Augustas iconic Eisenhower Tree felled

Augustas iconic Eisenhower Tree felled

Tuesday, February 18, 2014

One of Augusta Nationals most iconic features will be missing from this years Masters following the enforced removal of the courses famous Eisenhower Tree.

The loblolly pine, named after the former US President Dwight Eisenhower whose ball struck it so many times off the 17th tee that he asked for its removal, finally got the chop courtesy of the climate rather than executive orders with Augusta National Golf Club chairman Billy Payne explaining the tree lost most major branches and was removed at the weekend.

The loss of the Eisenhower Tree is difficult news to accept, Payne said. We obtained opinions from the best arborists available and, unfortunately, were advised that no recovery was possible.

The chairman said no major damage was caused elsewhere on the course and preparations for Aprils 2014 Masters would be unaffected by the ice storm.

We have begun deliberations of the best way to address the future of the 17th hole and to pay tribute to this iconic symbol of our history rest assured, we will do both appropriately, Payne added. Asked for his views on what Augusta National might do at the 17th, 2012 Masters champion Bubba Watson, who on Sunday won the Northern Trust Open, his first tournament since claiming the Green Jacket two seasons ago, said: It seems like theyll put a tree or something there. Again, theyre not asking me, but thats what I would do if they asked me.

Id say, Why wouldnt you put some other kind of tree there or something.

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Augustas iconic Eisenhower Tree felled