Payne: Ike's Tree to live on at Augusta National

The famous tree that formerly guarded the left side of the 17th fairway will live on at Augusta National Golf Club.

Ike’s Tree – named in honor of former president and Augusta National member Dwight D. Eisenhower – was removed after a February 2014 ice storm. At his annual news conference Wednesday, Augusta Na­tio­nal and Masters Tourna­ment Chair­man Billy Payne said two grafts and a seedling from the loblolly pine were preserved. He wouldn’t say where or when a new tree would be planted at Augusta National.

“While we all know the Eisen­hower Tree is irreplaceable in terms of its historical significance, I am pleased to announce that we have been successful, so far, in preserving this famous tree’s genetics,” Payne said. “What you now see are three surviving, and so far thriving results, of two successful grafts and one seedling of the Eisenhower Tree. Not surprisingly, they have already become some of our most loved and cherished possessions here at Augusta National.”

Payne presented Arnold Pal­mer with a piece of the Eisen­hower Tree at Tuesday night’s Champions Dinner. Palmer said it will remain in his family forever.

“That just made me reminisce a little bit about the years and how the Masters has changed and how the young people should really take a look at themselves as well as the golf tournament and the Masters Tournament and realize how fortunate they are,” Palmer said Wednesday on Golf Channel. “I got a little emotional.”

During the news conference, a cross-section of the tree was unveiled. It will be on display during the tournament and then be sent to the Eisenhower Presidential Library in Abilene, Kan. A similar section will remain in Augusta, Payne said.

The tree was one of several topics Payne touched on in his annual media session. He called the second annual Drive, Chip and Putt competition a “smashing success” in its efforts to grow golf.

Payne also talked about the realignment of Berck­mans Road, which will allow Augusta National to expand its property.

“Imagine parking now, in a few years from now, in a very beautiful park, walking to the admissions gate without having any interference by cars or carts,” he said. “It will be a straight, uninterrupted walk, a beautiful walk. We’re pretty good at landscaping, as you know, so you can kind of imagine what it would look like.

“So we’re right in the fun part of planning that. But it’s going to be good. That I promise.”

The rerouting of Berck­mans Road will also give course officials an opportunity, if they desire, to expand the length of Augusta Na­tio­nal.

“Yes,” Payne said, “through time it will, yes.”