that could potentially fall and be a hazard to the surrounding buildings,” Oliphant said.

“Those ones were virtually almost all dead, so we decided being that close to the college residence we should probably take them down before the wind blows them over.”

The course has been told they will be receiving less water from the irrigation district than last year.

Oliphant said they will prioritize water use on their tees and greens, then fairways, with the rough and driving range as last priorities.

Connaught Golf Club has revealed Friday, April 12 will be its opening day and have already seen an increase in membership from last year.