More than 200 people lost their lives, and $47.5 billion were the property losses reported by CNN attributed to the aftermath of the devastating Hurricane Helene, which hit the southeast states of the US. The one state that unfortunately took the wrath of Helene was Florida. People were already aware that the storm would be disruptive, as it usually is in the Sunshine State, but it preceded the expectations and the disaster it would be.
Nonetheless, the hurricane has subsided, but its effect still lingers in those affected. A disturbing visual of the iconic Augusta National has made it on the internet, leaving fans concerned. The drone photos were taken right after the flooding receded by photographer Ed Bodenhamer. It was later shared on Instagram by NUCLR Golf. The image taken on September 28th showed how all the trees on the Masters course were uprooted and fallen out.
The scenic Augusta National looked dead as the grass turned brown and all of its beauty was ripped apart. A few days ago, a video showing another instance of destruction at Augusta National was shared. This snippet showed how the picturesque Magnolia Lane was not there anymore; only fallen trees were visible on the entire road.
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The Augusta community now gears up to recover from all the destruction Hurricane Helene caused, and so does Augusta National. Surely, by the next Masters in 2025, the course will be back to its natural and glorious look, but for the time being, it is not the issue Augusta National is focused on.
Augusta National diverts attention to its adjacent communities
Yes, Augusta National was wrecked after Hurricane Helene passed, but the trees and grass can be planted again. However, the family lost and the home destroyed would need more time to recover than the golf course. Hence, Chairman Fred Ridley shifted focus from the golf course to the communities in Augusta and said, “Our focus and efforts are foremost with our staff, neighbors, and business owners in Augusta.”
As many PGA Tour pro and LIV Golf players come forward to fund the Helene victims, Augusta National also pressed for immediate help for those implicated by the hurricane and noted that they believed it was their obligation. As a result, Augusta National donated $5 million to the Hurricane Helen Community Crisis Fund in partnership with the Community Foundation for the CSRA and hoped that the relief would help most in Augusta.
Augusta National was not alone in helping the wrecked communities. Even Kevin Kisner and his foundation partnered with CSRA to schedule a music concert for the families and fund the affected. Recently, the 2023 Masters winner, Jon Rahm, and his caddie also joined those helping the victims and pledged to donate $1000 for a birdie and $2000 for an eagle as they play in the Andalucia Masters. With the help making its way to the people, hopefully, soon people will resume their lives to way it was before Hurricane Helene hit.
The post In Pictures: Devastating Glimpses of Augusta National Golf Club’s Condition After Hurricane Helene’s Wrath appeared first on EssentiallySports.
