Augusta National Golf Club Removed Famed Eisenhower Tree After Ice Storm

The Masters has lost one of its famed landmarks as the Eisenhower Tree that protected hole 17 has been removed due to ice damage, according to The August Chronicle.

The tree has guarded the left side of the fairway for decades and played a big part in the dramatic finishes that have always taken place at Augusta National Golf Club. Fittingly, on the day before Presidents' Day, the natural landmark named after the 34th President of the United States was removed.

Dwight D. Eisenhower once asked for the tree to be removed from the course because he frequently hit it when he played. Masters co-founder Clifford Roberts denied his request after a club meeting in 1956, and the tree has been named after him ever since.

The loss of the Eisen­hower Tree is difficult news to accept,” Augusta National and Masters Chairman Billy Payne said in a statement. “We obtained opinions from the best arborists available and, unfortunately, were advised that no recovery was possible.

Ice storms moved through the Southeast Tuesday and Wednesday, dropping sleet and freezing rain that created too much weight for the trees to withstand. The club hasn't made a decision on how it will replace the tree yet, but Payne said that they plan to pay tribute to the tree in some way.

The Masters tournament will be held on April 10-13 this year.