Tee Sheet: Behind the ANWA Broccoli Tree Lore

EVANS, Ga. — From the moment I stepped on site at Champions Retreat for the first two rounds of the Augusta National Women's Amateur, it's been non-stop, the talk about this damn tree.

Now, I'm an Augusta rookie—experiencing all the things for the very first time, so naturally, I have instant FOMO. What tree? Why haven't heard about this tree? Was the tree planted by the Dalai Lama himself? Why is it so special? I had to find out about this tree immediately.

So, I quickly got to work. I put on my reporter cap and began my investigation (ie. typing "ANWA "+ "tree" into Google) and what I found was a story about a local Augusta photographer, Addie Strozier, who has photographed the famed tree and is truly saddened by the tree's absence.

Six months ago, the famed Broccoli Tree got caught in the crossfires of Hurricane Helene, getting uprooted and split in two during the storm. For the last 20 years, since the club was established, the Broccoli Tree was the signature landmark.

Strozier told local news outlet WJBF, “People that see this are probably going to think it’s silly, but it’s gone. It was so magnificent. It branched at the right broccoli places, and you know, just the canopy. It was just beautiful. With the river behind it, picturesque,” Strozier recalls.

It's magnificence is talked about with such pure endearment. It's evident that this tree was so crucial to the genetic makeup of this course and its community.

Mike Rymer, Champions Retreat's Director of Golf, described the tree's presence, "For 100 years, that Red Oak stood tall and it really become our signature hole. From the fourth tee box, you felt like the tree was only 100 yards away when in reality its over 300 yards.

It impacts your tee shot placement, you have to [be] perfect or your second shot, you'll be dealing with the over-hanging canopy."

Abundant, daunting, yet so beautiful.

The fourth hole is often described as something out of a story book. Broccoli Tree aside, the hole is framed by the gentle currents of the Savannah River and beyond that, a railway bridge—a scenic surrounding for a fairytale setting like ANWA.

The Broccoli Tree is rooted in the community surrounding Champions Retreat. From the patrons who've come to ANWA the last five years to the volunteers helping work the event, someone has mentioned this tree to me in nearly every interaction I've had.

On the flip side, players are happy to see the tree gone. For them, what used to be the most difficult hole on the course has become easier.

"The two trees being gone, sad to see them go for the trees' sake, but for my sake, it definitely helped my round laughter)," first-round leader Megha Ganne said post-round. "It just opens the hole up way more. You can hit driver off those holes more comfortably. You have a shorter club in. Those trees would bat your ball down."

So where's the tree now?

I've heard whispers and rumors from volunteers that the tree is stored somewhere and being turned into key chains for folks. But Rymer confirmed they were able to salvage a good bit of the tree and it's currently being stored so the wood can dry and mature. That process takes about two years and then the Champions Retreat team will decide how they want to commemorate the sacred wood.

There are no talks to replace the tree, Rymer says that's it is indeed irreplaceable.

Beloved Broccoli Tree, I wish I got to know you in your glory. But I've felt your presence without ever knowing or seeing you. Your legacy lives on and you are such an essential part of this golf course and championship. You'll always be remembered.