The famous Eisenhower Tree was removed from Augusta National over the weekend after it didn’t survive an ice storm.
The Eisenhower Tree lied on the 17th hole of the famous course and was so named because the nation’s 34th president used to hit his tee shots into it. Dwight D. Eisenhower, who was a member of Augusta National and played the course during his presidency, lobbied but failed to have the tree removed from the course. The club chairman at the time, Clifford Roberts, ruled Eisenhower was out of order and adjourned the meeting.
The Eisenhower Tree was a Loblolly Pine that stretched about 65 feet high. It was estimated to be between 100-125 years old. Current Augusta National chairman Billy Payne says the club is already considering options to replace the tree on the course. He also says preparation for the upcoming Masters in April will not be affected by the removal of the tree.
“The loss of the Eisenhower Tree is difficult news to accept,” Payne said in a statement. “We obtained opinions from the best arborists available and, unfortunately, were advised that no recovery was possible.
“We have begun deliberations of the best way to address the future of the 17th hole and pay tribute to this iconic symbol of our history — rest assured, we will do both appropriately.”
ESPN says the tree was already being held up by cables and that Augusta National was preparing for this day.
Here’s how the tree looked after the storm:
And here's a picture of the storm-damaged Eisenhower Tree (credit: Golf Club Atlas) http://t.co/33a7TmX55d
— Today's Golfer (@TheTodaysGolfer) February 17, 2014
