Iconic 'Eisenhower Tree' at Augusta National removed due to storm damage

An iconic tree at the famous Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia, US was reportedly removed due to storm damage, forcing the club to adapt its 17th hole ahead of this year's Masters.

The Eisenhower Tree, thought to more than a century old and sat to the left of the 17th fairway, was an obstacle for players positioning their tee shot, although it was badly damaged during an ice storm last week and removed after the Augusta National consulted arborists.

According to the BBC, Billy Payne, chairman of Augusta National, lamented the loss of the tree and revealed that the rest of the course suffered no damage, with the 78th Masters due to start on April 10.

Payne also said that they have begun deliberations of the best way to address the future of the 17th hole and to pay tribute to this iconic symbol of their history

Meanwhile, six-time Masters winner Jack Nicklaus said that the Eisenhower Tree is an iconic fixture and symbol of tradition at Augusta National, adding that it is an integral part of the game and one that will be sorely missed.

Sometimes referred to as Ike's Tree, the loblolly pine became known as Eisenhower's Tree after US President Dwight D. Eisenhower requested it be removed in 1956, as so many of his tee shots struck it, the report added.