Augusta National Golf Course Has Some Very Noticeable Changes Ahead Of 2025 Masters Tournament

Augusta National will have a slightly different look when the 2025 Masters tees off on April 10. However, nature forced some changes to the iconic course, which has undergone numerous alterations over the years.

Hurricane Helene ripped through the region last year, taking down trees and causing structural damage. As a result, course officials had to make adjustments, including renovations to certain greens and modifications to the landscape.

Rory McIlroy, who made a scouting trip to Augusta ahead of this weekend’s Texas Children’s Houston Open, got an early look at the changes. The four-time major champion noted that they redid four greens and removed some trees while preserving the course’s integrity.

Augusta National’s Adjustments And Renovations

Among the most notable changes is the par-3 16th green, which required reconstruction after a fallen tree damaged it. However, McIlroy assured that its character hasn’t changed. “Yeah, the loss of a few trees is definitely noticeable,” he told reporters. “But in terms of like they’ve had to redo that green, it’s exactly the same as it was. Apart from maybe a few less shadows on the green late in the day because of a couple of trees that were lost, it’s pretty much the same.”

Course chairman Fred Ridley had previously acknowledged the damage, stating that Augusta National lost multiple trees due to Helene. Despite these setbacks, the club has worked meticulously to ensure the playing experience remains as pristine as ever.

McIlroy also emphasized the value of early practice rounds. “I use those trips just to refamiliarize myself with the place, clubs off tees, looking to see if they changed any greens,” he said via OutKick. “It’s nice to play a practice round without people around. It takes the pressure off the start of the week.”