Tiger Woods to Design New Par-3 Course Near Augusta National
Tiger Woods is adding a new chapter to his Augusta legacy. The five-time Masters champion will design a nine-hole short course at Augusta Municipal Golf Course, located just 5 miles from Augusta National.
Masters chairman Fred Ridley announced Monday that Woods has been commissioned to create “The Loop,” a par-3 layout at the property commonly known as “The Patch.” The name honors the caddies who used the course as a gathering spot for decades.
The Patch closed last December for a complete overhaul. Augusta National made a substantial investment in the property two years ago, and architects Tom Fazio and Beau Welling are currently renovating the nearly 100-year-old, 18-hole course. When it reopens in 2026, the main course will measure about 6,800 yards, with Woods’ Loop debuting alongside it.
“To have the ability to be able to design something that’s going to impact the community, and something that I truly believe in with education and STEAM and giving back to the underserved, and be able to do this with Augusta National, man, what an honor,” Woods said via a recorded message.
This isn’t Tiger’s first design project. He’s previously created Bluejack National, El Cardonal at Diamante, Payne’s Valley, and The Hay – a redesign of Pebble Beach’s nine-hole par-3 course.
The partnership goes beyond golf. Augusta will also welcome a TGR Learning Lab in 2028, operating from a refurbished Lamar Elementary School building. The center will serve over 23,000 Richmond County students with a STEAM curriculum that complements the county’s public school system.
“It really focuses on three things: academic achievement, health and well-being, and college and career opportunities,” Ridley explained.
So how did this collaboration come about? Ridley revealed that the idea emerged during a round of golf with Woods shortly before last year’s Masters.
“I thought I would mention The Patch project, which I think we were formally announcing that week at the tournament,” Ridley said. “It was clear when I shared the concept that it sort of piqued his interest, and that was sort of the beginning of a conversation.”
What started as a casual discussion evolved into something much more significant. “We also recognize the importance of deepening Tiger’s legacy in Augusta and with the Masters,” Ridley added. “This we felt was an enduring way that we could be forever connected with Tiger and all he’s done at the Masters and now all that he’s going to be doing in this community.”
