Augusta, GA – Tiger Woods’ legacy in Augusta, GA includes more than five green jackets he won at the Masters of his career.
Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Fred Ridley announced Monday that Woods and his TGR design company are designing a new nine-hole short course with the patch.
Additionally, the TGR Foundation in Woods has opened its fourth TGR learning lab in Augusta, providing access to science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics (Steam) education and other opportunities for Richmond County students. Augusta National will provide funding for the construction and continued operation of the Learning Lab.
“We recognize the importance of deepening Tiger’s legacy with Augusta and the Masters. This is a lasting way for Tiger to be able to connect forever at the Masters, and now I feel everything he’s trying to do in this community.”
Ridley said when the 2024 Masters told him about the club’s plans to renovate the patch, he was playing golf with Woods at Augusta National before the 2024 Masters.
“When we shared the notion that it was intriguing him, it was the beginning of a conversation, a dialogue that took place between our organizations, and it was clear that there were several meetings that followed. “After that, he started discussing the big ideas for the TGR Learning Lab, which is very exciting for me.”
Woods, who won the Masters for the last time in 2019, announced on May 11 that he had undergone surgery after ruptured his left Achilles tendon. That would have been his 27th start at the Masters.
“It’s really special to partner with Augusta National Golf Club to serve the surrounding communities,” Woods said in a statement. “My passion for education and golf, as well as Augusta National’s relationship with the city of Augusta, is a transformational opportunity that empowers the next generation, providing meaningful educational programming and access to enjoyable and affordable golf. I’m excited to work with Augusta National and see both projects come true.”
Augusta National Golf Club hired architects Tom Fazio and Bowelling to redesign the 18-hole course in the patch, which opened in 1928. The new club logo includes the cabbage length. Locals called the course with patches and affection, as longtime course manager Red Douglas had a vegetable garden planted behind Green No. 14 and then planted near the 10th Tea. The new layout pays homage to the 11 original halls.
Patch renovations have already begun and include new driving ranges, short gaming facilities, clubhouses, outdoor pavilion spaces and classroom spaces for educational programs.
Woods’ nine-hole course, patch loops are also found in properties in the newly named Jim Dentway. Dent is a caddy at Augusta National and won the Senior PGA Tour 12 times in the 1980s and 1990s.
“The Augusta caddies are part of our heritage and we certainly intend to continue to honor them with the patch,” Ridley said. “They’ve been a big part of that history. I know that those still around are very excited about the project.”
Augusta National hopes to open the patch to the public around Masters next year, with the TGR Learning Lab scheduled to open on the primary school grounds that closed in 2028.