New aerial footage has shown the devastating impact of Hurricane Helene on Augusta National – the world’s most famous golf course.
The home of the Masters was hit by the ‘catastrophic and historic’ hurricane as it passed through Georgia at the end of last week, causing serious damage to the usually-pristine grounds of the notoriously-private club.
Across the southeastern states of the US, at least 95 people were killed and millions left without power, as emergency crews continue to save lives, and the full extent of the damage is not yet known.
Now, new drone footage from YouTube user @MrHushpuppy has been shared from above Augusta National, giving golf fans an insight into how badly hit the famous course was by the storm.
As the drone flies down the famous Magnolia Lane entry, trees can be seen strewn across the road, blocking entry to the course.
The drone footage captures Magnolia Lane in the wake of Hurricane Helene
At least 95 people were killed and millions left without power following the Category 4 storm
In the main arrival area in front of the clubhouse, more trees have fallen across the driveway, and in the background there is damage to the course itself.
The clubhouse appears to have survived any major damage, though, meaning it is unlikely to cost a lot of money to repair any storm damage.
The video will come as a relief to golf fans ahead of next year’s Masters Tournament in April.Â
In a statement released on Saturday, Augusta National chairman Fred Ridley said: ‘Our Augusta community has suffered catastrophic and historic impact from Hurricane Helene. We currently are assessing the effects at Augusta National Golf Club.’
This photo of Augusta National Golf Club has surfaced after Hurricane Helene hit the grounds
The grounds of Augusta are usually a picture of peace and tranquility (pictured in April 2023)
The Masters is the most popular golf tournament on the calendar, for players and fans alike
‘In the meantime, our focus and efforts are foremost with our staff, neighbors and business owners in Augusta.Â
‘Our thoughts and prayers are with them as well as everyone throughout Georgia and the Southeast who have been affected.’
Per the Augusta Chronicle, as many as 225,000 people were without power in Augusta alone.Â
The National Weather Service also observed a wind gust of 82 miles per hour at Augusta Regional Airport during the storm. Â
After the devastating storm, the rebuild begins at Augusta National and elsewhere.
Residents wait in line with gas cans at a Gas Plus gas station in North Augusta, South Carolina
Estimates of the damage caused by the hurricane ranged from $15billion to more than $100bnÂ
States started a massive cleanup and recovery effort on Sunday after winds, rain and storm surges destroyed roads and bridges, caused catastrophic flooding, and left millions without power.
The devastation stretched along South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Virginia – with officials fearing even more bodies will be discovered.
After coming ashore in Florida, Helene quickly moved through Georgia before soaking the Carolinas and Tennessee with torrential rain.Â
One small mountain town in North Carolina has been left in ruins – with locals describing the community of Swannanoa as ‘entirely erased’.
Over the weekend, 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
