Hurricane Helene caused significant destruction in Augusta National and the surrounding areas, but the course is poised for The 2025 Masters.
The hurricane swept through Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas in late September, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
Augusta, Georgia, was among the impacted areas, with numerous homes and essential infrastructures suffering extensive damage. This included Augusta National, revered as one of the most sacred venues in golf.
Despite the damage, Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley provided a positive update during a press conference at the Latin America Amateur Championship in Argentina.
“[The golf course is] in spectacular condition,” Ridley stated.
“We had minor damage to the course and the playing surfaces, but we managed to restore everything in time for the Masters this year.”
Ridley acknowledged that a few trees were lost during the storm.
However, the club’s priority has always been to assist those affected outside of Augusta National.
“Hurricane Helene was truly a devastating event for the Augusta community and for many other regions in the southeast, particularly in western North Carolina, as you may have read,” Ridley remarked.
“I am incredibly proud of how our organization responded to this natural disaster. Not only did we work to restore Augusta National, but we also focused on supporting the Augusta community, where many individuals were displaced for weeks without electricity or water. I am proud of how everyone came together in this time of need.”
On October 3, the club announced its commitment of $5 million toward the Hurricane Helene Community Crisis Fund, a pledge made shortly after the storm’s devastation.
“I was in Augusta shortly after the storm and witnessed the severe impact firsthand,” Ridley conveyed in a statement at the time.
“Our employees, neighbors, friends, and local business owners deserve immediate and substantial help to navigate the challenges they are facing in Augusta.
“Both Augusta National and the Community Foundation are committed to supporting our community. Our goal is to make a meaningful difference when it’s most needed, and we hope our contribution encourages others to help or find ways to assist with this critical mission.”
