A pair of saguaros, a tree-like cactus species, were removed from The Gallery Golf Club in Tucson, Ariz. The Arizona Department of Agriculture states that a permit was not filed with the agency. “Despite an original plan to safely relocate two saguaros on our property, it was determined that they were unstable, which led to the decision to remove them,” the club explained in a statement.

Members are upset about the destruction of saguaros The Gallery Golf Club Tucson, Ariz., KVOA reported.

“I’m disturbed like most people would be, saguaros are part of Arizona,” said member Pat Crooks.

After members expressed their frustration, Gallery Golf Club’s management released a statement, KVOA reported.

“Our maintenance practices are designed to protect the natural beauty of our desert landscape. In this instance, despite an original plan to safely relocate two saguaros on our property, it was determined that they were unstable, which led to the decision to remove them. Along with the community and our membership, we will always be committed to protecting our beautiful environment.”

KVOA confirmed with the Arizona Department of Agriculture that a permit was not filed to cut down the saguaros at the golf course, KVOA reported.

“A three-day tournament doesn’t make sense for destroying our golf course, it’s very upsetting to us,” said member Caroline Crooks.

LIV Golf is staging a tournament at the club March 17-19.

The agricultural department also said it is in the early stages of investigating this matter, KVOA reported.

“I’m really disturbed that they cut them down for the golf tournament, which will last for three days. The saguaros have been growing for a hundred years,” said Pat Crooks.

One member told KVOA they will not be able to use both courses at the club for at least three weeks because of the tournament.

“It has been disruptive to the members because there are a lot of snowbirds that are here for only four or five months out of the season, we paid our dues at the full price,” said Caroline Crooks.