Starting out on a down note this year:
The Eisenhower Tree at Augusta National is now a memory.
The Eisenhower Tree at Augusta National is now a memory.
Golf’s most famous pine tree is no longer guarding the 17th hole at Augusta National Golf Club.
Ike's tree, seen here at last year's Masters Tournament, was removed from No. 17 at Augusta National Golf Club after suffering major damage in last week's ice storm.
The Eisenhower Tree suffered major damage in an ice storm and was removed over the weekend, the club confirmed Sunday.
Photos showed major limb damage, particularly on the left side and top of the tree.
“The loss of the Eisenhower Tree is difficult news to accept,” Augusta National and Masters Chairman Billy Payne said in a prepared statement. “We obtained opinions from the best arborists available and, unfortunately, were advised that no recovery was possible.”
The Masters landmark, also known as Ike’s Tree, was about 210 yards from the tee on the left side of the par-4 hole. The loblolly pine stood 65 feet high and was believed to be 100 to 125 years old.