Augusta National is dedicating $5million to the relief effort for victims of Hurricane Helene following its catastrophic damage to the Southeastern region of the United States.
In late September, the hurricane swept through several states, costing lives and families their homes in Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas.
On Wednesday, Augusta Nation Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley announced the seven-figure donation ‘to provide immediate access to essential services and resources available throughout greater Augusta.’
‘I was in Augusta in the days immediately after the storm and have seen firsthand its devastating impact,’ Ridley said in a video posted by The Masters’ X page.
‘Our employees, neighbors, friends, and business owners need, and deserve, immediate and meaningful assistance to overcome the hardships being experienced at this moment throughout Augusta.’
Augusta National Gold Club donated $5million to the relief efforts after Hurricane Helene
‘Augusta National and the Community Foundation each take to heart our obligation to care for our community,’ he added. ‘Our goal is to make a difference when it’s needed the most, and our hope is that our gift may inspire others to assist or ask how they may contribute to this critical mission.’
According to the Associated Press, Helene has tragically claimed the lives of over 130 people in affected areas.
On September 30, drone footage showed the damage Helene did to the world’s most famous golf course.
The clip from YouTube user @MrHushpuppy was shared from above Augusta National and gave golf fans an insight into how badly the storm hit the famous course.
As the drone flew down the famous Magnolia Lane entry, trees could be seen strewn across the road, blocking entry to the course.
This photo of Augusta National Golf Club has surfaced after Hurricane Helene hit the grounds
Drone footage captured Magnolia Lane in the wake of Hurricane Helene
Estimates of the damage caused by the hurricane ranged from $15billion to more than $100bn
The North Carolina town of Asheville has been left decimated by the deadly storm
The drone footage came days after an apocalyptic image of the club surfaced behind the hurricane’s rampage.
One image showed trees knocked down and littering the course on what appears to be a bunker, and green.
‘Our Augusta community has suffered catastrophic and historic impact from Hurricane Helene,” Ridley told ESPN then. ‘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.’
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