Don’t design around trees
In yet another example of why not to design a golf hole around a tree, Augusta National loses the iconic Eisenhower tree. The tree that President Eisenhower constantly complained about, thus giving it its name, was severely damage by the ice storms in the south last week. The tree was also the incident where Tiger Woods injured his knee in the pine straw in 2011 and missed four months and two majors.Many will say that the tree is an important part of Augusta’s history. I don’t know of any other tree that when you say it’s name, people know what, and where you are talking about. Yes, it was a majestic tree, and it is always sad to lose a tree of this stature, as long as it doesn’t interfere with turf conditions. But truth be told, the tree has had no significant impact on playing the golf hole, minus Tiger’s knee, since the concern over distance.
I always tell clients not to design a hole around a tree, because you never know if that tree will be there tomorrow. This is living proof! A storm, or a disease, can wipe out your signature tree. Then you are left with a golf hole that could be void of strategy.
What can you do about it?
I remember the Eisenhower tree situation being brought up in the past. The Club has always had this tree, and others, wired for protection against lightening damage. I’m sure they thought this day would come. In fact, they had already planted a new tree past Ike’s tree in preparation. That tree may poise the same problems for future tournaments like Ike’s tree did in the days before the new ball.
So, if you have a tree that you would hate to lose put a plan in place should, and when, that day happens. It could include looking at other hazards to put strategy back into the golf hole. That way your not in a panic when the day comes.
To see photos and a thread about Ike’s tree, go to GolfClubAtlas.com
