Vandalism at Chambers Bay

Someone has attempted to chop down the only tree at Chambers Bay Golf Course in University Place, Wash., site of the 2010 U.S. Amateur and 2015 U.S. Open. The tree, which really isn't in play for golfers, borders the west side of the course overlooking Puget Sound.

The survival of the Douglas fir is in question. A $1,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the vandal's arrest.

An arborist will inspect the tree Monday to determine whether it can be saved. The tree is one of the course's signature images, appearing in magazine, newspaper and television news accounts of Chambers Bay, and is used in the facility's advertising and marketing materials.

The fir is home to bald eagles and a point of reference for golfers and walkers along Soundview Trail, which crosses 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.