Post-Hurricane Matthew project recreates iconic landmark at Georgia course

In 2016 Hurricane Matthew hit the Southeastern U.S. with strong winds and overwhelming rain. One course affected by this devastating storm was Frederica Golf Club in St. Simon’s Island, Ga.

Though there was no extensive damage to the club structures, the course lost more than 200 trees on and around the golf course and community. But for the grounds crew, the loss of one tree in particular was felt more strongly than the rest: The course’s signature live oak along the lake edge of the #18 fairway.

Immediately following the storm, with the support of development owners Marti and Wayne Huizenga, and under the direction of Alex Muxo, president of Huizenga Holdings and General Manager Jeff Blais, CCM CCE, the Frederica team gathered, researched and compiled a game plan to restore the look of #18.

From left to right:
Rog Ditmer, Frederica Arborist; Jeff Blais, Frederica Golf Club General Manager; Hank Smith, Frederica Golf Club Director of Golf; and Jon Hatten, Frederica Golf Club Golf Course Superintendent

It was here that the idea of a tree relocation project was born. The team would recreate the iconic look by moving one of the course’s other oak trees to the #18.

This project was no simple task, with the oak tree’s two trunks measuring 27 inches in diameter.

Superintendent Jon Hatten, Director of Golf Hank Smith, Arborist Rog Ditmer and their team set out to move the 360,000-pound oak tree the 1,650 feet from #16 to #18.

The entire process, from prep to final placement, took roughly 32 hours.

Months after Hurricane Matthew ripped through Georgia, the Frederica crew restored a signature look its Tom Fazio designed-course.

“We are so proud of our entire Frederica team members who contributed numerous hours to this project, as well as planting three additional trees behind #1 green and two more to the right of #10 fairway,” said Blais. “All of this enormous endeavor could not have been accomplished without the unwavering commitment and vision of Marti and Wayne.”

Watch the video below to see how the crew transported the oak tree to the iconic spot.

Photos: Frederica Golf Club