One of the nation’s most storied golf courses is dealing 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 wrath in Georgia on Friday.
Augusta National Golf Club President Fred Ridley said in a statement Saturday that officials were still assessing how much damage was done to the iconic course, which has hosted the annual Masters tournament since 1934. Augusta, Georgia, is located in the eastern part of the state, along the South Carolina border.
“Our Augusta community has suffered catastrophic and historic impacts from Hurricane Helene,” Ridley said. “We are currently assessing the impacts to Augusta National Golf Club.
“In the meantime, our focus and efforts are primarily on our employees, neighbors and business owners in Augusta. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and everyone in Georgia and the Southeast who have been affected.”
“Our Augusta community has suffered catastrophic and historic impacts from Hurricane Helene. We are currently assessing the impacts to Augusta National Golf Club.
In the meantime, our main focus and efforts are on our employees, neighbors and business owners in Augusta. Us…
— The Masters (@TheMasters) September 28, 2024
Augusta was in the middle of Helene’s path when the massive storm swept through the South on Thursday and Friday, causing at least 44 deaths amid sustained winds of more than 140 mph.
Multiple reports said there was significant damage to neighborhoods around the course, but the club has not commented on the specific impact.
The next Masters tournament is scheduled for April 9-13, 2025.