Masters officials REFUSE to comment on the cause of three 100 foot tall pine trees toppling near Augusta’s 17th tee – with multiple tests conducted after the terrifying incident
Masters officials have declined to comment on what caused three 100-foot-tall pine trees to fall to the ground — narrowly evading terrified fans.
Amid harrowing scenes on Friday, panicked patrons were sent for cover as the drama unfolded close to the 17th tee.
Miraculously, there were no fatalities, but when play began on Saturday after a cleanup operation, the famously closed Augusta hierarchy did not respond to questions.
Sports mail understands that multiple tests were conducted on Friday night following the disturbing incident, which was captured on television.
When play began on Saturday morning, the three affected areas were cordoned off.
Masters officials have declined to comment on the cause of the toppling of three 100-foot (30 m) tall pine trees
TV cameras at The Masters captured the terrifying moment a tree fell on patrons in Augusta
Damage was visible on the 17th tee, with long parallel marks in the mostly pristine ground.
A green absorbent compound used to keep walkways dry filled two of the gaps where trees had stood, while pine straw covered the third. The weather was windy but the wind was not strong as the trees fell over.
One patron seemed incredibly lucky, with footage apparently showing two trees falling on either side of it. It is still unclear what caused the trees to fall.
Experts have told this outlet that pine trees often fall over when other nearby trees – which have shielded them from the wind – are removed.
Multiple sources at Augusta have said trees are often removed or moved.
Veteran Larry Mize, who completed his final round at the Masters on Saturday, was standing on the 16th green when the trees fell. “(I was) shocked, scared. I’ve never seen anything like it on the golf course,” he said.
“It’s just a miracle no one was hurt.” Mize, 64, described the sound as ‘amazing’.
He added: ‘Suddenly I heard it, and I looked around and I saw the trees. They probably came down at that angle and I saw people scattering. I think, oh my God, people, get out of there.’
The horrifying moment happened shortly before the game was interrupted by electrical storms
Incredible footage shows fans’ seats under the den, but luckily no one was hurt
On Friday, following the game’s suspension, Augusta National confirmed in a brief statement that no injuries were “reported.” There had been no further communication.
The gates opened at 8am on Saturday and customers poured in despite torrential rain.
“We knew we were coming here today, we were like, ‘Oh, that’s really scary,’ but you’re concerned about people’s safety,” South Carolina’s Monica Bitrick told the Augusta Chronicle.
“We’ll see what happens here today. We don’t worry, we have the life insurance and the beneficiaries are ready to leave. So we’re done.’