The Promise of The Patch Represents an Augusta Golf Victory

It’s been a few weeks since Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Fred Ridley’s announcements regarding the future of The Patch and the Tiger Woods Learning Center. It’s taken a while to let it all sink it. A later column will be written about the Learning Lab when more details become available. For now, let’s focus on The Patch. 

The project is not a surprise. The Chairman made the initial announcement back in 2023. There wasn’t much he could say last year as the Club and the city, shortly before the tournament, reached an agreement on the lease. He made up for it this year. 

First was the announcement that Tiger Woods would also play a role in developing a short course - think all par-three holes - on what is now the driving range at First Tee Augusta off Damascus Road. It will be named The Loop at The Patch. We learned that a new clubhouse would be constructed at the end of The Loop, near Wrightsboro Road. All of this on top of news that noted golf course architects Tom Fazio and Beau Willing will create the new Patch. 

I love all this news. I love the project and the purpose behind it. I’ve been told the Club wants to keep the price of playing down, agreeing with the city to a cap of $50. That may be the cap for local residents, but don’t be surprised if visitors pay more. It’s a practice that other notable public courses, such as Torrey Pines in San Diego and Bethpage Black outside New York City, employ. I’m fine with that too. 

I am concerned, however, about what all of this might mean for Forest Hills Golf Club. In the spirit of full disclosure, I’m a member at Forest Hills and have a vested interest in its future. I’ve been assured by the Club that the future of Forest Hills will be protected and possibly enhanced. I take them at their word, even though I have no idea what that means. Every project they’ve undertaken, on or off the property, has represented real improvement. Look no further than Berckmans Road. So, when they say Forest Hills will be protected, I believe them. We will see what that means. 

Two weeks ago, the Chairman said he is looking forward to a grand opening just before next year’s Masters. That’s a very ambitious timeline and darn near impossible when it comes to golf course construction. Near impossible. That said, there’s no way we won’t be attending that grand opening next spring. 

One last comment. There is talk that the Augusta National Women’s Amateur might move to The Patch. There is one more year remaining on the contract with Champions Retreat. I don’t see that happening. That has not been the mission of the project at The Patch. They’ve surprised me before and, again, with Augusta National, just about anything is possible. I think there’s a bigger announcement on the horizon. We will just have to wait until 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8 next year to hear what it might be. 

I’ll see ya then.