Augusta's Municipal Golf Course Transformed with Help from Top Architects

The Patch, once a humble muni, now boasts a redesign by Tom Fazio, Beau Welling, and a new Tiger Woods short course.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 6:48pm

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A fractured, geometric painting in bold colors depicting the reimagined layout and facilities of Augusta's municipal golf course, The Patch, with sharp planes and overlapping perspectives conveying the course's dramatic renovation.A cubist interpretation of the dramatic transformation of Augusta's municipal golf course, The Patch, through the vision of renowned architects and the support of the city's most famous golf club.Augusta Today

Augusta, Georgia's municipal golf course, affectionately known as 'The Patch,' has undergone a remarkable transformation thanks to a partnership between Augusta National Golf Club, Augusta Technical College, The First Tee of Augusta, and Masters Tournament Charities. The $25 million renovation project led by renowned architects Tom Fazio and Beau Welling has reimagined the once-humble course, adding a new nine-hole short course designed by Tiger Woods' TGR Design team.

Why it matters

The Patch has long been a beloved community resource, providing affordable public golf for Augusta's residents. This renovation ensures The Patch can continue serving that role while also creating new opportunities for junior golf, high school teams, and students in Augusta Tech's Golf Management Program.

The details

The new 6,237-yard, par-72 layout at The Patch pays homage to 11 holes from the previous course, with expanded playing areas, new irrigation and drainage systems, and a collection of simple but effectively placed oval bunkers. The addition of The Loop at The Patch, a nine-hole short course designed by Tiger Woods' TGR Design, provides a quick and walkable golfing experience. The practice facilities have also been significantly enhanced, including a 380-yard driving range, a 12-hole putting course, and 20 covered TrackMan bays.

  • The Patch first opened in 1928, four years before Augusta National.
  • In 1929, nine more holes were added to the course.
  • In 1936-37, a WPA project converted the sand greens to grass.
  • The renovation project was announced in April 2023.
  • The reimagined course is set to open to the public on April 15, 2026.

The players

Augusta National Golf Club

The prestigious private club that hosts the Masters Tournament and has become a leader in giving back to the local community.

Tom Fazio

The renowned golf course architect who led the redesign of the championship layout at The Patch.

Beau Welling

The golf course architect who assisted Fazio on the redesign and led the buildout of the practice facilities.

Tiger Woods

The legendary golfer whose TGR Design team created the new nine-hole short course, The Loop at The Patch.

Jim Dent

A winner of the first two World Long Driving Championships who grew up caddying at Augusta National and Augusta Country Club before playing at The Patch after it was integrated in 1964.

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What they’re saying

“At the heart of our effort at The Patch is a commitment to create an affordable and inviting golf experience. Equal importance will be placed on creating opportunities to learn and fall in love with the game as well as developing a pipeline for employment in the golf industry.”

— Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club

“It was clear when I shared the concept that it sort of piqued Tiger's interest, and that was the beginning of a conversation, a dialogue that took place between our organizations, and after a few meetings, the idea grew from what we were doing to how Tiger and TGR could be involved.”

— Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club

What’s next

The new nine-hole short course, The Loop at The Patch, is expected to open in 2028 as part of the TGR Learning Lab expansion.

The takeaway

This ambitious renovation project transforms a humble municipal course into a modern, community-focused golf facility that honors Augusta's rich golfing heritage while providing affordable access and new opportunities for the next generation of players and industry professionals.