GOLF'S GREATEST STAGE IS ALL SET

HURRICANE Helene did its best to spoil Augusta's perfection last September.

- DENIS KIRWAN

Numerous tall pine trees were uprooted throughout the course.

Many of the 60-plus magnificent magnolia trees that lined the famed Magnolia Lane entrance for almost a century and a half were also downed.

Some greens were scarred by the collapsed pines and all bunkers completely stripped of their sand.

Six months on, perfection has been restored.

There's no remaining evidence that the most powerful storm in Augusta's history had recently devastated the world's most beautiful golf course.

A visit to Augusta National is undoubtedly a bucket list experience.

Millions enter the ballot each year for the opportunity.