Eisenhower and his place at Augusta National remembered today

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President Eisenhower (right) pats Arnold Palmer (left) on the shoulder as he congratulates him on winning the Masters Tournament. Clifford Roberts (center), was the chairman at Augusta National Golf Club where Ike was starting a spring vacation by playing a round of golf with Palmer and Roberts on April 11, 1960.
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President Eisenhower tees of in front of the clubhouse while playing golf at Augusta National Golf Club in the 1950s.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower died on this date in 1969. He was 78.

It was a sad day in Augusta, particularly for his close friend Clifford Roberts. The Masters and Augusta National chairman had helped Eisenhower successfully run for president, and he convinced him to join the private club.

Eisenhower made 45 visits to Augusta National – five before his election, 29 while he was president and 11 after he left office – and his trips were often lengthy.

The Eisenhower Tree on the 17th hole at Augusta National was named for the former president, who frequently hit into it.

Less than two weeks after Eisenhower’s death, Roberts talked about the president’s game at his annual meeting with the press on the eve of the Masters.

Roberts revealed Eisenhower’s problems with the tree, and The Augusta Herald wrote about it the next day.

“He introduced a motion to get rid of that tree at one governors’ meeting,” Roberts said. “We had to adjourn the meeting damn quick to save the club property.”

The famous pine tree that was named in his honor is no longer around, but there are plenty of reminders on the golf course and off.

Slideshow: Eisenhower in Augusta