One of the nation’s most storied golf courses is grappling with the aftermath of Helene, the former Category 4 hurricane that made landfall in Florida on Friday and was downgraded to a tropical depression as it continued its destructive path into Georgia. Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley stated in a release on Saturday that officials are still evaluating the extent of the damage to the iconic course, which has hosted the annual Masters Tournament since 1934. Augusta, Georgia, situated in the eastern part of the state near the South Carolina border, has been significantly impacted.
“Our Augusta community has endured catastrophic and historic damage from Hurricane Helene,” Ridley noted. “We are currently assessing the effects at Augusta National Golf Club.” He added that the immediate focus is on supporting the staff, neighbors, and local business owners in Augusta. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them, as well as everyone throughout Georgia and the Southeast who have been affected.”
Augusta found itself in the direct path of Helene as the storm moved through the South on Thursday and Friday, resulting in at least 44 fatalities and sustained winds exceeding 140mph. Reports indicate substantial damage to the neighborhoods surrounding the course, though the club has yet to provide specific details on the impact. The next Masters Tournament is slated to take place from 9-13 April 2025.
