"Behind the Glamour of Augusta: The Struggles of Fentanyl and Poverty Just Minutes from the Masters"

THE lush greens of Augusta National host the Masters this week with millions around the globe set to revel in its undoubted beauty and sporting magic.

Yet outside the confines of one of the most famous courses in the world, it’s an unsettlingly different tale.

Away from the lush greens of Augusta National, the city is struggling with numerous issues Hooters used to be a hotbed for Masters evening entertainment with golf legend John Daly a regular attendee before it shut down

A combination of endemic homelessness, a rampant drug problem and a callous mismanagement of crucial local authority funds has seen the second biggest city in Georgia cruelly dubbed ‘Disgusta.’

Boarded up shops populate the dining and entertainment area of Broad Street near the course, alongside dilapidated buildings.

When the great and good of the golfing world aren’t in town for the Masters, Augusta’s sheen fades.

Drug addicts searching for their next hit and a roof over their heads litter the sidewalks.

The rise of fentanyl as the super-strength street drug of choice has further strained the community, contributing to addiction issues that local organizations say are increasingly visible in parts of the city.

For proud local Mike Garrison, the stark reality of poverty prompted serious action.

“Once I saw the homeless problem here, I couldn’t unsee it,” he told The U.S. Sun.

Vacant lots and abandoned brick mill buildings can be seen just northwest of downtown and although there is a repurposing push, issues with city funding have held up various projects.

Even Hooters – a raucous yearly go-to for golf fans at the Masters to rub shoulders with bad-boy legend John Daly – has gone.

For nearly three decades, the cigarette smoking, heavy boozing American star parked his RV outside to sign autographs, sell merchandise, and interact with fans in a rowdy atmosphere.

The company’s financial issues, however, forced it to close down.

Daly, now 59, has relocated to a near-by Topgolf and can be seen there this week.

But the vibe just isn’t the same.

Ranked 177th out of 182 U.S. cities for job prospects and 181st for women’s safety, Augusta-Richmond County presents a stark contrast to the gloriously green fairways seen on television.

According to the RISE Augusta education program, 36% of children in Richmond County live in poverty—well above the national average and a figure experts warn signals a persistent cycle of hardship.

The statistics certainly paint a bleak picture.

With the national average for unsheltered homelessness at around 36%, Augusta’s rate is approximately 55%.

Compared to the rest of the United States, a homeless person in the city is nearly 20% more likely to be living on the street or in a vehicle rather than in a shelter.

According to public health data, meanwhile, Richmond County recently recorded a drug overdose death rate of 54 per 100,000 people.

That rate is significantly higher than the Georgia state average and has frequently placed the area at the top of the list for overdose fatalities in the state.

Charity push

Garrison founded the Compass of Hope initiative, a volunteer-driven effort focused on supporting Augusta’s homeless population.

Working primarily downtown, the group provides toiletries, clothing, bottled water, and food every Sunday morning.

Their services also include bike repairs, mobile shower units, and laundry facilities capable of handling up to 16 loads each weekend.
Garrison and his crew work for nothing.

“I could look you in the eye and tell you almost every penny went to the homeless, except for insurance policies, which are a necessary evil,” he admitted.

“We’ve helped get four people off the streets recently. It’s a low number, but it’s a success nonetheless.”

Reigning champ Rory McIlroy poses with his family on the stunning greens of the iconic course Struggling locals try and make money when the golfing circus comes to town every year Businesses have struggled to stay open and authorities have been slow to act

But the serious challenges facing Augusta have been compounded by external pressures.

Recovery from Hurricane Helene in 2024 has added strain to already limited resources, particularly for those without stable housing.

At the same time, scrutiny has fallen on local governance.

An audit of the city’s Housing and Community Development department found last month that $6.8 million in federal emergency rental assistance could not be fully accounted for due to poor record-keeping, prompting calls from some officials for further investigation.

Major Wayne Guilfoyle told local outlets last month said involving the FBI was a “needed step.”

That controversy comes amid ongoing debate over a proposed low-barrier homeless shelter, with disagreements leaving many unsheltered residents in a state of uncertainty.

Garrison believes more support is needed but acknowledges the complexity of the situation.

He admits that the “jury is still out” on where the missing money has gone.

Augusta’s struggles are not only economic but also rooted in a complicated history.

The Masters itself did not feature a black competitor until 1975, and Augusta National did not admit its first black member until 1990.

For decades, black caddies were a central yet often overlooked part of the tournament’s identity — guiding players through its challenges while navigating the realities of segregation-era America.

The incredible story of legendary, longtime caddie Carl Jackson, who helped guide Ben Crenshaw to Masters victories in 1984 and 1995 and spoke emotionally to The U.S. Sun last year following the release of a documentary about his amazing life, reflected both the barriers and contributions that shaped the event’s controversial legacy.

Today, the contrast between Augusta National and the surrounding community remains difficult to ignore.

The tournament continues to bring significant economic attention to the region, with local leaders emphasizing its role in attracting investment and industry.

Yet for many residents, the benefits feel unevenly distributed.

“We don’t have enough shelters. We don’t have enough access to mental health care, addiction treatment, or even basic resources,” Garrison said.

“It’s an uphill battle.”

Still, he remains cautiously optimistic.

“It’s like any city — it has its strengths and its struggles,” he said. “There’s more to Augusta than golf. It can be a really great area to live. The challenge is making sure that growth reaches everyone.”

Local homeless charity owner Mike Garrison told The U.S. Sun about the issues affecting Augusta The second largest city in Georgia behind Atlanta has many boarded up shops and closed businesses The Augusta National clubhouse is one of the most historic and iconic in golfCredit: AP Large areas of Augusta have been hit by high unemployment rates