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Posted April 10, 2014, 4:32 pm
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Ice storm affects more than Eisenhower Tree

  • Article Photos
    Ice storm affects more than Eisenhower Tree
    Photos description
    The sign outside Augusta National Golf Club hangs partially off its post February 13, 2014 after an ice storm struck the area.
  • Article Photos
    Ice storm affects more than Eisenhower Tree
    Photos description
    The tops of trees damaged by a recent ice storm are seen near No. 8 fairway during practice for the Masters Tournament.
  • Article Photos
    Ice storm affects more than Eisenhower Tree
    Photos description
    The tops of trees damaged by a recent ice storm are seen near No. 8 fairway during practice for the Masters Tournament.

While No. 17 is getting attention for the loss of the Eisen­hower Tree, Augusta Na­tional Golf Club suffered enough tree damage in other places to make it noticeable for longtime golfers.

Pine tree tops and branches are missing after the February ice storm, which caused thinner tree lines in some places along the course.

“I think that certainly from the ice storm, it’s affected the whole Southeast,” said Mark O’Meara, the 1998 Mas­ters champion. “The trees are thinned a little bit, but the golf course is still a great golf course and a great test.”

O’Meara said No. 17 is easier without Ike’s Tree, but it remains a difficult hole because of length. He hit a good drive and 6-iron into the green to par the hole.

O’Meara shot 3-over 75 to open his 30th Masters.

“It’s really a golf course that’s a second-shot-precise golf course,” he said. “Putting your ball in the right spot on greens is so key around here.”