**Augusta National Golf Club Faces Major Cleanup After Hurricane Helene**

The iconic Augusta National Golf Club, renowned for hosting the prestigious Masters Tournament annually, has found itself directly in the path of Hurricane Helene. As the hurricane made landfall, it left a trail of destruction across the Southeastern United States, with Augusta National suffering considerable damage. The famed golf course, revered for its rich history and tradition, is now faced with the formidable task of restoring its pristine condition.

Although the 2025 Masters is more than six months away, the aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left Augusta and its surrounding areas in a state of disarray. Images have emerged showing fallen trees scattered across the course, including on a bunker and green, symbolizing the extensive cleanup required. Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley has acknowledged the damage and the significant effort that lies ahead.

Expressing his concern, Ridley told ESPN, "Our Augusta community has suffered catastrophic and historic impact from Hurricane Helene. We currently are assessing the effects at Augusta National Golf Club." With at least 15 fatalities reported in Georgia and over a million people left without power according to Governor Brian Kemp, the impact of the hurricane has been severe. Specifically, Augusta itself saw about 225,000 residents without power, compounded by an 82-mile-per-hour wind gust recorded at Augusta Regional Airport during the storm.

In light of the devastation, Ridley emphasized that the club's immediate priorities are supporting their staff, neighbors, and local businesses, offering thoughts and prayers to all those affected in Georgia and the Southeast. As the recovery process begins, the condition of Augusta National Golf Club will be closely monitored over the coming months, with hopes to restore it in time for the next Masters Tournament.