The Loop
TPC Sawgrass is losing one of its most recognizable features
Don't worry, the 17th hole's island green hasn't eroded away, but TPC Sawgrass announced on Twitter the tree overhanging the sixth tee on the Stadium Course will be no more. You know, the one that makes it seem like golfers at the Players are teeing off through an actual window.
Sad from a visual perspective perhaps, but pros probably won't miss the visually-intimidating tree that altered strategy on the short par four. Bob Estes, for one, was quick to chime in.
"We were only a few years away from having to tee off with a putter. #truth"
UPDATE: The PGA Tour has released a statement about the removal of the tree. Here's a snippet:
The overhanging Live Oak to the right of the No. 6 tee box, which has impacted tee shots over the years, recently developed a large crack in its trunk due to old age and disease and became a safety concern due to the weight of its overhanging limb, thus necessitating removal of the tree today.
"The Live Oak on the sixth hole was one of the more recognizable trees on the golf course and influenced the tee shots of amateurs and professionals alike from the time the golf course opened in October of 1980," said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. "Unfortunately, over time it became more fragile and susceptible to disease. Just recently, a significant fissure developed in its trunk, making it a safety concern. There simply was no way to save it, as much as we would have liked to."