Tiger Woods Designs New Course, Learning Lab in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. — Tiger Woods, the legendary five-time Masters champion, announced a new partnership with Augusta National Golf Club on Monday, revealing plans to design a nine-hole short course called The Loop at The Patch. This announcement was made during a press conference held at the 2025 Masters Tournament.

The project includes renovating the Augusta Municipal Golf Course, affectionately known as ‘The Patch,’ which has long served as a training ground for caddies from the Masters. The Loop at The Patch aims to provide an affordable, engaging golf experience while enhancing local educational opportunities.

Fred Ridley, chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, hosted the conference and expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration. “Partnering with Augusta National Golf Club to serve its surrounding community is truly special,” Woods said. “This is a transformational opportunity to empower the next generation and deliver meaningful educational programming along with access to fun and affordable golf.”

The TGR Foundation, Woods’ nonprofit organization, will also establish a TGR Learning Lab in Augusta, which will offer STEM education to students in Richmond County and surrounding areas. This initiative reflects the commitment to enriching educational opportunities for youth. Ridley emphasized the importance of the learning lab, stating it could impact up to 23,000 students.

The Loop at The Patch will complement the ongoing renovations of the existing Augusta Municipal Golf Course, which is being redesigned by renowned architects Tom Fazio and Beau Welling. The updated 18-hole layout is scheduled to open ahead of the 2026 Masters.

“At the heart of our effort at The Patch is a commitment to create an inviting golf experience,” Ridley said. “Equal importance will be placed on creating opportunities to learn and develop a pipeline for employment in the golf industry.”

The new nine-hole course will be situated adjacent to the renovated 18-hole course and will include short game facilities. Both projects aim to revitalize the nearly century-old public golf facility, ensuring its affordability and accessibility to the community.

The name, The Loop, pays homage to the caddies who have utilized the course as a gathering spot over the decades. Ridley described the project’s significance: “We recognize the importance of deepening Tiger’s legacy in Augusta, and this felt like an enduring way to stay connected with all he has done at the Masters and will do in this community.”

Woods was unable to attend the announcement press conference as he continues to recover from surgery on his left Achilles tendon, but he expressed his excitement about the projects. He stated, “I am excited to work alongside Augusta National and see both projects become a reality.”

Looking ahead, the TGR Learning Lab is anticipated to open in April 2028 at the site of a former elementary school, contributing to the educational landscape for local students. Ridley noted the collaboration between Augusta National and the TGR Foundation aims to offer resources that will empower students and prepare them for their future careers.

Work on The Loop at The Patch is expected to commence soon, with hopes of the course being accessible to the public by April 2026.