Hurricane Helene reached the US mainland on Thursday. The storm, classified as a level four storm, raged through several of the coastal states in the south-east of the USA and also reached wind speeds of up to 130 km/h in Augusta, Georgia. Severe damage was caused throughout the region, with the Augusta National Golf Club – venue of the US Masters – not being spared.
Augusta National: “Our Thoughts and Prayers are with Everyone Affected”
More and more photos and videos are appearing on social media showing possible damage to the golf course. It can be seen that a large number of trees have been uprooted, with the famous Magnolia Lane also likely to be affected according to drone footage. Newly planted trees in particular are exposed to an increased risk as they are not yet strongly rooted. Last year, during the US Masters 2023, three pine trees collapsed in the middle of the spectators, but fortunately no one was injured.
🚨🌲⬇️ #NEW: Trees are down at Augusta National Golf Club. (📸 shared by @EurekaEarthPlus) pic.twitter.com/GIC99P6t0o
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) September 27, 2024
Drone footage of Magnolia Lane at Augusta National:
🚨🚁⛳️#NEW: Drone footage shows the devastation to Augusta National’s Magnolia Lane (video via MrHushpuppy / YouTube) pic.twitter.com/uhKifmThZ4
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) September 28, 2024
In addition, images on social media show that the small Rae’s Creek, which flows through the golf course, has swollen into a raging river. The masses of water could cause considerable and lasting damage to the course.
Raes Creek at the Augusta national is a river! pic.twitter.com/yCdfUoXB0N
— Spahlorgahdee (@Spahlorgahdee) September 27, 2024
The club’s chairman, Fred Ridley, issued a statement but added that the club’s main focus was on the community that had been devastated by the hurricane:
“Our Augusta community has suffered catastrophic and historic impact from Hurricane Helene. We currently are assessing the effects at Augusta National Golf Club.
— The Masters (@TheMasters) September 28, 2024
In the meantime, our focus and efforts are foremost with our staff, neighbors and business owners in Augusta. Our…
Understandably, the state of Augusta National is currently one of the lowest priorities of the club chairmen and the community. US media are currently estimating at least 52 fatalities and millions of people without power in the southeastern US.
Our thoughts are with the victims of the hurricane and their families.