Sorrow at Augusta, where even a dead tree creates Masters moments

Ray Slover

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Sorrow at Augusta, where even a dead tree creates Masters moments image

This week brought sober reflection of an icon missing from Augusta National Golf Club. No, we're not talking about Martha Burk.

The Eisenhower Tree no longer stands on the 17th fairway. It withstood a barrage of golf balls over the years, including many hit by its namesake. But an ice storm spelled its demise in 2014.

Arnold Palmer got emotional on Tuesday when he was presented a piece of the tree at the Masters champions dinner. Another hunk of pine will find a place of honor at the Eisenhower presidential library. Other parts will be in the tearful remembrance section at Augusta. A little sappy, yes, but that's Augusta.

Knock on woods? Tiger Woods, that is, was among golfers remarking at the difference at Augusta.

"I didn't realize 17 was straight ahead," Woods said. "I always thought it was a little bit of a dogleg left. It's eye-opening to see it's just dead straight. That was very, very shocking to me to see it like that."

For the record, the Eisenhower Tree was a loblolly pine, more than 100 years old and thus predating the stuffy bastion of golf. It was 65 feet tall, making it a challenge to loft a ball beyond the spires of needles.

"I loved it the way it was," Woods said. "That tree, I've hit it too many times, trust me. I've had my issues on that hole with that tree. But I thought it was a fantastic hole. It's iconic, that tree, and I don't think you can ever, ever replace it."

President Dwight Eisenhower, golf's commander-in-chief, once asked Augusta to remove the tree. He could have had it bombed or shelled.

A more fitting memorial? Augusta should have had the tree turned into lumber for a piano to be played during tinkling TV intros.

Contributing: Associated Press

Ray Slover