Augusta National assessing damage after Helene

Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley said the club is assessing damage at the iconic course after the area was hit hard by Hurricane Helene on Friday morning.

In a statement, Ridley said the club was focusing on helping its staff, neighbors and business owners in Augusta who were affected by damage. At least 15 people were killed in Georgia, and the storm left more than 1 million people without power in the state, according to Governor Brian Kemp.

“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 experienced tropical storm-force winds Friday morning. According to the National Weather Service, a wind gust of 82 mph was observed at Augusta Regional Airport. First responders reported that trees fell on many houses, cars, and roads in the area. There was significant damage to neighborhoods near Augusta National Golf Club.

There were nearly 225,000 people without power in Augusta, according to the Augusta Chronicle.

Augusta National Golf Club is scheduled to host the 89th edition of the Masters, the first major championship of the season, on April 10-13.