After Hurricane Helene ripped through the southeastern U.S. with 130mph winds, Augusta National—the hallowed home of The Masters—suffered significant damage, with fallen trees and debris littering its fairways and greens. The storm hit hardest on the iconic par-three 16th, yet Augusta’s team, led by long-time course architect Tom Fazio, remains confident.
Currently in the cleanup phase, the renowned course is expected to be restored in time for the 2025 Masters Tournament. “You won’t know anything happened by April,” Fazio told Sports Illustrated. Augusta’s extensive resources and maintenance prowess mean that the beloved course will shine as always, ready to host one of golf’s most celebrated events on April 7-13.
Amid cleanup efforts, Fazio highlighted the broader human toll of Hurricane Helene, acknowledging the real devastation beyond Augusta’s greens. “People have lost their homes and lives,” he remarked, reminding fans that while golf’s sanctuary will endure, the community’s recovery remains paramount.
