As true golf fans will know, the chances of ever teeing-up to play Augusta National are near impossible.
Even attempting to approach anywhere near the Augusta National front gates facing Washington Road and you know you’re going to be ‘hassled’ by security personnel.
Though there is one golf course in sleepy Augusta, Georgia where you area warmly welcomed and where you can play golf even on the Wednesday afternoon of Masters week when the famed Masters host course at Augusta National golf course itself is closed.
It’s the Augusta Municipal golf course and more affectionately known as ‘The Patch’.
Your author along with good friends and colleagues Euan McLean and Neil McLeman – the Three Mac’s – played The Patch on the eve of the 2015 Masters.
Your author playing at The Patch on the eve of the Masters in Aprl, 2015
Though in more recent times The Patch has been closed undergoing changes but the good news the Augusta Municipal Golf Course, established in 1928, announced yesterday (Tuesday Feb 10th) information related to its reopening this spring, ushering in a new era of public golf in Augusta.
And thh great news it the The Patch will open fully for public play on Wednesday, April 15, 2026. That’s just three days after the final round of the 2026 Masters.
There will be a soft opening will begin in mid-March with limited play for local community groups, including regular players at The Patch and high school teams. Play will continue for private hospitality opportunities during the week of the Masters Tournament before the full reopening on April 15.
This follows the completion of a 16-month renovation of the 18-hole golf course, led by Tom Fazio and Beau Welling, along with the newly designed, nine-hole short course, The Loop at The Patch, which was designed by Tiger Woods and his firm, TGR Design. Both courses present welcoming experiences for all levels of golfers, creating opportunities to learn and develop a lifelong relationship with the game of golf.
Fundamental to The Patch Project is delivering an accessible and affordable public golf experience for the Augusta community. The 18-hole walking rate for local residents, as defined on GolfThePatch.com, will be $25 Monday through Thursday and $35 Friday through Sunday, while The Loop at The Patch will cost $15 for local residents.
The Patch practice facilities encompass 17 acres and feature Trackman Range, including an area with 20 covered bays. Additionally, the Putting Course is available complimentary to the general public and includes a 12-hole routing, offering a fun way for players of all skill levels to experience the game.
Images thanks to Augusta Municipal GC
The full pricing structure for The Patch, The Loop at The Patch and the practice facilities is available on GolfThePatch.com and includes rates for active-duty military, seniors, juniors and local and non-local residents, as well as cart fees. Booking instructions will be provided at a later date. To ensure a best-in-class experience, available tee times will increase gradually and reach full capacity in the summer months.
The First Tee of Augusta will resume normal activities at The Patch on May 1. Further details, policies and daily operational information can be found on GolfThePatch.com.
Originally announced on April 5, 2023, by Fred Ridley, Chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, The Patch Project, LLC is a partnership between Augusta Technical College, The First Tee of Augusta and Masters Tournament Charities and will foster opportunities to play and work in the sport.
The Patch will be operated by Bobby Jones Links, who is actively hiring several positions across golf course operations, the golf shop and food and beverage. Those interested in more information should email patch@bobbyjoneslinks.com.
