The Patch is Progressing On Schedule

The ambitious project was announced back in 2023. Because of delays with getting the permits in place, the Augusta National Golf Club and its Chairman Fred Ridley could not really get into the specifics of the project until Ridley’s annual press gathering the week of the 2024 Masters. That is where it was announced that noted golf course architects Tom Fazio and Beau Welling would take on the task of renovating Augusta’s 96-year-old municipal golf course - affectionately known as the Cabbage Patch, or the Patch for short. Augusta National is partnering with Augusta Technical College on the project. 

Then, at the 2025 Masters press gathering, more information was revealed. Ridley announced that five-time Masters winner, Tiger Woods, would partner on two associated projects. The first, to be built on what was the driving range for the local First Tee chapter, will be a Tiger-designed short course to be called the Loop. Short courses are the latest rage in the game. Usually nine holes par-3 holes, they are created to promote a casual outing. It is a way to introduce the game to people that have never played. There are short courses popping up all over the country including one at the First Tee complex in Aiken. The Loop at the Patch is expected to be completed by the 2027 Masters. Chairman Ridley also announced a partnership with the TGC Foundation to build a Tiger Woods Learning Center, located less than two miles from Augusta National in the Harrisburg neighborhood at the former Lamar Elementary School. The Learning Center will deliver STEAM education to more than 23,000 public school students. The Learning Center will be the fourth in the country and is expected to open in 2028. 

Last week, the Chairman and Tiger Woods were in town to get an update on the progress. Tiger’s first visit to the site since the announcement. 

The Patch closed at the end of 2024 and work on the new course has begun in earnest. The plan is to lay sod over the entire course with the exception of the greens, which will be sprigged. At his spring press conference, Ridley said that the course will be open by the 2026 Masters. A reasonable green and cart fee will be charged and will help continue the Patch tradition of being an affordable public play course. 

For more information on the project, go to www.golfthepatch.com