As the golf world descends on Augusta this spring for the Masters, a different kind of spotlight will shine just a few miles away. Augusta Municipal Golf Course — affectionately known as “The Patch” — is set to reopen to the public the Wednesday after tournament week, unveiling a sweeping renovation backed by Augusta National Golf Club.
And true to its roots, the price of entry remains accessible. Weekday resident rates begin at $25 for 18 holes, with seniors and juniors paying even less.
Three years ago, Augusta National entered into a new 50-year lease with the city and committed to reimagining the longtime public layout. The goal: preserve an important community institution while expanding public golf access and creating local job opportunities. To bring the vision to life, the club enlisted Tiger Woods, Beau Welling and Tom Fazio, tasking the trio with modernizing the course while honoring 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 wasn’t uncommon to see local legend Jim Dent, one of the game’s most accomplished Black professionals, walking its fairways. His son, Jim Dent Jr., later served as the course’s head professional, and in 2020 the entrance road was renamed Jim Dent Way in tribute.
The 16-month overhaul significantly reshaped the property. The clubhouse has been relocated to the corner of the site, and the routing has been redesigned. Based on course renderings, five original holes remain intact, portions of six others have been incorporated, and seven entirely new holes have been added. While an official scorecard has yet to be released, the new layout appears to be a par 73, featuring five par-5s, four par-3s and nine par-4s. The former driving range now plays as part of the 15th hole, while a new practice facility — complete with Trackman Range technology — sits near the former First Tee practice grounds.
Beyond the main course, the updated facility includes a Woods-designed short course called “The Loop” and a 12-hole putting course that will be free to use — further reinforcing the emphasis on community access and player development.
The Patch will reopen fully to the public on April 15, with limited play beginning next month during a soft launch period.
Green fees are structured to balance accessibility with sustainability:
Local residents: $25 Monday–Thursday, $35 weekends
Senior/Junior residents (60+ and 18 and under): $20 Monday–Thursday, $30 weekends
Non-residents: $85 weekdays, $95 weekends
In addition to the physical transformation, Augusta National has partnered with Augusta Technical College’s golf course management program and the First Tee of Augusta to oversee course operations, tying workforce development and youth programming directly into the project’s long-term mission.
While Augusta National remains one of the most exclusive clubs in the world, its latest investment ensures that just down the road, a revitalized public course continues to offer opportunity — and a tee time most golfers can afford.
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