Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley said he's focused on the community after the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene but expressed optimism about the Masters Thursday.

Much of the southeastern area of the country saw significant damage over the past few days due to Hurricane Helene. That includes Augusta, Georgia, the home of The Masters at Augusta National Golf Club.

Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, offered an update on Hurricane Helene's impact on the course during a news conference prior to the beginning of the Asia-Pacific Amateur Championship in Japan on Thursday.