The full extent of the damage caused by Hurricane Helene to the Augusta National will not be evident until The Masters is held, according to a course expert. Tom Fazio, Augusta’s architectural consultant, has predicted the wreckage could be worse than originally feared.

The historic golf course was left devastated in the aftermath of the treacherous storm, which ravaged through Georgia and the east coast of the United States in September. More than 230 people died and thousands of residents were left without a home.

With winds reaching 130mph, trees were ripped out of their roots and sprawled across the Augusta fairways, causing damage to the grass which is usually in perfect condition.

Officials were shown the impact of the destruction, which was captured through drone footage, with the renowned 16th hole suffering the most from the horrendous weather.

But Fazio, a long-time architectural consultant at the course, believes there are still further repairs to be made when inspectors get a closer look at the greens.

“I would imagine you won’t know anything happened by April… they have the resources and the abilities to adjust to the conditions there,” Fazio told Sports Illustrated.

“Having trees fall on your green, what does that mean? You pick up the trees, you fill in the divots and holes they left. Then you re-sod and you’re ready to go.

“But people have lost their homes and lost their lives. Lost their cars and their possessions and that is what is important. A putting green at Augusta or anywhere can always be fixed.”

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

At the time, Augusta National chairman, Fred Ridley, detailed the initial damage from the storm, describing the impact as ‘catastrophic and historic’.

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

“In the meantime, our focus and efforts are foremost with our staff, neighbors and business owners in Augusta. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as well as everyone throughout Georgia and the Southeast who have been affected.”

Ridley has already confirmed that next year’s tournament will go ahead as planned, but organisers now a huge task to get the course back into optimum shape before The Masters.

The event will held on April 7 at the course across seven days of play, with five months still left to turn things around.