Legendary Tree At Augusta Felled By Ice Storm
AUGUSTA, Georgia (CBS NEWS) - It was known as the 'Eisenhower Tree', and was so much a part of the Augusta National golf course that not even a sitting U.S. president could have it taken down. But the tree was finally removed from the 17th hole this weekend because of damage from an ice storm, the club said Sunday.
"The loss of the Eisenhower Tree is difficult news to accept," club chairman Billy Payne said. "We obtained opinions from the best arborists available and, unfortunately, were advised that no recovery was possible."
With the Masters only two months away, Payne said there was no other significant damage to the course.
The loblolly pine, which sat about 210 yards off the left of the 17th fairway, was among the most famous trees in golf. Players either had to hit over the 65-foot tree to keep the ball in the fairway, or try to shape the ball from right-to-left to avoid it.
And it infuriated one of the club members after whom the tree eventually was named - former President Dwight D. Eisenhower.