Major Augusta National update issued ahead of Masters 2025
Hurricane Helene tore a path through the southeastern United States recently, and that includes Augusta National, the home of the Masters. While the venue wasn't completely destroyed, chairman Fred Ridley said that the situation is far from ideal.
He said in a statement via Golfweek:
“Our Augusta community has suffered catastrophic and historic impact from Hurricane Helene. We currently are assessing the effects at Augusta National Golf Club. In the meantime, our focus and efforts are foremost with our staff, neighbors and business owners in Augusta. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as well as everyone throughout Georgia and the Southeast who have been affected.”
Ridley said that the golf course was hit just as hard as the rest of the community was. There was "a lot" of damage to the course, but there are currently "a lot of people" working to get things back on track. The chairman expects Augusta to be up and running sooner rather than later.
Ridley also noted that the Masters Tournament in 2025 will still go on. They do not have plans to move the date currently. That may change in the future, especially with the potential for more weather soon, but as of now it has not.
The Masters has been hosted at Augusta National since 1934, and that is not expected to change any time soon. Despite the weather's best efforts, Augusta will be rebuilt and ready for Scottie Scheffler to defend his crown in April.
Augusta National announces major donation for Hurricane Helene relief
The entire southeast of the United States has been torn up by Hurricane Helene, including Augusta National. There are still inaccessible locations and roads closed. Full towns were impacted, some of which are no longer standing at all. Relief efforts have been underway for a few days.
To aid those efforts, Augusta is offering a $5 million donation. Fred Ridley said via WRDW:
“I was in Augusta in the days immediately after the storm and have seen firsthand its devastating impact. Our employees, neighbors, friends and business owners need, and deserve, immediate and meaningful assistance to overcome the hardships being experienced at this moment throughout Augusta.
Augusta is partnering with Community Foundation for the Central Savannah River Area to accomplish this substantial donation. Ridley added:
“Augusta National and the Community Foundation each take to heart our obligation to care for our community. Our goal is to make a difference when it’s needed the most, and our hope is that our gift may inspire others to assist or ask how they may contribute to this critical mission.”
The course is a staple of a community that has been affected by a violent storm, and the people in charge are doing their best to contribute to the relief effort.