Augusta National is spending $5 million to assist victims of Hurricane Helene following catastrophic damage to the southeastern region of the United States.
In late September, the hurricane tore through several states, taking lives and families’ homes in Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas.
On Wednesday, Fred Ridley, president of the Augusta Nation Golf Club, announced the seven-figure donation “to provide immediate access to essential services and resources available throughout Augusta.”
“I was in Augusta in the days immediately following the storm and saw firsthand its devastating effects,” Ridley said in a video posted to The Masters’ X page.
“Our employees, neighbors, friends and business owners need and deserve immediate and meaningful assistance to overcome the hardships being experienced in Augusta right now.”
Augusta National Gold Club donated $5 million to Hurricane Helene relief efforts
“Augusta National and the Community Foundation each take our obligation to care for our community to heart,” he added. “Our goal is to make a difference when it is needed most, and our hope is that our gift can inspire others to help or ask how they can contribute to this critical mission.”
According to the Associated Press, Helene tragically claimed the lives of more than 130 people in the affected areas.
On September 30, drone footage showed the damage Helene caused to the most famous golf course in the world.
The clip from YouTube user @MrHushpuppy was shared from above by Augusta National and gave golf fans an insight into how hard the storm hit the famous course.
As the drone flew past the famous entrance to Magnolia Lane, trees could be seen scattered across the road, blocking access to the course.
This photo of Augusta National Golf Club surfaced after Hurricane Helene hit the property
Drone footage captured Magnolia Lane in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene
Estimates of damage caused by the hurricane ranged from $15 billion to more than $100 billion
The city of Asheville, North Carolina has been decimated by the deadly storm
The drone footage came days after an apocalyptic image of the club emerged behind the hurricane’s fury.
One image showed fallen trees and debris on the course on what appears to be a bunker and greenery.
“Our Augusta community has suffered catastrophic and historic impacts from Hurricane Helene,” Ridley told ESPN at the time. “We are currently assessing 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, as well as everyone across Georgia and the Southeast who have been affected.”