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Former Masters champ says 16th hole at Augusta National ‘wasn’t open’ due to flood damage on green

Two months after Hurricane Helene left a path of destruction through Augusta, a former Masters Champion spoke about the course conditions.

The past winner played a round at Augusta National Golf Club in mid-November, and told Golfweek, “The trees on the left side of No. 1 looked thin; thinner than normal. And so did the right side of No. 9.”

But the most notable difference wasn’t the alleged missing pines. Upon completing the par-5 15th, the foursome was informed that the 16th hole was not open for play.

“So after we played 15, we went straight to 17.”

Augusta National declined to comment about No. 16.

Just weeks ago, photos were released that showed significant damage to the 16th green, along with a number of trees down.

As for other areas of Augusta National, the past champion said the course “was in great shape.”

According to the past champ, Magnolia Lane “looked the same.”

“The clubhouse had no damage,” he added.

In the wake of Hurricane Helene, Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley announced a $5 million donation would be made towards the Hurricane Helene Community Crisis Fund.

The No. 16 green at Augusta National Golf Club. (Photo: Adam Cairns-USA TODAY Network)

“Our Augusta community has suffered catastrophic and historic impact from Hurricane Helene. We currently are assessing the effects at Augusta National Golf Club,” Ridley wrote.

The 16th green has been a staple for historic moments at the Masters Tournament — most notably in years that end with ‘5.’ It has also recorded the most aces of any hole at Augusta National with 24.

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