Tiger Woods to design 9-hole course at The Patch, bring TGR Learning Lab to area

Five-time Masters Champion Tiger Woods is partnering with the Augusta National Golf Club to design a nine-hole golf course at the Augusta Municipal Golf Course, also known as The Patch.

Fred Ridley, chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, made the announcement during a press conference on Monday. It was announced that Woods, along with his course architecture firm, TGR Design, will create a nine-hole short course as part of the ongoing renovations at The Patch. The Patch is expected in April 2026.

“At the heart of our effort at The Patch is a commitment to create an affordable and inviting golf experience,” Ridley said. “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. We are proud to add TGR Design to work alongside our project partners to bring this dynamic plan to fruition.”

Woods called the partnership with the Augusta National Golf Club “special” and spoke about his passion for education and golf. 

“My passion for education and golf dates back a long time, as does my relationship with Augusta National and the city of Augusta,” Woods said. “This is a transformational opportunity to empower the next generation and deliver meaningful educational programming and access to fun and affordable golf. I am excited to work alongside Augusta National and see both projects become a reality.”

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The Patch Project, LLC is a partnership between The First Tee of Augusta, Augusta Technical College and the Masters Tournament Charities, Inc. The goal of the project is to strengthen public golf in the Augusta area and create opportunities for citizens to play and work in the sport. 

The master plan for The Patch includes a redesigned 18-hole layout created by course architects, Tom Fazio and Beau Welling, a new 9-hole short course designed by TGR Design called The Loop at the Patch and practice areas for golfers of all skill levels. Ridley said the name, The Loop, pays tribute to caddies who have used the course as a spot to gather over the decades.

“The redesign of the third oldest course in Augusta also recognizes the prior course routing on 11 holes by utilizing existing corridors of the original design,” Ridley said. “We know once this project is complete, it will strengthen this nearly 100 year old public golf facility by keeping it affordable. This preservation will uplift those who have loved playing here, while fostering opportunities for others to come enjoy the game.”

The golf course management program and workforce programs at Augusta Tech will relocate to The Patch. This aligns with The First Tee’s mission to about the game of golf and its values to youth of all backgrounds. 

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TGR Learning Lab

Ridley also announced that the Augusta National and the TGR Foundation, which is Wood’s nonprofit, will build a TGR Learning Lab in Augusta. This lab will provide young people with access to science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) education.

“Today’s announcements mark an important milestone for Augusta and deepen the connection our community has with one of our greatest Masters champions, Tiger Woods,” said Ridley. “We are thankful to partner with the TGR Foundation and jointly invest in the Augusta community. This partnership, in the TGR Learning Lab, reflects our shared interest in increasing access to high-quality programming and impacting the next generation in a tangible way.”

The first TGR Learning Lab was opened in Anaheim, Calif. in 2006. A second location opened in Philadelphia in 2025 and a third will open a third in 2026 in Los Angeles. The Augusta location will become the fourth location.

“This program also prepares students for college and their careers and lives that will follow. the goal is to unlock the potential in every student and that goal is being met,” Ridley said.

The TGR Learning Lab in Augusta will be located at the former site of Lamar Elementary School. It will offer programming to all Richmond County School System students and other students in the surrounding Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) school districts.

“There are 27 Richmond County schools within a 10 mile radius of the proposed location of the lab that together could serve more than 23,000 students from the school system,” Ridley said. “Students at the Lab will have access to The Loop to learn the game of golf, as well as the values of the game that will positively influence them throughout their lives. For our part, Augusta National will make a meaningful contribution to the Lab’s construction and ongoing operation.”

Ridley added that the Augusta National is very grateful for the partnership and cooperation with the Richmond County School District in regard to the TGR Lab coming to Augusta.

The Augusta TGR Learning Lab is expected to open in April 2028. Expected prior to the opening is the launch of programs, in-school curriculum and community events in Richmond County.