Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club and the Masters Tournament, announced today that the Club will partner with five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods to enrich access to high-quality educational programming and affordable golf in Augusta, Ga.
The Club and Woods’ nonprofit, TGR Foundation, will construct a TGR Learning Lab in Augusta, Ga., which will provide access to science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) education and opportunities for young people to prepare for their future. Additionally, Woods and his course architecture firm, TGR Design, will design a new, nine-hole short course as part of the renovation of the Augusta Municipal Golf Course, commonly known as “The Patch,” for the community to enjoy and learn the game of golf.
“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.
“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. We are proud to add TGR Design to work alongside our project partners to bring this dynamic plan to fruition.”
“Partnering with Augusta National Golf Club to serve its surrounding community is truly special,” said Woods. “My passion for education and golf dates back a long time, as does my relationship with Augusta National and the city of Augusta. 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.”
TGR Learning Labs provide students from under-resourced communities with inspiring learning spaces, access to the latest technologies and a community of support dedicated to their success. The programs at TGR Learning Labs are complimentary and focus on STEAM educational enrichment, health and well-being, and career and college readiness. Programs are offered year-round, including during the school day, on weekends and during the summer.
The TGR Learning Lab in Augusta will be located at the former site of Lamar Elementary School and will deliver programming available to all Richmond County School System students and the surrounding Central Savannah River Area (CSRA) school districts. The anticipated opening of the Augusta TGR Learning Lab is April 2028, with the launch of in-school curriculum, programs and community events in Richmond County prior to the opening.
Ridley additionally unveiled details from the master plan for the renovation of The Patch, as well as a new logo. The Patch Project, LLC is a partnership between Augusta Technical College, The First Tee of Augusta and Masters Tournament Charities, Inc. and will strengthen public golf in the Augusta community and foster opportunities to play and work in the sport.
The master plan features a re-designed 18-hole layout led by golf course architects, Tom Fazio and Beau Welling, a new 9-hole short course designed by TGR Design and called The Loop at The Patch, and expansive practice areas to serve a variety of golfers of all levels. More details about The Patch’s renovation, including renderings, are available here.
Augusta Technical College’s golf course management and workforce programs will relocate to The Patch and be linked with The First Tee’s mission to teach the game and its values to juniors and community members of all backgrounds. Their alignment will create the first partnership between these neighboring facilities, to create additional employment opportunities in the golf industry and expand available pathways to welcome those interested in the sport with affordable and sustainable public golf for the community.
