Ice Storm Claims Augusta’s Eisenhower Tree

Six Decades Later, Ike Finally Gets His Wish

Chris Duthie

A couple of cords of pine might not sound like earth-shaking news, but don’t say that to golfers who will be playing The Masters in two months: The infamous Eisenhower Tree, which suffered through decades of disparaging comments and last week’s crippling ice storm, has been cut down and removed at Augusta National Golf Club.

The loblolly pine, named after former President Dwight D. Eisenhower, was among the most famous trees in golf and a frequent, par-busting hazard on the legendary club’s par-four 17th.

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

The century-old, 65-foot-high landmark sat left about 210 yards down the right-to-left fairway, challenging players to play over or around its balata-snaring branches. In 1956 it proved to be such an irritant that Eisenhower, in a fit of overdue anger, lobbied to have it removed during the beginning of his second term as president.

Ike’s request was overruled by club chairman and co-founder Clifford Roberts, leaving the tree’s fate to last week’s malicious ice storm that resulted in a significant loss of major limbs.
“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,” said Payne, adding that the winter storm did not adversely affect other parts of the major tournament layout.

RELATED LINKS

Augusta Chronicle’s Final Photos of the Eisenhower Tree

Diving For Dollars: Recovering Golf Balls Ain’t That Easy

Chris Duthie is a contributor to Colorado AvidGolfer, the state’s leading resource for golf and the lifestyle that surrounds it. It publishes eight issues annually and proudly delivers daily content via www.coloradoavidgolfer.com.