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.”
