A tree, for golfers, is either an obstacle or a challenge. Most players resent trees in the midst of their course. However, the Eisenhower Tree will surely be missed.
One of the most iconic trees in all of golf is the Eisenhower Tree on the 17th hole of the Augusta National Golf Course. It was substantially damaged due to the recent ice storms in the South East.
The 65-foot Loblolly Pine stood about 210 yards off the fairway of the 17th hole, which created some problems for some of the best golfers in the world.
Jack Nicklaus, a six-time Masters winner and a member at the Augusta National is sad to see the tree go.
“The Eisenhower Tree is such an iconic fixture and symbol of tradition at Augusta National,” Nicklaus said.
“It was such an integral part of the game and one that will be sorely missed.”
The tree got its name after former president Dwight D. Eisenhower. As a member of Augusta National from 1948 until his death in 1969 he had hit the tree so often from his tee shot. He campaigned for the tree to be removed and even suggested it be cut down during an Augusta National governors’ meeting in 1956.
Club chairman Billy Payne is reluctant to let the tree go, but after consulting with the best arborists available, he says there is no choice but to remove it.
There were no other damages to the course and it will continue with preparation for the Masters, which starts April 10th.