As the golf world descends on Augusta for the Masters this spring, a different kind of spotlight will shine just a few miles away. Augusta Municipal Golf Course – affectionately known as “The Patch” – will reopen to the public the Wednesday following tournament week, unveiling a major renovation supported by Augusta National Golf Club.And true to its roots, the entrance fee remains accessible. Weekday resident rates start at $25 for 18 holes, with seniors and juniors paying even less.
Three years ago, Augusta National signed a new 50-year lease with the city and pledged to reinvent the old public layout. The goal: preserve an important community institution while expanding public access to golf courses and creating local jobs. To bring the vision to life, the club brought in Tiger Woods, Beau Welling and Tom Fazio, who tasked the trio with modernizing the course while respecting its original character.
For decades, affordability made The Patch a hub for Augusta’s public golfers — especially Black golfers who historically had limited access to the city’s most famous private club. Over the years, it was not uncommon to see local legend Jim Dent, one of the game’s most talented black professionals, walking the fairways. His son, Jim Dent Jr., later served as the course’s head professional, and in 2020 the access road was renamed Jim Dent Way in tribute.
The 16 month overhaul has significantly reformed the property. The clubhouse has been moved to the corner of the site and the routing has been redesigned. Based on the course renderings, five original holes have been left intact, portions of six other holes have been included, and seven entirely new holes have been added. Although an official scorecard has yet to be released, the new layout appears to be a par 73, with five par-5s, four par-3s and nine par-4s. The former driving range now forms part of the 15th hole, while a new practice facility – complete with Trackman Range technology – is located close to the former First Tee practice area.In addition to the main course, the updated facility includes a Woods-designed short course called “The Loop” and a 12-hole putting course that is free to use – further reinforcing the emphasis on community access and player development.
The Patch will fully reopen to the public on April 15, with limited play starting next month during a soft launch period.
Green fees are structured in such a way that accessibility and sustainability are balanced:
Locals: $25 Monday through Thursday, $35 on weekends
Seniors/Juniors (60+ and 18 and under): $20 Monday through Thursday, $30 on weekends
Non-residents: $85 on weekdays, $95 on weekends
In addition to the physical transformation, Augusta National is partnering with Augusta Technical College’s Golf Course Management Program and the First Tee of Augusta to oversee golf course operations, linking workforce development and youth programming directly to the project’s long-term mission.
While Augusta National remains one of the most exclusive clubs in the world, the latest investment ensures that a revamped public course just down the street will continue to offer opportunity – and a tee time that most golfers can afford.
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