$32...Get outta here!
In the shadow of Augusta National Golf Club's grandeur, some lesser-known links are attracting national attention, too -- sort of.
Golf Magazine's Joe Passov, who claims to have played 1,200 courses in 21 countries, was predictably unimpressed by Augusta's Municipal Golf Course, also known as "The Patch."
"A short, bunkerless, uphill thrust approaches a green that's as round and bald as Charlie Brown's head," he wrote in an April tongue-in-cheek comparison to the National.
While Masters Tournament pros navigate holes such as No. 11's "White Dogwood," the Patch patrons endure "White Noise," where "a smattering of sickly trees doesn't soundproof the racket or cover the concrete of the landing strips," Mr. Passov said.
Operators of the city-owned course next to Daniel Field take it all in stride.
"I would only say it's flattering to be mentioned against Augusta National," said Recreation & Parks Director Tom Beck. "There is no other course in the world that can compare to it, but what we have is a good municipal course that has improved a lot over the years in its condition, services and facilities."
It isn't the first time the Patch has been panned. In 2003, National Geographic applied some interesting adjectives to the place where ducking Cessnas is just part of the game. The Patch might lack the ambience of Augusta National, but it does have one distinct advantage: Anyone can play -- and the cost for 18 holes is just $32.
Comments
$32...Get outta here!
Pazzov, you can "pizzoff". Don't go away mad, just go away! The patch is great for what it is, a fun muni w/ character and will bite you if you're not careful.
We can dis the Patch, but not some stranger. I have had some fine moments at the Patch, and have played this course since I was a kid. I enjoy the fact it's right next to an airstrip. This dude better be careful of the Irish Mafia!
Dude! Don't pick on the Patch!
What a jerk...
There is nothing great about the Patch, you can hardly tell a difference from the rough and the fairway. The greens are some of the worst in Augusta. For Augusta being known as the home of the Masters, I believe the municiple course should be much better or up to par with other courses in Augusta :)
There's a reason the course has always been called the "cabbage patch".
Hey, don't knock the patch. I got free beer there for years! Thank you Richmond County taxpayers!
Generations of Augustans learned how to play the game with their Dads at the Cabbage Patch. Its relevance now is somewhat diminished because of all of the great golf courses around Augusta that are also public. It is a shame that the city can not find the nerve to let a private concern lease the course and put their expertise to work. $32 is probably a bargain in most towns, but a senior greens fee at Applewood is only $20 and we are talking about a course in perfect shape year around. Actually, all of the public golf here is a great bargain.
Well, if the truth be told. Green Meadows is in worse shape than The Patch. But I'm pretty sure shivas never changed in the parking lot there. The Patch has made great improvements in the 15 years I've been here. In addition to Applewood, I also like Pointe South for a great bargain.
The PROBLEM with the PATCH is POLITICS.......a symptom of the division among the commissioners.
When I was in high school at Aquinas I remember many of the Marist brothers playing the course in the evenings. Many times I seen Bros. Richard and Maurice darting across Highland Ave. in a golf cart. I wish I could go back to the ealry 80's!!!
Sure locals know the "Patch" for "what it is".. but visitors do not.. And they would be sorely dissappointed with it.., especially in the city that hosts The Masters. Sure, probably most cities have a course like the Patch, but cinsidering Augusta's connection to the world of golf, the standards here should be higher.
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