Historic Augusta course, “The Patch,” has completed a full transformation and will reopen to the public after the 2026 Masters Tournament. The reopening of this course marks the end of a major renovation project led by Augusta Technical College, the First Tee of Augusta, and Augusta National Golf Club.
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Augusta Municipal Golf Course Set To Reopen
Augusta Municipal Golf Course, widely known as “The Patch,” now offers a modern and more accessible facility for the local community. The course first opened in 1928, but over the years, it began to show signs of age, and there was growing concern that it could lose its relevance.
Image: Courtesy of Augusta National / The Masters.
This prompted a joint effort to restore the historic golf course and “The Patch Project” was first announced in 2023. The course was closed in December 2024 to begin construction on the new layout but work only started in earnest last spring.
The project took about 16 months to complete and involved a full redesign of the course and its surrounding facilities. Renowned golf course architects Tom Fazio and Beau Welling collaborated on the renovation of the 18-hole golf course. The project also involved contributions from some of the biggest names in golf, including 15-time major winner Tiger Woods.
Organizers are hoping to connect the global stage of professional golf with the local community experience by opening the transformed golf course on Wednesday, April 15 after the 2026 Masters at the Augusta National Golf Club.
Image: Courtesy of Augusta National / The Masters.
Before the full public launch on April 15, there will be a soft opening period in March. During this time, local groups, regular players, and high school teams will get early access to the course. The facility gradually reaches full capacity while prioritizing the community it was designed to serve.
Image: Courtesy of Augusta National / The Masters.
Excitement Builds Ahead of “Opening The Gift Box”
The project introduces one of its most exciting additions: a new nine-hole short course called “The Loop at The Patch.” This course was designed by Tiger Woods and his design team. It offers a quicker, more relaxed way to play, making it ideal for beginners, families, and anyone looking to enjoy golf without committing to a full round.
Image: Courtesy of Augusta National / The Masters.
“You’re giving someone a gift, and they haven’t opened it yet,” golf architect Tom Fabio said about the newly improved golf course. “It’s that kind of anticipation. You just can’t wait until they open that box and hit a golf ball. It’s going to be the real deal…With our connection with Tiger, we’ve supported the development of The Loop as well as the focus around the practice areas.”
Beyond the courses themselves, the entire facility has been upgraded. There is now a large practice area covering about 17 acres, including a driving range equipped with modern technology and multiple covered bays. There is also a putting course that is open to the public at no cost, giving people of all skill levels a chance to practice and enjoy the game.
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