The landmark Eisenhower Tree at Augusta National, home of the Masters, has been chopped down after suffering storm damage.

The loblolly pine, which sat to the left of the 17th fairway, lost most of its major branches during an ice storm last week and was removed over the weekend.

Billy Payne, chairman of the Augusta National and the Masters, said in a statement: "The loss of the Eisenhower Tree is difficult news to accept. We obtained opinions from the best arborists available and, unfortunately, were advised that no recovery was possible.

"We have begun deliberations of the best way to address the future of the 17th hole and to pay tribute to this iconic symbol of our history - rest assured, we will do both appropriately."

The 2014 Masters runs from April 10-13.