Players weigh in Will Augusta s fallen trees impact Masters

Everyone who has played Augusta National previously can see the stark difference when walking the course this week, with numerous trees lost among the damage it suffered during Hurricane Helene last September.

What they dont all agree on is how much it will impact the 2025 Masters -- or if at all.

Xander Schauffele, who is making his eighth Masters start this week, said after a practice round that it almost felt like I was playing the back nine for the first time.

Off (No.) 10, for example, if you are feeling extremely dangerous, theres a little gap on the left side of the trees where you can kind of hit it through, he said. I think its a little risky, but in the past your ball would hit a tree there and fall 90 feet from the tee box.

Theres a few spots where you can get a little risky if youre feeling dangerous. But for the most part, I think the course is going to play the exact same as before.

Second-ranked Rory McIlroy agreed that while a couple tee shots are maybe a little less visually intimidating, he doesnt think the course plays any differently.

Youve got the four new greens on 1, 8, 15 and 16, he said, which I think everyone saw the ladies playing here on Saturday that those greens always are a little bit firmer, especially 15, for example, watching the balls shoot through that green.

McIlroy also referenced the trees now missing down the left side of the 10th hole. Visually, it has changed his aiming point and perspective of how much he needs to move the ball.

Collin Morikawa took notice of the second hole, where he believes his options off the tee have opened up along with the lack of