AUGUSTA, Ga. (WFXG) - Even when the Masters Tournament ends, Augusta National Golf Club's investment in the Augusta community continues.

Wednesday, Chairman Fred Ridley talked about plans in the Augusta area, and what locals can expect to come.

“The best golf has to offer is on center stage," Ridley said Wednesday. "That is good for everyone, certainly players, but also our partners, volunteers, the Augusta community, and its many local charities, and especially our patrons and fans around the world.” 

The Masters Tournament brings a week of excitement in the sports world, considerable economic impact for the area, and news from Augusta National Golf Club of local investment.

“We continue to explore new ways to serve patrons, players, and our Augusta community,” Ridley said, sharing an update on what he calls a ‘community treasure,’ Augusta Municipal Golf Course, commonly known as 'The Patch.'

“it's really going to be a hub for junior and high school golf.”

In a collaboration with the city, Augusta Technical College, and The First Tee, Augusta National is creating affordable pathways to golf, while developing future leaders.

“We have reached an agreement with the city of Augusta to lease [the golf course], and over the past year we have had multiple community input sessions with the many stakeholders who frequent The Patch," Ridley explained. "With the insightful feedback we received, we are on a great path to make significant improvements to The Patch and to The First Tee facilities.”

Two well-known designers Tom Fazio and Beau Welling will be responsible for renovation of the historic course.

While still in the planning phase, the goal isn’t to re-do, but rather to revitalize.

“We're going to honor that history. For example, we're not going to build a new clubhouse. There's been a lot of history in that clubhouse, and we're going to hopefully make it nicer and freshen it up," Ridley said, adding, "The main thing we're going to try to do is to really provide a great golf course and practice area and possibly a short course.”

Work on The Patch gets started next January, with plans to open it April 2026. 

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