A controversial tree comes down; golf course gets cleaning done

Volunteers worked raking and picking up debris on the Benson Golf Course Sunday to help get it ready to open later that afternoon. The debris was from extensive tree removal and trimming done on the course this past winter. The tree removal and trimming was paid for by the club and its members.
The photo shows an ash tree that frustrated golfers playing hole Number 7 for decades. Its trunk and canopy sat nearly in the middle of the fairway. This past winter the tree came down, opening up the second shot for golfers on this par 5 hole. Some felt the tree should have stayed while others are overjoyed to see it gone.