Anton: This sounds like a complex situation. The City of Portland has arborists that work for them in the Parks Division. They might be able to help you make some decisions about best management practices for your trees. The firs do sound close together but there could be a number of other issues including watering practices, root rot complexes, the drier springs we have been having, or a management practices at the Course. A certified arborist is your best bet. But I would be happy to visit with you more by phone about this. Chip

Chip Bubl  OSU Extension/Columbia County<personal data hidden>    <personal data hidden>

Those trees are in poor condition and aren't, from my perspective, likely to survive. The key question is what has caused it. It could be over-watering leading to a disease, underwatering if the soil is very well-drained, or just a natural disease cycle. The question may come down to what to replant. Again, it really might be worth it to get a professional arborist's opinion or see if a City of Portland arborist would advise. Chip

They are stressed and crowding can be a part of it. Knowing what to replant and exactly where (to enhance the golf course's appearance and  "playability") are probably the next big decisions.  Chip