How Augusta National Helped Transform The Patch Into a Modern Golf Destination

As the clock approaches 9 p.m. on a warm Friday evening in Augusta, Ga., The Patch is still buzzing.

Music echoes across the property while golfers continue to tee off under the lights at The Loop, the Tiger Woods-designed par-3 course that has quickly become one of the area's most popular attractions. Nearby, the 44-bay driving range is packed, the putting green is full of players of all ages, and groups continue arriving long after sunset.

Just weeks after reopening, Augusta Municipal Golf Course—better known to generations of locals as The Patch—appears to be exactly what Augusta needed.

“Augusta needed something like this,” one golfer remarked after finishing a round on The Loop.

Based on the early response, it's hard to argue.

A Historic Augusta Landmark Reimagined

The rebirth of The Patch has been years in the making.

In 2023, Augusta National Golf Club chairman Fred Ridley announced a partnership involving Augusta National, Masters Tournament Charities, Tiger Woods, Augusta Technical College and First Tee of Augusta to completely reinvent the nearly century-old municipal facility. Renowned golf course architects Tom Fazio and Beau Welling led the redesign effort.

For decades, Augusta Municipal was affectionately known as The Patch, a nickname that originated from a cabbage garden near the original clubhouse and endured through years when the course's conditioning often matched its humble reputation.

Yet despite its imperfections, The Patch became one of Augusta's most beloved gathering places. Junior golfers, retirees, working-class residents and aspiring players all found a home there.

Located just five miles from Augusta National Golf Club, The Patch represented a different side of golf in a city best known for exclusivity and tradition.

Affordable Golf With Augusta National Touches

The redesigned facility blends modern amenities with an unmistakable Augusta flavor.

Walking rates range from $20 to $95, with discounted pricing available to local residents. The clubhouse architecture draws inspiration from Augusta National, while a new signature beer, The Patch Pale Ale, is sold exclusively on-site through a partnership with Savannah River Brewing Company.

The course has also embraced its roots. A new logo featuring a cabbage patch perched atop a golf tee has become one of the most sought-after items in the golf shop.

Those affordable prices and welcoming atmosphere were key goals of the project from the beginning.

Honoring the History That Made The Patch Special

The reopening celebration in May highlighted the course's deep cultural significance.

The Western Golf Association's Caddie Hall of Fame traveled to Augusta to induct Nathaniel “Iron Man” Avery, the longtime caddie for Arnold Palmer during his four Masters victories.

Avery joined fellow Augusta caddie legends Freddie Bennett, Willie Peterson, Carl Jackson, Willie “Pappy” Stokes and Jim Dent in the Hall of Fame. Many of these men spent countless hours at The Patch, making the course an important part of Augusta's golfing culture.

Their legacy is reflected throughout the property. The Loop itself is named in honor of Augusta's historic caddie community, while exhibits inside the clubhouse showcase the course's rich history dating back to its opening in 1928.

Visitors can also learn about a significant milestone from May 1964, when prominent civil rights attorney and future judge John Ruffin Jr. and his friends became the first Black golfers to play the course.

A $50 Million Transformation

The physical transformation of The Patch is remarkable.

Construction crews completed the project in just 357 days, replacing the clubhouse, modernizing infrastructure and rebuilding the golf course with new bermudagrass surfaces.

Industry estimates place the investment at more than $50 million.

The course now stretches roughly 6,700 yards from the back tees and features dramatic elevation changes rarely found on municipal golf courses. While many of the property's mature trees were lost during Hurricane Helene in 2024, designers incorporated elements of the original layout into the new routing, preserving a connection to the course's past.

The signature finishing hole plays over water to a green complex reminiscent of Augusta National's famous 18th hole.

Can The Patch Preserve Its Culture?

The real test won't be whether golfers continue showing up.

They already are.

Visitors have traveled from across the United States and Canada to experience Augusta's newly revitalized municipal course. Tee sheets remain packed, longtime local groups continue to secure their regular playing times, and families are discovering the facility for the first time.

The bigger question is whether the culture that made The Patch special can survive its transformation.

Andre Lacey II, head golf coach at Paine College and grandson of Jim Dent, believes that culture has always been the course's greatest strength.

For decades, wealthy business leaders, working-class golfers, juniors and retirees shared the same fairways and friendships.

“That was The Patch every day,” Lacey said before the reopening. “The culture continuing is something we're looking forward to more than the price to play.”

A Blueprint for Municipal Golf?

The impact of the project may ultimately extend far beyond Augusta.

Plans are already underway for a TGR Learning Lab, part of Tiger Woods' TGR Foundation, to open nearby by 2028. The facility will provide free educational opportunities focused on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics for local students.

Meanwhile, golf leaders across the country are closely watching whether Augusta's model can be replicated elsewhere.

The combination of affordable access, modern facilities and community-driven programming has created a compelling vision for the future of municipal golf.

"If we are successful working on this project," Ridley said, "I really do think it's a model for other communities."

For now, however, the focus remains on Augusta, where one of America's most beloved municipal golf courses has found new life while striving to preserve the spirit that made it special in the first place.

Old Westbury Golf & Country Club Announces Completion of Comprehensive Golf Course Renovation

(OLD WESTBURY, N.Y.) — Old Westbury Golf & Country Club has unveiled the total renovation of its 27-hole golf course, a major capital project designed to elevate playability, modernize infrastructure, and preserve the character of one of Long Island’s most distinctive private club golf experiences.

The project, led by golf course architect Brian Silva, included the reconstruction of 28 greens to USGA specifications, the rebuilding of all tees, the modernization of bunkers with the installation of the Better Billy Bunker system, new irrigation and pump station, and targeted architectural refinements to the Woods, Bluegrass, and Overlook nines. The renovation was completed in an accelerated three-month construction window and came in more than $2 million under its reported budget.

“Our objective was to create a more playable and strategic golf course while preserving the championship quality and character that have long defined Old Westbury,” said Mark Rosen, Board President of Old Westbury Golf & Country Club. “With this renovation now complete, our members can enjoy a golf experience that reflects both the traditions of the club and the standards expected of a premier modern facility.”

The original course was designed in 1962 by William Mitchell. Its 3 nines were known for hilly topography; fast, pushed-up greens with multi-level false fronts; and more than 100 bunkers.  Of the 28 original greens (including the practice putting green), more than half were not to USGA specs, with only surface (no internal) drainage. Also, many were severely sloped, which made it hard to find pin positions as green speeds evolved.

Silva’s remit was to renovate the course, specifically greens, tees, and bunkers, plus some minor changes in and along fairways to create more interest and variety. All greens were planted with 007XL bentgrass, a top-rated “super bent” known for its fine texture, density, and consistently green color. The varietal was developed by Dr. Richard Hurley, formerly of Rutgers University, who has been consulting with the club on the best maintenance methods.

Other changes to the course include cutting the number of bunkers from more than 100 to about 70; lowering the pushed-up greens to fairway level; rebuilding all the tees; and replacing the entire irrigation system with more than 30 miles of new pipe, controls, and infrastructure. Also, many greenside bunkers were removed, and what was once rough has been replaced by short-cut chipping areas.

“This renovation presented an opportunity to improve fundamental infrastructure and strengthen the strategic character of the golf course without losing the spirit of the original design,” said Silva. “The result is a course that should perform better, play better, and serve the membership exceptionally well for years to come.”

Almost as important as the renovation was the club’s desire to get it done with minimal disruption to member play. The project demanded military-like precision and planning— managing everything from parking and deliveries to housing, hydration, and meals for workers—which allowed Course Superintendent Tom McAvoy, main contractor NMP Golf Construction, and numerous subcontractors to get the job done in just three months.  

Silva added that the renovated course delivers flexibility in course setup while giving members more shot-making options around the greens. The new surfaces and supporting infrastructure systems allow the club to maintain high standards of conditioning while enhancing playability throughout the season.

Rosen said, “We had a good golf course on a great piece of property. Now we have a great golf course on a great piece of property.”

Set on one of the highest points in Nassau County, Old Westbury Golf & Country Club is known for its panoramic views, tree-lined fairways, and family-centered club culture. The completion of the golf course renovation marks a significant milestone in the club’s continued investment in its facilities and member experience.

For additional information, access the club’s website at www.owgolf.com.

Bad Lies and Worse Decisions: PGA TOUR Players Who Behaved Badly

Golf has long marketed itself as a gentleman’s game — one built on integrity, etiquette, and self-policing. But PGA TOUR history proves that even in a sport built around honor, controversy is never far away.

The recent resurfacing of criticism surrounding Wyndham Clark’s on-course behavior after his victory at the CJ CUP Byron Nelson is just the latest reminder that golf stars are hardly immune from public scrutiny. While Clark’s incidents have largely centered on frustration and temperament, other PGA TOUR players have produced moments that ranged from embarrassing to downright career-altering.

Here are some of the most infamous cases of PGA TOUR players behaving badly.

Tiger Woods and the Fall of Golf’s Golden Boy

For more than a decade, Tiger Woods wasn’t just golf’s biggest star — he was one of the most recognizable athletes on the planet. That image came crashing down in 2009 following revelations about multiple extramarital affairs after a bizarre late-night car accident outside his Florida home.

The scandal destroyed carefully crafted endorsements and turned Woods from a corporate dream into tabloid obsession overnight. Sponsors fled. His marriage ended. And for years, every tournament became as much about his personal life as his golf game.

Woods later faced additional scrutiny for incidents involving prescription medication and reckless driving. Though he eventually rebuilt much of his public image through an incredible comeback, the collapse of “Tiger the icon” remains the biggest scandal in modern golf history.

John Daly Made Chaos His Brand

Unlike Woods, John Daly never tried to hide his wild side.

Daly became famous for enormous drives, cigarette breaks during rounds, gambling stories, alcohol abuse, and public meltdowns. He smashed clubs, walked off courses, and repeatedly clashed with PGA TOUR officials throughout his career.

At times, Daly’s behavior threatened to overshadow his undeniable talent. Yet oddly enough, fans often embraced him because he never pretended to be polished. He became golf’s ultimate antihero — a player whose unpredictability was part of the attraction.

Few athletes in golf history have been simultaneously so beloved and so controversial.

Patrick Reed Became Golf’s Villain

Few modern golfers divide opinion like Patrick Reed.

Questions about Reed’s conduct date back to his college days, but his reputation took a major hit after multiple rules controversies on TOUR. The most famous came in the Bahamas in 2019 when television cameras appeared to show Reed improving his lie in a waste area during the Hero World Challenge.

The incident intensified the perception among many fans that Reed consistently pushed the boundaries of golf etiquette and rules. His combative relationship with media members and later legal battles only deepened the hostility.

Even after winning the Masters, Reed never fully escaped the “villain” label.

Rory Sabbatini Once Quit Mid-Round

Before LIV Golf controversies and social media feuds dominated headlines, Rory Sabbatini was considered one of the PGA TOUR’s biggest hotheads.

His most infamous moment came at the 2005 Booz Allen Classic when he became frustrated with playing partner Ben Crane’s pace of play and walked ahead to the next tee before Crane had finished the hole.

The PGA TOUR fined Sabbatini heavily, but the incident cemented his reputation as one of the game’s most volatile personalities. He later criticized teammates publicly during the Ryder Cup and frequently found himself at odds with peers.

Dustin Johnson’s Early Career Questions

Long before he became one of the game’s most dominant players, Dustin Johnson faced years of speculation surrounding suspensions and off-course behavior.

Though details were often murky because of the TOUR’s privacy policies, rumors followed Johnson throughout the early 2010s regarding failed drug tests and disciplinary issues. He eventually took a leave of absence from golf in 2014, citing personal challenges.

To his credit, Johnson rebuilt both his career and image, later becoming a major champion and world No. 1. But for years, he represented one of golf’s biggest unanswered questions.

Golf’s Image Has Changed

The modern PGA TOUR no longer exists in the spotless, country-club image it once projected. Players are more visible, more scrutinized, and more exposed than ever before.

Social media, Netflix documentaries, gambling sponsorships, and nonstop television coverage have transformed golfers into celebrities — and celebrities inevitably bring controversy.

For decades, golf tried to convince fans that its stars were different from athletes in other sports. History has shown otherwise. PGA TOUR players can be brilliant, reckless, immature, arrogant, inspiring, or deeply flawed.

Sometimes, they can be all of those things at once.

Kohanaiki Becomes First in Hawaiʻi to Deploy FireFly Automatix AMP-L100 Autonomous Electric Mower on Golf Course

The private Kona Coast Club implements the award-winning autonomous reel mowing system, setting a new benchmark for sustainable golf course operations in the Hawaiian islands

(Kailua-Kona, Hawaiʻi) –Kohanaiki, a private club community on the Kona Coast of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, today announced the implementation of the FireFly Automatix AMP-L100 autonomous electric reel mower on its Rees Jones-designed championship golf course, making Kohanaiki the first club in the Hawaiian Islands to deploy the technology. The milestone positions Kohanaiki at the forefront of innovation and sustainable golf course operations in the Pacific.

The FireFly Automatix AMP-L100 is a fully autonomous, all-electric 100-inch, 5-gang reel mower purpose-built for large-scale golf course fairway management. Operating entirely without an operator, the machine navigates the course using precision guidance technology to deliver consistent, high-quality results across the entire playing surface, without the emissions or noise associated with conventional gas-powered equipment. The AMP-L100 was recognized with the 2026 Innovator Award from the Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) for its leadership in autonomous turf technology.

“At Kohanaiki, we are always looking for ways to elevate the experience we deliver to our members while honoring our responsibility to the land and to Hawaiʻi. The FireFly Automatix AMP-L100 allows us to do both, maintaining impeccable fairway conditions with greater efficiency and a significantly reduced environmental footprint. We are proud to bring this technology to the Hawaiian Islands for the first time,” said Luke Bennett, Director of Golf Course Maintenance and Grounds, Kohanaiki.

The deployment reflects Kohanaiki’s longstanding commitment to integrating thoughtful innovation across every aspect of club operations. The club’s golf course is an 18-hole, par-72 layout stretching roughly 7,400 yards along the Kona Coast, featuring wide fairways, large greens, and multiple tee options, with several holes playing directly along the ocean. Its adoption of autonomous mowing technology aligns with the same philosophy of excellence and environmental mindfulness that defines life at Kohanaiki.

A pillar of Kohanaiki’s course is its commitment to eco-friendly practices. This FireFly implementation news comes directly on the heels of the course’s recent Audubon International Gold Signature Sanctuary Certification, which is a title awarded to new developments, courses, and resorts that go above and beyond to implement high level sustainable design, construction, and long-term ecological management. This certification positions Kohanaiki as the first course in the state to earn this certification and one of 14 Gold Signature Sanctuary courses worldwide within Audubon’s network of over 2,000 certified courses globally.

Kohanaiki’s recognition is rooted in its stewardship efforts, which continue to expand across multiple ecological zones on the property, reflecting a comprehensive approach to environmental management. Ongoing work includes the maintenance and restoration of rare anchialine pond systems, dedicated habitat protection for the Hawaiian stilt (Aeʻo), implementing native and drought-tolerant landscaping, innovative water conservation methods, wildlife protection, ecological buffering, and low impact golf course maintenance.

Image: Joann Dost

“Kohanaiki represents exactly the kind of forward-thinking club that is driving the future of golf course management. Bringing the AMP-L100 to Hawaiʻi for the first time is a milestone we’re incredibly proud of, Kohanaiki’s commitment to excellence and environmental stewardship makes them an ideal partner as autonomous electric mowing continues to redefine what’s possible in turf management,” said Andrew Limpert, CEO, FireFly Automatix.

The AMP-L100’s fully autonomous operation affords the opportunity to reallocate labor requirements while enabling continuous, precision fairway maintenance without disruption to member play. Its all-electric drivetrain produces zero direct emissions and operates at significantly lower noise levels than traditional equipment, benefiting both Kohanaiki’s natural environment and the overall on-course experience. The system’s 100-inch, 5-gang reel configuration ensures consistent mowing patterns and exacting cut quality across the course’s fairways.

Spread across 450 spectacular acres of the Kona Coast, Kohanaiki offers its members an unrivaled lifestyle, from its Rees Jones-designed golf course and 67,000-square-foot clubhouse to its beach club, organic farm, spa, and world-class adventure programming. For more information, please visit: kohanaiki.com. For more information about FireFly Automatix and the AMP-L100, visit: fireflyautomatix.com.

Srixon Celebrates the Red, White, and Blue with New All-American Collection

(HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif.) – Just in time for one of golf’s biggest stages, Srixon is bringing patriotic style and major championship energy to the course with the launch of its new All-American collection. The collection is a bold, limited edition lineup inspired by the spirit and the pride of summer golf in America.

We wanted to create a collection that matches the energy and excitement surrounding this time of year in golf and one of the game’s biggest championships. There’s something special about this season for golfers, and the All-American Collection reflects that in every detail, from the soft goods to the premium equipment. -Casey Shultz, Senior Product Manager at Srixon

Srixon All-American Combination Irons

Featuring a full lineup of custom accessories and equipment dressed in the traditional red, white, and blue styling, the All-American Collection blends premium performance with patriotic personality to celebrate the summer championship season.

The All-American Collection includes:
- Limited-edition patriotic headcovers featuring bold Americana-inspired details
- Custom towels and hats designed for summer golf season
- Three distinct golf bag styles built to fit every type of player: Staff Bag, Stand Bag, Sunday Bag
- Special-edition ZXi7/ZXi5 Combination Irons mixing tour-level performance with exclusive All-American cosmetics

Srixon All-American Collection

The All-American Collection is available through us.dunlopsports.com/srixon and select retailers nationwide.

Pricing & Availability

All-American Collection Towel: $29.99

All-American Headcovers: Driver: $39.99, Fairway $29.99, Hybrid $24.99

All-American Collection Snapback Hat: $34.99

All-American Collection Bucket Hat: $39.99

Limited Edition Z-STAR DIAMOND Golf Balls: $54.99

All-American Collection Sunday Bag: $229.99

All-American Collection Stand Bag: $399.99

All-American Collection Staff Bag: $549.99

All-American ZXi7 & ZXi5 Irons: $1,599.99

Mississippi’s Lowest-Rated Golf Courses: Three Courses That Have Left Golfers Frustrated

Dancing Rabbit

Mississippi is home to some exceptional golf destinations, from the coastal beauty of Fallen Oak to the rolling fairways of The Preserve. But not every round in the Magnolia State ends with glowing reviews and clubhouse stories worth repeating. A look through public golfer ratings and review platforms reveals a handful of courses that have struggled to win over players — whether because of conditioning, maintenance issues, value concerns, or inconsistent playability.

Here are three of the worst-rated golf courses in Mississippi based on publicly available golfer reviews and ratings.

1. Dancing Rabbit Golf Club — Philadelphia, Mississippi

This inclusion may surprise serious golfers. The course has long carried a strong reputation thanks to its association with the Pearl River Resort and designs by Tom Fazio and Jerry Pate. Yet recent public business ratings tell a different story, with the course carrying one of the lowest visible aggregate ratings among Mississippi golf facilities in current business listings.

Many golfer complaints center around expectations versus reality. Players expecting a luxury-resort experience have occasionally cited inconsistent course conditions and disappointing service levels relative to the premium green fees. The layout itself still earns praise, but reviewers suggest the experience no longer consistently matches the course’s once-elite billing.

The biggest criticism isn’t necessarily the architecture — it’s the feeling that golfers are paying for a reputation that no longer guarantees a top-tier experience.

2. Bay Pointe Country Club — Brandon, Mississippi

Bay Pointe

Public ratings for Bay Pointe place it near the bottom of Mississippi golf facilities currently listed online.

Golfers have repeatedly pointed to uneven conditioning, aging infrastructure, and greens that can vary wildly depending on the season. While longtime local players still appreciate the course’s layout and affordability, newer visitors often come away underwhelmed.

The frustration seems rooted in unrealized potential. Bay Pointe sits in a golf-rich region near Jackson, and many reviewers believe the course could be far better with stronger upkeep and investment. Instead, it has developed a reputation as a course where the experience can change dramatically from one visit to the next.

For bargain hunters, that inconsistency may be tolerable. For golfers expecting polished conditions, reviews suggest disappointment is common.

3. The Dogwood's Golf Course — Grenada, Mississippi

Dogwood's Golf Course

Nestled inside Hugh White State Park, The Dogwood’s Golf Course should have all the ingredients for a hidden gem: scenic surroundings, elevation changes, and a peaceful setting near Grenada Lake. But reviewer scores from golf publications have been surprisingly harsh. Golf Digest panelists rated the course just 2.8 out of 5, with conditioning receiving especially poor marks.

Golfers frequently note that the course design itself is enjoyable, but maintenance problems can overshadow the experience. Thin fairways, inconsistent greens, and spotty upkeep have been recurring themes in reviews.

That’s what makes The Dogwood’s particularly frustrating. Unlike some poorly designed municipal layouts, many golfers believe the course actually has strong bones. The criticism largely comes from the sense that the facility isn’t living up to the beauty of its setting.

The Bigger Picture

Even the worst-rated golf courses usually have loyal supporters. Budget pricing, nostalgic value, or a fun layout can keep golfers coming back despite rough edges. In Mississippi, several low-rated courses fall into that category — flawed, but still playable for locals who know what to expect.

And in golf, ratings can change quickly. A renovation, new superintendent, or ownership investment can transform a struggling course within a season or two. Until then, though, these three facilities remain among the lowest-rated golf experiences golfers are likely to encounter in the state.

Atlanta National Begins Construction of New Short Game Area

(ATLANTA) – Invited Clubs, the worldwide leader in private clubs, has announced the launch of a reinvestment project at Atlanta National Golf Club with construction of the Lanny Wadkins Short Game Area now underway.

This comprehensive overhaul of the practice environment will offer a refined, tour-inspired training area that will serve members and guests of all skill levels. Spanning eight acres, the new facility will enable players to focus on their scoring, creativity and confidence around the greens.

Developed in partnership with World Golf Hall of Famer Lanny Wadkins, this new short game area reflects decades of championship insight and a design philosophy centered on realistic shot-making, versatility, and purposeful practice. From delicate touch shots to demanding recovery scenarios, the space was designed to mirror the challenges you face on the course, without distraction.

“Atlanta National Golf Club is one of the premier golf courses in the region, and it’s an honor to be able to craft a one-of-a-kind practice venue that will allow members and guests to hone their game in a top-tier environment,” said Wadkins. “This is an extensive project that will deliver a world-class practice and training venue and further enhance one of the best private golf club experiences in Georgia.”

“This new practice facility gives members a place to really go work on their game,” Wadkins said. “It’ll be a really nice brand new tee area that backs up to a creek, so the venue is really nice and refreshing down that end. The separate putting green is a place where you can have quiet time to work on your putting, and then you can go across the creek and spend all the time you want to on your short game – bunker play, chipping and all the little facets that really make golf unique. If you can master those parts of it, you’ll enjoy your game a lot more.”

Wadkins has worked extensively with Invited Clubs on several reinvestment and renovation projects throughout the past few years, including the comprehensive renovation of TPC Craig Ranch in McKinney, Tx. The home of The CJ Cup Byron Nelson on the PGA TOUR, Wadkins reimagined the property to create a stronger test for the game’s best golfers, while protecting the playability valued by members.

Work at Atlanta National Golf Club is underway and will continue through the fall.