Next year’s Masters to be held as scheduled despite huge Hurricane Helene damage, confirms Augusta National chief

Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley has assured the public that the 2025 Masters Tournament will proceed as scheduled, despite the significant damage caused by Hurricane Helene. The hurricane, which made landfall in northern Florida last week as a powerful Category 4 storm, swept through several states, including Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia, leaving a trail of destruction and casualties. Georgia Governor Brian Kemp remarked that the storm “literally spared no-one,” highlighting its devastating impact.

In Augusta, a city with a population of approximately 200,000 located near the South Carolina border, many residents were left without power following the hurricane. Augusta National, which closed in May for its usual summer break, had been preparing to reopen in mid-October. However, the storm’s aftermath has added unforeseen challenges.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of the Asia Pacific Amateur Championship in Japan, Ridley confirmed that despite the damage to the golf course and the surrounding community, the prestigious Masters Tournament will not be delayed. He emphasized that Augusta National is committed to aiding the community in its recovery efforts while also preparing for the event. “The Masters will be held, and it will be on the dates it’s scheduled to be held,” Ridley said, as reported by Golf Digest. The 2025 Masters is set to take place from April 10-13, with reigning champion Scottie Scheffler defending his title.

Ridley acknowledged the widespread damage to Augusta National, stating, “As far as the golf course, it really was affected just as the rest of the community was. There was a lot of damage, and we have a lot of people working hard to get us back up and running.”

He also spoke about the club’s efforts to support not only its staff but also the wider community. “We’ve been able to take care of our employees, but we’ve also been focused on what the Red Cross and other organizations are doing in Augusta. Our employees have really been a big part of that, which I think speaks volumes about them and the culture at the club,” Ridley said.

Despite the challenges posed by the hurricane, Ridley’s message was one of resilience and determination, assuring fans and the golfing world that Augusta National will be ready to host the Masters in April.