Trees define and add beauty to a golf course and the loss of a particular tree can drastically change the aura of a golf course.

Golf fans immediately recognize the two large Cypress trees that stand guard in the middle of the 18th fairway at Pebble Beach. From the tee players are forced to lay back to assure the trees do not impede the second shot to the green or attempt a riskier drive and longer carry over Carmel Bay.

That shot became a bit easier on Thursday after a severe storm ripped through the Monterey Peninsula and toppled one of the trees.

The trees that were currently in the fairway were replacements for the originals that had to be removed due to disease in 2004.

High winds, Ice Storms and Lightning strikes can wreak havoc with trees on a golf course.

Last year we saw the famous Eisenhower Tree at Augusta National destroyed by a late season ice storm that broke branches and ultimately destroyed the tree. Mother Nature did what a standing President of the United States could not.

Although the membership at Augusta National has chosen not to replace the tree as of yet, it is likely a new Cypress will quickly be located to replace the lost tree at Pebble Beach.

The twin trees have become a part of the allure of the hole and strategically it would become too easy if one or both were not there.