It had a reputation to live up to, and it succeeded mightily.
Augusta Municipal Golf Course, "The Patch," doesn't have nice fairways, nice greens, nice cart paths, or nice tee boxes. Golf Magazine said so, and I verified its claims. But that really doesn't matter. It's very inexpensive and still fun. Golf holes are the same diameter whether or not you're playing on Bent Grass Greens or sandpaper.
Augusta Municipal has one thing it's precious neighbor, Augusta National, does not -- accessibility. Anyone can play 18 at Augusta Municipal. Only a select few are ever afforded the opportunity at the National.
Problem areas at Municipal include numerous dead spots on the fairways, weeds on the fairways, weeds growing on the greens, and hard, rocky ground in the rough. The rough at Augusta National is far and away better than the fairway at Municipal. Other issues were uneven tee boxes and gobs of "debris" on the greens in the form of fallen leaves or other pine tree particles.
But the less-than-spectacular shape of the course is part of Municipal's schtick. Otherwise, it couldn't make light of itself with hats that read "The Patch" embroidered on the back. The city could spend thousands to renovate the grounds and replant nicer grass on the fairways and greens, but I don't think that would be in the best interest of the place. The below-par grounds make it more challenging. It's flaws make it special, and inexpensive.
For $14 to walk on weekdays, or $32 to walk and ride on weekends, it's a steal. Cart paths are generally dirt or crushed rock, so put lids on those drinks.
Augusta Municipal is located beside Daniel Field, which is an airport, not a baseball stadium. Jets will time to time buzz overhead. One hole, the par 5 11th, runs parallel to a runway. It's feasible to hook a drive into airport property, which I suppose can be dangerous for aviators.
This course isn't terribly long, but it's greatest challenge lies on its greens. They're small. Very small. Possibly even smaller than the greens at Lakewinds in Alexander City, Ala., a course reviewed last month. Municipal's greens weren't mowed short the day I played and were slower than some, but these greens were set on sloped pedestals and were very difficult to chip on to. Shots landing in the center of the greens often rolled off the back. Chipping has to be perfect.
Since the ground was very hard, some players chose to putt on to the green rather than chip, even from 25 yards out.
Augusta Municipal Golf Course, "The Patch," doesn't have nice fairways, nice greens, nice cart paths, or nice tee boxes. Golf Magazine said so, and I verified its claims. But that really doesn't matter. It's very inexpensive and still fun. Golf holes are the same diameter whether or not you're playing on Bent Grass Greens or sandpaper.
Augusta Municipal has one thing it's precious neighbor, Augusta National, does not -- accessibility. Anyone can play 18 at Augusta Municipal. Only a select few are ever afforded the opportunity at the National.
Problem areas at Municipal include numerous dead spots on the fairways, weeds on the fairways, weeds growing on the greens, and hard, rocky ground in the rough. The rough at Augusta National is far and away better than the fairway at Municipal. Other issues were uneven tee boxes and gobs of "debris" on the greens in the form of fallen leaves or other pine tree particles.
But the less-than-spectacular shape of the course is part of Municipal's schtick. Otherwise, it couldn't make light of itself with hats that read "The Patch" embroidered on the back. The city could spend thousands to renovate the grounds and replant nicer grass on the fairways and greens, but I don't think that would be in the best interest of the place. The below-par grounds make it more challenging. It's flaws make it special, and inexpensive.
For $14 to walk on weekdays, or $32 to walk and ride on weekends, it's a steal. Cart paths are generally dirt or crushed rock, so put lids on those drinks.
Augusta Municipal is located beside Daniel Field, which is an airport, not a baseball stadium. Jets will time to time buzz overhead. One hole, the par 5 11th, runs parallel to a runway. It's feasible to hook a drive into airport property, which I suppose can be dangerous for aviators.
This course isn't terribly long, but it's greatest challenge lies on its greens. They're small. Very small. Possibly even smaller than the greens at Lakewinds in Alexander City, Ala., a course reviewed last month. Municipal's greens weren't mowed short the day I played and were slower than some, but these greens were set on sloped pedestals and were very difficult to chip on to. Shots landing in the center of the greens often rolled off the back. Chipping has to be perfect.
Since the ground was very hard, some players chose to putt on to the green rather than chip, even from 25 yards out.
The front nine is more challenging than the back from a higher/lower overall score point of view. Why? The front nine has one par 3 and the back nine has three par 3s.
Notable holes on the front nine include the par 4 third hole, which forces the player to carry a 100-yard lake before landing on to the fairway. From there, the hole plays uphill.
One hole that can certainly destroy your psyche is the par 4 fifth, which doglegs to the left. Skilled golfers can cut the corner and drive over a cluster of pine trees. Good shots can leave a player just 30-40 yards from the green. The second shot is arguably the most treacherous on the course. On this day, the hole was placed on the left side of the green, the side of the green that also slopes to the left. Approach shots can easily roll off the green and down a 25-foot embankment. Amen Corner has nothing on this green. Take your shot and say your prayers.
Perhaps the easiest hole on the course is the 279-yard par 4 13th. A strong tee shot gives the player a chance a hole-in-one double eagle. But the hole does play uphill, so you better have some serious muscle to reach the green. The hole's dangerous aspect is the swarm of yellowjackets around a large tea olive tree located next to the tee box, so play fast, or tee off from the kids' box 25 yards ahead. Besides, that's closer to the green anyway.
The 14th hole is a par three the plays entirely over a blueish pond (not sure what's in the water) filled with carp, or perhaps some mutant fish you'd rather not consume. It's only 145 yards, so it's another chance at birdie.
The finishing hole is another par 4 that doglegs a bit to the right. But watch out, great tee shots can be "rewarded" with balls falling into the fairway bunker. The green lies off to the right and features probably the largest circumference on the course.
In all, Municipal is a challenging course without the luxury you'll find at some places. Should that matter? Golf is golf, right?
Municipal does have a driving range and putting green, again with very poor grounds to work with, and a nice clubhouse stocked with goodies.
If you're planning on visiting Augusta and want to play some cheap golf, visit the Web site first:
http://www.augustaga.gov/departments/recreation/municipal_golf.asp
If you're planning on visiting Augusta and want to play some cheap golf, visit the Web site first:
http://www.augustaga.gov/departments/recreation/municipal_golf.asp
After your round, head to the riverfront for dinner at Pizza Joint, or possibly the eclectic Boll Weevil. If you want fried foods, Rhinehart's is a local favorite.
Rating (out of 10)
Fun: Golf is fun regardless where, right? Score: 6
Value: For $14 walking on weekdays and $32 riding on weekends, that's a pretty good deal. I'd like to have better playing conditions for $32 though. Score: 7
Conditions: Yes, we mentioned conditions. There were weeds and dead spots in the fairways, weeds, dead spots and many pine worms on the greens. I'm not clear this course's desire is to be well-kept, which perhaps gives it its own little personality and charm, if that's the personality and charm you want. It's got to live up to the nickname "The Patch." Score: 2
Amenities: There is a driving range and putting green, but neither are in good shape. The good part about that is they resemble the course. Clubhouse is nice and very large. Pro shop fully stocked. Snack bar decent. Score: 5
Difficulty: Course may not be in good shape and it doesn't appear to be the most challenging in the world, but this course can really bite you if you're not on your game. Short game is very crucial as the greens are pint-size. Again, that's a neat characteristic that gives the Patch some personality. Score: 7
Overall: If you don't mind a less than perfect setting, there's nothing wrong with Municipal. The object of the game is the same no matter where you play. It offers a number of challenges to your game and a round can be finished in less than four hours. Not a bad experience at all. Score: 5.4
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