AUGUSTA, Ga. — Three years ago this week, Masters Chairman Fred Ridley made a promise. His club, Augusta National, was going to branch out into the community like never before, partnering with local establishments to refashion Augusta Municipal Golf Course. The course nicknamed “The Patch” had “good bones,” Ridley said, meaning that even if its appearance sagged, its structure was something an Augusta National budget could work with.

And work with it they have, in the only way Augusta National knows: expeditiously. 

A year ago, the Patch was dirt. Next week, it opens to the public. On Wednesday morning, two-time major champion Retief Goosen was ripping around it for the first time, part of a soft launch for VIPs during this Masters week. 

What Goosen and a handful of others found was a good golf course that will absolutely become great over time. A great place to hang during Masters week. A great place for Augusta juniors to learn the game. A great place for the public to find extremely affordable golf. 

By most every metric, The Patch project should be considered a success. Course designers Tom Fazio and Beau Welling made it a much more compelling track. Countless trees were removed, opening up the sprawling scenery that was once hidden by forestland. After time, its greens will grow softer and its fairways will look tenured; it will be the most fun public course in the vicinity of the Masters. You will want a tee time, and may struggle like hell to get one. 

The vibe will feel decidedly public, too. The veranda wrapped around the clubhouse peers out over the 10th tee and 9th green — a place you’d want to have lunch. Or just drink beers, like The Patch Pale Ale, a new brew you can only get on property. The Loop, a short course designed by Tiger Woods, could become the real treat. Guests played its floodlit holes until well after bedtime Tuesday night. Next to the 18-hole putting green is an immense practice range, outfitted with Trackman hitting bays. Every derivative of golf seems to exist there, and it makes me happy for the potential it offers. 

What we don’t know about The Patch is how it will feel to those who called it home forever. For decades, in a not-so-distant past, the caddies at the private club in town — Augusta National — were Black, and many of them played their golf at the public course nearby — Augusta Municipal. They were the lifeblood of the muni, and they’ve been remembered in spots by the people who reshaped it.  

In one corner of the pro shop is a shrine for Jim Dent, the Augusta-raised Black golfer who competed on the PGA Tour in the 70s and 80s. His Callaway Big Bertha driver is tacked to the wall in a display case, near signed photos and a signed trading card. Dent’s role at the muni was so strong — it was the first course he ever shot in the 60s at, the same course his son was the head pro at — that the entrance to the course was renamed “Jim Dent Way” in 2020. When he passed away in 2025, they held a ceremony for him at The Patch. He probably deserves a statue out front. 

There are also framed pictures in that same corner of the pro shop, devoted to four legendary Black caddies: Jariah “Jerry” Beard, Willie Peterson, Willie Lee “Pappy” Strokes and Tommy Bennett. Beard, Peterson and Strokes all won Masters as caddies. Bennett was on the bag for Tiger Woods during his debut at Augusta National. 

This Patch is different from the Patch they knew. So different. But Jim Dent was stoked about its prospects when he was interviewed three years ago. He loved that it was a partnership with the local First Tee. The land is recognizable, but the aesthetic has changed. The old clubhouse, where Black caddies played card games for hours, was razed to the ground. 

The Patch will undoubtedly be a public asset, and when you’re there, even on a quiet day during this soft launch, you can envision the golf magic it will feature on a warm April night. But it will not feel much like The Patch of old. And frankly, that may be too much to ask. It’s hard to make something so demonstrably better for everyone without completely altering what it once was. But the fact that it was changed, via the funds and direction of an inspired and generous Augusta National, means something. It used to cost locals $20 to play 18 holes. Now, it’ll be $25. Put your faith in that. And harken back to that press conference Ridley gave three years ago. 

“If we are successful working on this project,” Ridley said, “I really do think it’s a model for other communities, and we are very interested in taking this on the road, as we say.”

What could that mean? Where could that mean? The mind wanders, and optimistically so. 

The Masters sets the standard not just in golf, but in style across all of sports. For standout, Augusta-inspired fits, we suggest checking out the First Major Golf Fan Collection from PGA Tour Superstore. From crisp polos and clean, classic color palettes, these pieces bring Augusta vibes to your everyday game. Whether you’re heading to a watch party or getting in a round of your own this weekend (hopefully early so you don’t miss the action), these are some of the easiest ways to channel your inner-patron.

Scottie Scheffler Adult Caddie Uniform

Imagine strolling into your buddy’s Masters watch party in your own caddie outfit replica featuring “SCHEFFLER” on the back so you can feel like you’re part of the world No. 1’s team. This uniform is perfect for golf outings, Masters watch parties, Halloween, tournaments, bachelor parties and, if you’re like us, anytime you want to look and feel amazing. (Also comes in a model with the name “CADDIE.”)

1 thing we really like: It looks exactly like the real thing.

Scottie Scheffler Adult Caddie Uniform

Channel a legendary Augusta-inspired look with this authentic caddie uniform featuring Scheffler on the back.

Waggle Pimento Corner Golf Hat

If you know, you know — this might be the best $1.50 ever spent. Pay tribute to Augusta’s most iconic (and deliciously cheesy) sandwich with a hat that delivers major style. Clean, classic and just playful enough, it’s a subtle nod that real fans will recognize instantly.

1 thing we really like: That logo is so good, we’re a little mad we didn’t come up with it.

Waggle Pimento Corner Golf Hat

Mid-profile snapback made from a polyester-spandex blend, designed to fit most heads.

Barstool Sports Can’t Talk Right Now Men’s Golf T-Shirt

One of the best traditions at the Masters? No phones allowed — period. Just golf, no distractions. This playful tee from Barstool Sports leans into that rule with a message on the back that couldn’t be more perfect. Honestly, we love to see it.

1 thing we really like: It’s clean, witty and unmistakably Masters-inspired.

Johnnie-O Pimento Performance Men’s Golf Polo Shirt

More pimento cheese sandwich–inspired style? Absolutely. This printed 3-button polo from Johnnie-O features a classic fit, lightweight moisture-wicking fabric, and just the right amount of stretch for all-day comfort. The hand-drawn sandwich print adds a subtle, playful nod to Augusta’s most iconic bite.

1 thing we really like: Johnnie-O delivers comfortable shirts unlike any others.

Also from Barstool Sports comes the Piped Stretch Women’s Golf Skort in all white, featuring a subtle green stripe and logo that echo the classic caddie look. Or, you can get the reverse one in green with a white stripe. Made from performance fabric with built-in undershorts and pockets, it delivers comfort, stretch, and all-day practicality. It runs small for a more fitted feel, so consider sizing up for a looser fit.

1 thing we really like: The built-in undershorts with pockets is a game-changer.

Nike August Tour Stretch Men’s Woven Golf Belt

This belt from Nike delivers everyday performance with a polished finish. The multi-colored woven fabric has built-in stretch that moves with you through every swing and all-day wear, while the braided design keeps the look clean and refined.

1 thing we really like: Woven belts are super-in right now and these colors are perfect for spring.

Nike August Tour Stretch Men’s Woven Golf Belt

Designed for comfort and flexibility, this belt blends everyday performance with a polished finish.

Callaway Azalea Gingham Print Men’s Golf Polo Shirt

Made from a soft single-knit fabric that includes recycled polyester, this golf top features a distinctive azalea gingham print for a modern look on or off the course. Engineered with Swing Tech and added stretch, it delivers a full, unrestricted range of motion for a smooth, fluid swing. It also provides protection from the sun’s harmful rays, so you can stay comfortable and covered all round.

1 thing we really like: Azaleas always look great and the design pairs perfectly with the green collar and buttons.

New Balance Fresh Foam Contend v3 – Champions Collection

This updated model features improved performance materials and an easier-to-clean upper for wet conditions. Paired with plush Fresh Foam cushioning and a stable, supportive fit, the v3 keeps you comfortable and grounded through every swing.

1 thing we really like: Fresh Foam for the win–all day, every day.

With the Masters only a week away, and you’ve probably noticed an influx of limited-edition gear hitting the market just in time to celebrate the year’s first major championship.

Now, you can add Mitsubishi’s offering to that list. Check out the newly-released Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana BB 2026 Season Opener Limited Edition Wood Shaft. The name is a mouthful, but the details will make fans of premium shafts — and premium courses like Augusta National — smile.

If you like owning head-turning gear with “if-you-know-you-know” details, you’ll love the design of this shaft. A pattern featuring the leaves and flowers that populate Augusta, like White Dogwood, Golden Bell, and Azalea, combines with praying hands to pay tribute to a certain three-hole stretch. (Hint: you may need a prayer or two to get through these holes without disaster.)

This one-time release shaft is built on the Diamana 6th Generation BB platform and has been produced in extremely limited quantities in Japan. In short, if you want to get your hands on one of these shafts, better act fast! Check out the shaft in detail below, and click the link to order yours now.

Shop the Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana BB 2026 Season Opener Limited Edition Wood Shaft at Fairway Jockey

Mitsubishi Chemical Diamana BB 2026 Season Opener Limited Edition Wood Shaft

This limited release blends elite performance with a design inspired by one of golf’s most iconic traditions.

Bobby Jones, the legendary amateur and Augusta National co-founder, didn’t just play golf well — he also played the game quickly. There was little fidgeting or second-guessing when Jones stepped over a shot. Slide in, maybe a quick waggle and let it rip. Ditto on the greens, where he believed examining putts from multiple angles was unnecessary if not counterproductive.

A century or so after Jones’s prime, his proclivity for a peppy pace is alive and well at the club he helped establish — or, at the least, the club’s forward-looking chairman, Fred Ridley, has championed the cause. Look no further than Ridley’s state-of-the-union remarks at the Masters a year ago. In the weeks leading up to the 2025 tournament, the sluggish pace on the PGA Tour had become so offensive that CBS Golf reporter Dottie Pepper called it out on the air.

Pepper’s critique sparked much heated debate on the topic, which led Ridley to say in scripted comments to the press: “The subject of pace of play is top of mind. Playing without undue delay, as the rules and the game’s traditions dictate, is an essential skill of golf at all levels. Recognizing the challenges professionals face each week, I also believe pace of play is an important element of the examination of the world’s best players.

“Golf is a special game because it requires us to be considerate while also being competitive. Respecting other people’s time, including, importantly, the fans who support the game, is a fundamental courtesy. Therefore, I want to encourage continued dialogue on this topic, especially at the professional levels which serve as the most visible representation of our sport.”

But Ridley’s concern extended beyond the professional game and even the elite amateur and college games all the way down to the junior ranks. That much became evident when he was asked to reflect on a young golfer who had used the time-consuming AimPoint green-reading technique — which has become popular in the pro game — in the finals of the Drive, Chip & Putt National Finals. (There were, in fact, several players who employed the technique, but a reporter asked Ridley about one in particular.)  

“I, too, noticed exactly what you noticed,” Ridley said. “It’s interesting, but every phase of the competition has the same length chip and the same length putt, so it’s really not necessary to pace that off. They know how many yards that is. But nevertheless that’s what they were doing. I think it’s safe to assume that next year at the Drive, Chip & Putt you will see some sort of time limitations placed on the competition.”

Ridley wasn’t bluffing.

On Tuesday, the DC&P, which is jointly run by the Masters, the USGA and the PGA of America, announced a new rule — in essence, a shot clock — that will be instituted at the event’s finals at Augusta National in April.

At that stage of the contest, each of the 80 finalists hit only six shots a piece (two drives, two chips, two putts) so you can understand why they’re in full grind mode. Still, to alleviate some of the slog, the event is introducing a “pace of play bonus” by which competitors will earn half a bonus point for each shot they complete in 40 seconds or less, meaning players who execute all six of their shots in the allotted time will earn three bonus points in all. “This initiative aims to reinforce pace of play as an essential skill in golf,” according to a release announcing the new rule.  

Here, according to the official rules, is how the pace will be monitored:

First Shot

Second Shot

Scoring Procedure

Sensible? We think so! Now if only we could get the pros moving, because, after all, tomorrow’s stars are following their lead. As Ridley said last year, “These young people are looking to their heroes who play the game each week for a living as to how they’re going to approach competitively playing the game.”

If the DC&P’s new rule is effective, maybe that formula should get flipped on its head.