The Masters: Terrifying moment a huge pine TREE falls down on patrons

Play was dramatically called off at the Masters on Friday afternoon when three 100ft pine trees were blown over.

Television footage captured the terrifying moment, which left commentators aghast and petrified spectators racing for cover close to the 17th tee.

The giant trees could be seen plunging to the ground – with a loud bang when they landed – amid disturbing scenes.

A video clip appeared to show a patron on the floor but officials were quick to insist that there were no injuries. Their claims were backed up by witnesses, who said it was fortunate that tragedy was averted.

Megan Hill, of Manhattan, told local media she was close to the incident. ‘I was sitting, looking, waiting for the next group to come up to the tee and it fell maybe 8-10 chairs to our left,’ she said. 

Incredible images show fans’ seats underneath the pine, but fortunately nobody was hurt

TV cameras at The Masters caught the terrifying moment a tree fell on patrons at Augusta

Officials tend to the fallen pine tree alongside the 17th tee after it fell during Friday’s play

Authorities investigate the scene where the tree fell alongside the 17th green at Augusta

‘I stood up and screamed and thought, “Is it going to fall on me?” It fell to the left of us and it was so scary.

‘If the wind had been blowing a slightly different direction, we might have got hit.’

Deshey Thomas, from North Carolina, added: ‘Pinecones were hitting us in the back, we turned around and looked up and heard a huge cracking noise and the tree basically crushed 10 chairs that were sitting there. 

‘Luckily we got everyone out of there. We were blessed.’

As the trees fell next to the 16th being played by Sergio Garcia, Kazuki Higa and Keith Mitchell, the television commentary team could be heard shouting: ‘Ooh good gracious, watch out! Oh my god, I hope everyone is okay. Holy smokes.’

Shortly after the incident a klaxon sounded and the course was evacuated. A number of players, including second-placed Spaniard Jon Rahm and Tiger Woods, who was battling to avoid the cut, were out at the time during the second round of the prestigious tournament in Augusta, Georgia. 

Around 90 minutes later it was announced that play had been called off for the day.

Officials with saws were quickly at the scene as they sought to remove the trees.

Tree surgeons were quickly on the scene, but it is currently unclear if anyone was hurt

The horrific moment occurred shortly before play was suspended due to electrical storms

Patrons leave the course carrying umbrellas after the horn sounded to suspend play

Earlier in the day play was halted for 21 minutes as a storm rolled through the area. At the time when the trees fell it was breezy, but winds were not strong.

A spokesman for the course said: ‘Augusta National Golf Club can confirm that no injuries were reported from three trees that were blown over to the left of the No. 17 tee due to wind. 

‘The safety and well-being of everyone attending the Masters Tournament will always be the top priority of the club. We will continue to closely monitor weather today and through the tournament.

‘The second round has been officially suspended for the rest of the day. Play will resume Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m.’

Fans were quickly evacuated and work began to clear the fallen trees from around the course