PGA champion Jason Dufner brought some acorns from the conquered Oak Hill course in Rochester back with him to Auburn to maybe grow into a memento or something.
“We got a lot of acorns so we’re going to try to see if we can grow them into saplings and plant them in the ground next spring,” an Auburn-shirted Dufner told reporters gathered at Auburn’s airport last night for his return home (watch his entire interview here).
How about planting them at Toomer’s Corner, Duf?
“That’d be nice if they’re up to it. It’s an idea. I know we got some time before we have to plant something in that area. That would be pretty cool, but that’s pretty selfish on my part, too, but maybe it’ll be an option.”
And apparently, stranger things have happened.
“Some of the same oaks that grow in upstate New York will grow here, while others won’t,” says Auburn horticulture professor Dr. Gary Keever. “I would first have to identify the species. Another possible issue is that of seed provenance which may limit the southern movement (lack of heat tolerance) of seed just as the reverse (lack of cold hardiness). With more information, it would be easier to assess the merit of growing trees from upstate New York in Auburn, Alabama.”
And hey, even if they didn’t make it to Toomer’s Corner or Samford Park, then “perhaps along the University Golf Course or other athletic facility,” Keever says.
Overcup oaks dominated the Toomer’s Oaks replacement species conversation early on. But in March, TWER learned that live oaks, the Toomer’s Oaks species, were back in the mix.
Photo: Sporting News.
Related: Toomer’s Triangle will change rolling dynamic.
More on Toomer’s Corner: Dozens of Toomer’s Oaks shoots sprouting in planter closest to Magnolia Ave. / Toomer’s Corner rollings didn’t start with Punt, Bama, Punt, says History / Did Auburn students celebrate Bear Bryant’s death by rolling Toomer’s Corner?
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ANYTHING other than a seedling from the original Soomers oaks is not acceptable, in my humble opinion. It’s all about tradition.
Apologies for the spelling. Of course i meant Toomers.