Tiger Woods recently made a notable return to Augusta National Golf Club, marking his first visit since suffering a ruptured Achilles tendon earlier this year. His appearance is the latest indication that the golf legend is progressing well in his recovery. Woods had already been seen following his son, Charlie, at junior golf events, and his visit to Augusta further confirms that he is staying closely connected to the game, even if not yet competing.
This visit held particular significance as Woods toured the site of a new 9-hole golf course being constructed by his design firm, TGR Design. The course is adjacent to the Augusta Municipal Golf Course, commonly known as “The Patch,” and is part of a larger development that includes a TGR Learning Lab. The project is being developed in partnership with Augusta National, and Woods was joined by Fred Ridley, chairman of the Masters Tournament, during his visit.
The 9-hole course is scheduled to open in 2026, while the TGR Learning Lab is expected to begin operations in 2028. This lab will be the fourth of its kind, following others in Anaheim, Philadelphia, and a new facility set to open in Los Angeles in 2025. The labs focus on STEAM education—Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math—and aim to provide innovative learning opportunities for youth.
The initiative was originally announced during the 2025 Masters Tournament. At the time, Fred Ridley highlighted the significance of the collaboration with Woods, noting his long-standing advocacy for short courses. “I know that this whole concept of a short course is something that’s near and dear to Tiger’s heart,” Ridley told the Augusta Chronicle. “I know he’s stated that he grew up playing on short courses. So I’m sure they’re going to make it really interesting for these people, for everybody—the young people and everybody else that are playing it.”
Woods announced in early March that he had ruptured his Achilles while preparing for the Players Championship, an event that would have been his first appearance of the 2025 PGA Tour season. He underwent surgery shortly after the injury. Though the procedure was successful, experts say Woods is unlikely to return to competitive play before 2026.
