Tiger Woods, in collaboration with Augusta National Golf Club, is spearheading a transformative partnership focused on community development in Augusta, Georgia. The initiative will establish a TGR Learning Lab to provide STEAM education and affordable golf, alongside renovations at Augusta’s historic municipal course, The Patch. The effort promises to make significant educational and sporting resources more accessible to the local community, with Woods contributing his expertise and passion for both education and golf. The project includes a short golf course designed by Woods and renovations to improve facilities for the future of golf.

Augusta National Golf Club and five-time Masters champion Tiger Woods have come together to make a profound impact on the Augusta, Georgia, community.

This ambitious partnership, announced by Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley, will concentrate on increasing access to education and affordable golf, in collaboration with Woods’ charitable organisation, the TGR Foundation.

At the heart of this partnership lie two groundbreaking projects: the establishment of a TGR Learning Lab and the redesign of the historic Augusta municipal golf course, known as The Patch.

In a move that demonstrates their shared dedication to community growth, Augusta National and the TGR Foundation will create a TGR Learning Lab in Augusta. These labs are renowned for providing STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) education to students from underprivileged backgrounds.

The Augusta TGR Learning Lab, slated to open in 2028, will be located on the former site of Lamar Elementary School. It will offer year-round programmes focusing on STEAM enrichment, health and well-being, and career readiness. Open to students from Richmond County and surrounding school districts, the lab is poised to equip the next generation with the tools they need for future success.

“Partnering with Augusta National Golf Club to serve its surrounding community is truly special,” said Woods.

“My passion for education and golf runs deep, as does my longstanding relationship with both Augusta National and the city of Augusta. This is a transformative opportunity to empower the next generation by providing meaningful educational programmes and access to enjoyable, affordable golf.”

“I am excited to work alongside Augusta National to bring both of these projects to life.”

The historic municipal golf course, The Patch, will also undergo a comprehensive renovation as part of this initiative. The revitalised facility will feature a new nine-hole short course, named The Loop at The Patch, designed by Woods and his TGR Design team. The short course aims to make golf more welcoming and accessible to players of all skill levels, while offering newcomers an introduction to the sport.

The broader renovation will include a redesigned 18-hole layout, spearheaded by Tom Fazio and Beau Welling, expanded practice areas, and updated facilities to meet the community’s golfing needs. Augusta Technical College will move its golf course management programme to The Patch, further merging education and career development with the project.

“At the heart of our efforts at The Patch is a commitment to create an affordable and inviting golfing experience,” said Ridley.

“We aim to place equal emphasis on offering opportunities to learn and fall in love with the game, alongside developing a pipeline for employment in the golf industry. We are proud to collaborate with TGR Design and our other project partners to make this exciting vision a reality.”

Is Woods Playing the 2025 Masters?

Woods will be absent from Augusta National this week as he continues his recovery from surgery to repair his Achilles tendon. The procedure, described as “minimally invasive,” followed an injury sustained during an intense training session. While Woods remains focused on his rehabilitation, no definitive timeline has been set for his return to competitive golf.

Speculation about a potential Masters appearance briefly sparked when the former World No. 1 posted on social media platform X, hinting at a miraculous recovery and suggesting he was ready to compete. However, the timing of the post – 1st April – immediately raised suspicion.

Shortly thereafter, Woods confirmed the joke by quoting his own post and adding a tongue-in-cheek clarification: “P.S. April Fools – my Achilles is still a mess :)”