Something's missing

With several blind tee shots on the front nine of Laurel Creek, insider knowledge can be helpful in club selection and knowing where to aim.  Since the course was first built, one reference point that some players have used when standing on #4 tee is a test tower for the AEGIS facility, located beyond #5 green.  From the Champion tee on #4, the distance to the tower was 3,850', but given its height could easily be seen.

The tower's height was also the primary reason we never attempted to block it with landscaping.  Even if we had done a planting that screened the tower from the fourth hole, an 80+' tree would have been the only way to block it from view on #5.

Now you see it...

Well, if you didn't notice, that landmark was recently removed.  Not surprisingly, a Google search provided little explanation as to why these towers are no longer needed by the Navy or Lockheed Martin...

Now you don't...

With the "Cornfield Cruiser" in the background, only a utility pole now marks where the formidable tower stood for years along Hartford Road.

The good news is that what some folks considered an eyesore, is now gone.  The bad news is that you may need to find a new reference point the next time you tee one up.