Three Trees Fall Near 17th Hole at Augusta National, No One Injured
AUGUSTA, Ga. – Three large trees fell to the ground near the 17th hole at Augusta National on Friday afternoon just before the horn blew to suspend play for the second time.
Video taken from behind the 16th green showed a tree topple from the left side of the fairway just in front of the 17th tee. It fell to the right and appeared to strike spectators who were standing or sitting in the area. Several other spectators ran to their aid.
The horn blew at 4:22 p.m., halting play due to dangerous weather conditions. Play was eventually suspended for the rest of the day.
“It was like, ‘bang, bang,’ the trees falling, then the siren,” said Sahith Theegala, who was playing nearby at the 15th hole. "We were hoping it wasn't something that hit anybody."
No injuries were reported, according to an Augusta National official. The club later released a longer statement, which said in part: "The safety and well-being of everyone attending the Masters Tournament will always be the top priority of the Club, which will continue to closely monitor weather today and through the Tournament."
Earlier on Friday, play was halted and the course evacuated at 3:07 p.m., but play resumed at 3:28 p.m. with spectators allowed back on the grounds. When the second delay occurred, spectators were again evacuated.
The 17th hole is the former home of Augusta's famed Eisenhower Tree, named for the former president, which was damaged in an ice storm and removed by the club in February of 2014.
Here are more photos of the trees that fell Friday.
Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images
