Augusta, GA

Rory McIlroy’s Plane Tracked at Augusta National in Prep for The Masters

Published

11 months ago

April 1, 2025

Rory McIlroy’s Plane Tracked at Augusta National in Prep for The Masters

Rory McIlroy is leaving nothing to chance at the next edition of the Masters Tournament. As proof, he has made not one, but two recent visits to Augusta National Golf Club to scout the legendary course.

The X account @radaratlas2, which tracks aircraft movements around the world, reported on Monday that McIlroy’s private 2022 Gulfstream G650ER, registration N1989R, is in Augusta, Georgia. In other words, the Northern Irishman is on another exploratory trip.

It is the 4-time Major champion’s second visit to the site of the season’s first Major in less than a week. McIlroy also made a stop at Augusta National on his way to the Houston Open on March 25.

The 28-time PGA Tour winner has openly stated that one of his goals for the remainder of his professional career is to win the Masters Tournament. There is no doubt that he is doing everything he can to shorten the wait.

“Winning the Masters, winning an Olympic medal and another away Ryder Cup, they are my three goals for the rest of my career,” McIlroy told BBC Sport last January.

“I’ve been agonisingly close for the past few years, without being able to get it done and that is the main focus of this year,” he added.

Rory McIlroy of Northern Ireland plays a shot on the 15th hole during the second round of the 2024 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 12, 2024 in Augusta, Georgia.

Andrew Redington/Getty Images

The Northern Irishman is having another exceptional season, with two victories in just five PGA Tour events. His victories have come in very strong events such as the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am and The PLAYERS Championship.

In addition to his wins, he has three other top-20 finishes, including a tie for fifth at the Houston Open, his start right before the Masters Tournament.

Should he win the Masters, McIlroy would become only the sixth player in history to complete a career Grand Slam (seventh, including the special case of Bobby Jones).

McIlroy is one of only three active players to miss just one of the four legs of the coveted feat. He is joined by Jordan Spieth, who missed the PGA Championship, and Phil Mickelson, who has failed to win the U.S. Open.

The 35-year-old has been close to the Green Jacket on several occasions, but has not been able to pull it off. His runner-up finish in 2022 stands out, although some of his late collapses are famous, such as in 2011 when he led after 54 holes but shot an 80 on Sunday to finish T15.

More Golf: Rory McIlroy Reveals What Needs to be ‘Figured Out’ Ahead of the Masters

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Augusta, GA

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

Published

12 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta announced a temporary closure of New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Park.

Closure of the park at 2105 Lock and Dam Road will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the lock and dam structure.

The park will be closed from March 4 to April 7.

All areas of the park will be closed.

However, the Baurle Boat Ramp will remain open and accessible to the public for fishing and boating activities.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

Published

24 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta 911 center has been named 2025 Communications Center of the Year at the Georgia Emergency Communications Conference in Athens.

The award recognizes excellence in public safety communications, innovation, leadership and service.

The award recognizes a center that demonstrates strong performance in emergency response coordination, training, technology and community engagement.

The Augusta center was selected among agencies statewide for its consistent service, professional standards and coordination with public safety partners.

“This recognition reflects the work our team does every single day,” said Daniel R. Dunlap, 911 director. “Our communications officers are the first point of contact during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life. They provide reassurance, direction and critical coordination until help arrives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and strength they show.”

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Augusta, GA

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn opens on Broad Street in Augusta

Published

2 days ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn opens on Broad Street in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A new gourmet popcorn shop has opened on Broad Street, bringing a Chicago-style twist to downtown Augusta.

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts, located at 716 Broad Street next to the Miller Theater, opened late last year. Owner Sheila Jones moved to Augusta from Chicago, where she said gourmet popcorn has a strong following.

“I’m from Chicago where gourmet popcorn is kind of a big deal,” Jones said.

Specialty flavors made in house

The shop offers specialty flavors including caramel, strawberry drizzle, peppermint, Oreo, green apple, and peanut butter — all made in house. Jones said the experience starts before customers even reach the counter.

“The smell is part of the experience. Green apple, strawberry, strawberry drizzle with chocolate. We have a new peanut butter flavor I just did,” Jones said.

A business built for family

Jones said her move to Augusta and her decision to open the business were driven by her son, who is on the autism spectrum. She said she believed he would be more comfortable in Augusta and wanted to build something that would benefit him long-term.

“I wanted him to have something when he gets older. He has a job already if he wants one. He already has a business,” Jones said.

Jones said starting the business has been harder than she expected. She handles most operations herself, with some help from family. She said the purpose behind the shop keeps her motivated.

“Coming into this every day is fulfilling because I built it. I’m building it and I just wanna see how high we’ll go,” Jones said.

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The shop is also holding a pop-up Saturday at noon on Gordon Highway.

Here’s a link to their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584084467886#

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