Augusta, GA

Augusta National sees changes after damage caused by Hurricane Helene

Published

2 weeks ago

April 9, 2025

Augusta National sees changes after damage caused by Hurricane Helene

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WTOC) – Hurricane Helene had major effects around the city of Augusta last September, and despite the perceived magic that Augusta National has to offer to the public eye, the grounds weren’t immune to the damage done around the city.

While the club never shared information publicly, reports from those close to the situation are that the course suffered severe tree loss. The grounds look pristine as ever, but those who know Augusta National can tell a difference. There are certain spots of brush you can see through that you weren’t able to before, as well as some overhanging trees and limbs that are no longer there.

As a course that’s built on forcing golfers to play specific types of shots, the loss of trees that have been in play for decades could change certain holes. Despite the noticeable effects from Helene, it’s still a challenge for the best in the world.

“From a tee-shot perspective, there are maybe a couple that are a little less visually intimidating,” said Rory McIlroy, who is searching to complete the career grand slam this week. “Thinking of a tee shot like 10, a little bit of that tree loss on that left side, your target is that TV tower down there at the bottom of the hill. You used to not be able to see that, and now you can see that pretty clearly. Visually, it doesn’t look like you have to turn the ball as much as you used to.”

“I think with the trees, you just get a different view,” said Collin Morikawa, who sits fourth in the Official World Golf Rankings. “The way this course is set up, it usually forces you to hit a shot. Most likely a tiny draw, a tiny fade. You can’t really work it as hard sometimes. But, you lose a few trees and it kind of plays a little bit differently.”

The first tee time of the 89th Masters is Thursday morning at 7:40.

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Augusta, GA

Suspect found guilty of killing bystander outside busy Augusta coffee shop

Published

12 hours ago

April 25, 2025

Press Room

Suspect found guilty of killing bystander outside busy Augusta coffee shop

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A man has been convicted and sentenced in connection with a 2022 shooting that killed an innocent bystander on Washington Road

Julius Riddick Jr. was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the shooting that killed Reginald Johnson around noon Oct. 17, 2022, at a busy Dunkin’ Donuts/Baskin Robbins location at 3024 Washington Road.

Julius Riddick Jr.(Contributed)

District Attorney Jared Williams said Riddick was angry over a failed bank scam, so he jumped out of his vehicle and started firing at an associate.

The associate was unharmed, but the gunfire killed Johnson.

2 people wanted for questioning in armed robbery in Augusta

A jury on Friday found him guilty on all counts of felony murder, and he was sentenced by Judge John Flythe.

Said DA Williams after the verdict, “Jarryd Brown and Keagan Waystack are two of the most talented attorneys in the state, and they prove it every time they step in a courtroom to do justice for victims. I’m grateful they choose to serve our community.”

Also originally charged in the case was John Lee Scarboro.

According to an arrest warrant for Scarboro, he and another suspect were shooting at each other while Johnson was in Scarboro’s car.

Orangeburg County Sheriff's Office generic

Earlier this week court records show under his name, “order to release material witness.”

He’s still listed as a Richmond County jail inmate being held for superior and state court.

The shooting happened at the beginning of an outbreak of deadly crime across the CSRA that’s now claimed around 200 lives in three years.

It’s affected communities large and small on both sides of the Savannah River, but Augusta has been hit especially hard.

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Augusta, GA

Fire at Charles B. Webster Detention Center causes evacuations

Published

1 day ago

April 25, 2025

Press Room

Fire at Charles B. Webster Detention Center causes evacuations

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – There was a fire that occurred at Charles B. Webster at 8:09 p.m., according to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.

One of the commercial dryers caught fire and spread to the immediate area.

Sprinklers were able to reduce the fire until the Richmond County Fire Department arrived.

Female inmates and trustees were evacuated because their dormitories are close to the laundry room.

There are no known injuries and no major damage.

“Overall, we were able to get everyone out in a timely manner,” said Sheriff Eugene Brantley.

“I’m glad the damage was no more than the dryer. I was able to see some of the clothes and the trashcan, and little damage on the back side of the dryer, no major damage,” said Brantley. “Early indications from the fire department indicated that possibly some lint and some oil that drags the heat that is generated, might have started the fire.”

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Augusta, GA

FBI: Ga. and S.C. rank in top 25 for cybercrime complaints in 2024

Published

2 days ago

April 24, 2025

Press Room

FBI: Ga. and S.C. rank in top 25 for cybercrime complaints in 2024 | News | wfxg.com

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