Augusta National assessing Helene damage

One of the nation's most storied golf courses is dealing with the aftermath of Helene, the former Category 4 hurricane that made landfall in Florida on Friday and was downgraded to a tropical depression as it continued its wrath into Georgia on Friday.

Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley said in a statement Saturday officials still are assessing how much damage was done to the iconic course, which has hosted the annual Masters Tournament since 1934. Augusta, Ga., is located in the eastern portion of the state, along the border of South Carolina.

"Our Augusta community has suffered catastrophic and historic impact from Hurricane Helene," Ridley said. "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."

Augusta was in the center of Helene's path as the massive storm made its way through the South on Thursday and Friday, causing at least 44 deaths amid sustained winds of upwards of 140 mph.

There was significant damage to the neighborhoods around the course, according to multiple reports, but the club has not commented on specific impact.

The next Masters Tournament is scheduled to be played April 9-13, 2025.

--Field Level Media