Augusta National to Support Golf Partnership with The Patch, Augusta Tech and First Tee

Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley gave his annual Masters week address to the media today and said the club will support a multiphase partnership with Augusta Municipal Golf Course, also known as The Patch, Augusta Technical College and The First Tee of Augusta.

Ridley said the goal is to strengthen public golf in the community and foster even greater opportunities to play the game and work in the sport.

"While in its early stages, this partnership can help produce the next generation of golf's workforce and make the game more accessible and inviting to youth and residents throughout the community," said Ridley.

Ridley said the initiative will link Augusta Tech's golf course management and workforce programs at The Patch with The First Tee's mission to teach the game and its values to juniors and community members of all backgrounds.

Augusta Tech will relocate its golf course management program to The Patch, with formal education programs in a classroom environment.  The partnership will build on Augusta Tech's efforts with the city to assume operation of The Patch by 2025.

"I commend Augusta Technical College, The Patch, The First Tee of Augusta and all leaders involved in this project, and we look forward to supporting their partnership and this exciting new chapter for public golf here in out city," said Ridley.