Augusta, Ga. (AP) — Tiger Woods was playing golf with Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley two years ago, prior to the Masters.
Woods quickly became interested and began a more formal conversation with Monday’s announcement that Woods would design a par-3 course at a renovated municipal facility, and more formal conversations than the Woods Foundation building an education center for students in local public schools.
The five-time Masters Champion’s involvement in the project expanded his imprint in the city of Georgia, where he experienced his biggest victory as a player.
“We also recognize the importance of deepening Tiger’s legacy with Augusta and Masters,” Ridley said.
Augusta National-funded golf courses in Augusta City (known as the patch of the vegetable garden that once robbed the property) were also a surprise to the facility’s general manager and head professional when Ridley announced it two years ago.
The patch was closed at the end of December, with a 15-month reconstruction being overseen by architects Tom Fazio and Bowelling. Local government courses adjacent to the airport where Masters competitors arrive on the private jet are scheduled to resume next April.
And then there are nine new short holes created by one of the greatest athletes of the sport. The par-3 course is known as the Loop in patches, honoring the Augusta National Caddies who gathered there to play golf.
Woods did not attend Monday’s press conference. Surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon.
“It’s an important day when all of us at the TGR Foundation have this moment and we can do this together with Augusta,” Woods said.
The short course has become an important part of Woods’ design portfolio. His first American design, Bluejack National, includes a 10-hole short course called The Playground, with holes that range from 35 to 105 yards in length. He also designed a short course across the street from Pebble Beach, which opened in 2021.
“I know that the whole concept of this short course is close to Tiger’s heart and is important,” Ridley said.
Ridley also made some updates on what the patch will look like once it’s finished. The formerly 5,900-yard facility, which opened in 1928, is about 900 yards longer than the back tee, with a new clubhouse, driving range and short game area.
Before the renovation, Greens in the patch came to the top of the cart at $37 over the weekend. Ridley hasn’t confirmed the new rates, but he can promise that “the word “affordable price” cannot be summed up. I realized this is an asset to everyone in the community and to everyone in the community. ”
Patch’s head pro is Jim Dent Jr., whose Augusta father, who came from Augusta, has been a cadre at Augusta National, plays on the PGA Tour, becoming one of the most successful black players on the Senior Tour. Jim Dent won 12 times between 1989 and 98, winning more than $9 million for what is now known as the PGA Tour Champion.
Woods became the first black and Asian American player to win the Masters in a runaway victory at the age of 21 in 1997.
A few months before that victory, Woods announced the creation of the TGR Foundation. This provides educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (Steam).
Augusta’s Foundation Learning Center is fourth, alongside the TGR Learning Lab in Anaheim, California. Los Angeles; and Philadelphia. It is scheduled to open in 2028, and will occupy the former primary school site and open to students from all Richmond County public schools and school districts in the surrounding Savanna River area.
“Our investment in steam education for young people will strengthen our communities and drive economic growth,” Ridley said. “It will inspire innovation and provide a skilled workforce that will help Augusta for years to come.”
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