Share

Augusta loses Eisenhower Tree

Augusta - The Eisenhower Tree, an iconic century-old loblolly pine on the 17th hole at Augusta National, was removed from the Masters course due to ice storm damage, club chairman Billy Payne said on Sunday.

Icy weather struck the southeast United States on Wednesday, causing power outages and severe tree damage, notably at Augusta, Georgia, the annual venue of golf's first major tournament.

The disappointing loss of the famed pine, however, was the only significant setback at the course ahead of this year's Masters, slated for April 10-13.

"The golf course sustained no major damage otherwise," Payne said.

"We are now open for member play and we will be unaffected in our preparations for the 2014 Masters."

The tree, which stood about 65 feet high, stood about 210 yards off the 17th tee to the left-center of the fairway.

It drew its name from the late US President Dwight Eisenhower, who had been a member at Augusta National and had proposed cutting down the tree because he hit into it so often, but the idea was dismissed.

Due to irreparable damage that included the loss of most of its major branches, the tree was finally toppled this weekend, Payne said.

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

That does not mean that Augusta will not have something in place in the same area to challenge players at this year's tournament.

"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 said.

The Eisenhower Tree got its name from the former USA president hitting into it so often. (Getty Images)

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2244 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE