Augusta National Golf Club publishes statement following “catastrophic” damage due to Hurricane Helene
It was revealed earlier that Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc on the iconic Augusta National Golf Club. The course is known to host the Masters Tournament, which is one of golf's four major championships. Images and videos of the damage done to the Augusta National Golf Club went viral on social media.
Fred Ridley, the chairman of the Augusta National Golf Club, has now released a statement following the damage caused due to Hurricane Helene. On social media platform X (fka Twitter), the official handle of the Masters Tournament posted the following statement.
“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.”
You can check out the statement in the X post below:
In the images that went viral, it can be seen that several trees at the Augusta National Golf Club were uprooted and scattered across the course. Further, Rae's Creek, which is widest at Hole No. 12, was overflowing due to the storm.
How did fans react to the statement from the Augusta National Golf Club chairman?
When images and videos of Hurricane Helene hitting the Augusta National Golf Club went viral, several fans expressed their sadness over the category four storm causing havoc on the iconic golf course. However, it seems like Fred Ridley's statement has left locals and fans with hope.
After Ridley issued a statement about Hurricane Helene causing havoc at Augusta National, several fans sent their prayers and thoughts. One user on X mentioned that if the golf club needs financial relief, then they would purchase a membership. The user wrote:
Another user lauded Ridley for the statement and sent prayers. The user wrote:
Let us take a look at more reactions below:
"As usual, Masters officials handling things with the utmost class and ready to assist those in need. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 Kudos to Mr Ridley. 🙏🏻🇺🇸," one user wrote.
"This is the only thing in golf that has a 100% backing, everyone is behind the people of Augusta, Georgia today. Thank you Mr. Ridley," wrote another user.
"We love YOU, @TheMasters. Classy as always," a user wrote.
"Wishing you all a speedy recovery," wrote a user.
"Please let us know the damage. Many who love it want to know," one user wrote.
The love and support the Augusta National is receiving does not come as a surprise because it is one of the most iconic golf courses in the world. The last time the Masters Tournament was played on this course was in April this year when Scottie Scheffler managed to win.