Masters 2025: How Augusta is recovering from Hurricane Helene’s devastating force

Augusta National, which stumped up $20m (£15.8m) in Masters prize money last year, is well aware of its privilege.

In the aftermath of Helene, the club provided $5m of financial support to the relief fund.

Bonitatibus, a riverkeeper who looks after the Savannah waterway, says the aid had a “huge” impact and reinforced Augusta National’s philanthropic role in the community.

The money helped provide food, water, laundry, showers and counselling services.

Bonitatibus estimates the city is about “60%” through its recovery, although fears the environmental impact will last for “many, many years”.

“We have things we need to shift as a community so when the next storm comes we’re more prepared,” she said.

“In terms of planting trees again, that’s a couple of generations. We lost a 100-year-old on our property.”

Masters week, which has been held in Augusta since 1934, has long been one of the biggest economic drivers in the city.

Last year, Forbes reported it contributes an estimated $120m (£94m) annually., external

A hefty percentage of the 200,000 population rent out their homes – and land – for players, patrons and the media to lay their heads.

Given the devastation, this Masters week holds extra significance and will provide a much-needed financial injection for the thousands affected.

Many have been hanging on, forlorn and frustrated, in the hope of a positive answer from insurance companies deluged by desperate claims.

“The Masters is definitely the time when we put our best foot forward – and we’re doing that again,” said Bonitatibus.

“We’re happy it is here – thank goodness, we need the proper cash. This is a huge opportunity for us to get back right.”