The extent of Hurricane Helene’s damage to Augusta National won’t be clear until after the Masters, according to a course expert. Tom Fazio, Augusta’s architectural consultant, predicted the damage could be worse than initially feared.

The historic golf course was devastated following the severe storm that ravaged Georgia and the US east coast in September. More than 230 people died and thousands were left homeless.

With winds reaching 130 mph, trees were uprooted from their roots and spread across Augusta’s fairways, damaging the grass that is usually in perfect condition.

Officials were able to see the impact of the destruction, which was captured by drone footage, with the famous 16th hole suffering the most from the appalling weather conditions.

But Fazio, a longtime architectural consultant on the course, believes more repairs will still be needed when inspectors take a closer look at the greens.

“I imagine you won’t know anything by April…they have the resources and the capabilities to adapt to the conditions there,” Fazio said. Sports Illustrated.

“Dropping trees on your green, what does that mean? You pick up the trees, you fill in the hollows and holes they left. Then you re-turf and you’re good to go.

“But people lost their homes and their lives. They lost their cars and their possessions and that’s what’s important. A putting green in Augusta or anywhere can always be repaired.”

Asked if Augusta would be restored to its original state, he added: “I think it will stand the test of time no matter what.”

At the time, Augusta National President Fred Ridley detailed the initial damage caused by the storm, calling the impact “catastrophic and historic.”

“Our community of Augusta suffered the catastrophic and historic consequences of Hurricane Helene. We are currently evaluating the effects at Augusta National Golf Club,” Ridley said.

“In the meantime, our focus and efforts are first and foremost on our staff, our neighbors and business owners in Augusta. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and all those affected in Georgia and the Southeast.

Ridley has already confirmed that next year’s tournament will go ahead as planned, but organizers now have a huge task to return the course to optimal condition ahead of the Masters.

The event will be held on April 7 at the course and will last seven days of play, with five more months to turn things around.