Augusta National Golf Club has announced that ‘The Patch’, a short course designed by Tiger Woods, will open to the public on April 15th. The announcement marks a significant development at the home of the Masters, where public access has traditionally been extremely limited.
The opening date coincides with the week following the 2026 Masters Tournament, suggesting Augusta National’s intention to provide golf fans with a unique experience at the iconic venue. Details about the course layout, booking procedures, and playing fees have not yet been released by the club.
Expanding Augusta’s Legacy
This development represents a rare opportunity for the general public to experience golf at Augusta National, albeit on a course separate from the championship layout. The club has historically maintained strict membership and access policies, making any public offering noteworthy within the golf community.
Woods’ involvement in the design adds considerable prestige to the project. The 15-time major champion has extensive experience with Augusta National, having won the Masters five times, most recently in 2019 after an 11-year major championship drought.
Short Course Trend
The addition of a short course follows a growing trend in golf course development, where facilities aim to provide more accessible and time-efficient playing options. These courses typically feature shorter holes and can accommodate players of varying skill levels while maintaining design integrity.
Augusta National’s decision to make The Patch publicly accessible could signal a shift in the club’s approach to community engagement, though the extent of public access and operational details remain to be clarified.
🚨⛳️🌺 #NEW — Tiger Woods designed short course ‘The Patch’ to open April 15th to the public, Augusta National announces. @TWlegion pic.twitter.com/NBmU5vy337
— NUCLR GOLF (@NUCLRGOLF) February 10, 2026
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