Augusta National, home of The Masters, is one of the most prestigious golf courses on the planet.
Any change to Augusta must be carefully considered, as this is hallowed ground that some of the biggest legends of the sport have graced.
The tree-lined course has many recognizable and iconic features. Rae’s Creek runs through the course and creates a treacherous hazard, tall trees line the fairways, and Magnolias line the tee boxes and greens.
Every part of it is special, and that’s why when President Dwight Eisenhower’s demanded a change to the course, he was swiftly rejected by the Augusta chairman.
The change President Dwight Eisenhower wanted to make to Augusta National
The Eisenhower Tree was likely the most famous tree in golf. Standing on the left of the 17th fairway, 210 yards from the championship tee, it was always named after the 34th President of the United States.
It actually got its name because of Eisenhower’s hatred of it. Eisenhower was a member at Augusta from 1948, and once proposed to the governors of Augusta that it be cut down. That was for no other reason than he kept on hitting it when he played the 17th hole.
Clifford Roberts, Augusta chairman, adjourned the meeting to prevent the president being rejected by the governors outright, and the tree remained. From then on, it was known as Eisenhower’s Tree.
What happened to Eisenhower’s Tree
Unfortunately for fans of Augusta National, this iconic tree no longer stands. It was cut down weeks before the 2014 Masters after it was damaged in a snowstorm. The tree was 125 years old.
Augusta National and Masters Chairman Billy Payned mourned the loss of the tree, releasing a statement which read: “The loss of the Eisenhower Tree is difficult news to accept. We obtained opinions from the best arborists available and, unfortunately, were advised that no recovery was possible.
“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.”
Jack Nicklaus, who has won the Masters more than any other person in history, also released a statement, adding, “The Eisenhower Tree is such an iconic fixture and symbol of tradition at Augusta National. It was such an integral part of the game and one that will be sorely missed.”
A decision was made not to replace the tree on the 17th, making the fairway look bare. Eisenhower would have been happy, and so are the current generation of players who feel far safer on the tee box.
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