Hurricanes again hit hard in the Southeast

The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene has been profound, with a death toll of 227 people, the deadliest hurricane to hit the mainland U.S. since Hurricane Katrina. Helene hit Florida on September 26 and, with a width of 350 miles and 140 mph winds, went on to cause devastation in Georgia, the Carolinas and Tennessee.

Of course, many golf courses and their staffs have been severely impacted by this storm. As Jordan Booth, Ph.D., senior director, USGA Course Consulting Service said on X, “golf is the least of our concerns.” Booth and Chris Neff, USGA agronomist, offered this guide to superintendents and crews preparing to recover from Helene.

The Carolinas GCSA was quick to come to the aid of its members, asking for donations of basic supplies and offering drop-off and pick-up locations for those in need. CGCSA also started a Hurricane Disaster Relief Fund to help provide internet to school kids whose schools have been destroyed.

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) also has reminded its members of their disaster relief program. GCSAA members who have been impacted by Helene are encouraged to call or email the association, as they are eligible for financial assistance.

The Augusta (Ga.) Chronicle shared photos of damage in Augusta, Ga., in the area around Augusta National Golf Club from Hurricane Helene. Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley announced that Augusta National and the Community Foundation for the Central Savannah River Area would donate $5 million to provide essential services to the Augusta area. Ridley stated that the Masters will be played as scheduled, and the focus of the club is on the welfare of the community.

Supers in the affected areas took to X to share the state of their courses, including:

• John Reilly, director of agronomy at the Resort at Longboat Key (Fla.)
• Brian Bruso, superintendent at the Resort at Longboat Key (Fla.)
• Bobby Jones Links in Alpharetta, Ga.

Meanwhile Hurricane Milton — already being described by news outlets as the strongest storm on the planet this year — is barreling down on Florida. Airports are shutting down and residents are being urged to evacuate.

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