Augusta National has built a new public course, and it's absolutely spectacular

The Masters weekend invites a wealth of curiosity about exactly what it takes to get on to play the revered course at Augusta National yourself. Searches for 'How to get on at Augusta National' naturally reach an annual peak at this time of year. 

The answer, of course, is that unless you've qualified for a tournament there or know a member, you can't. Now though, you can at least play a course designed and built by this most exclusive of clubs, whether if you're in town for Masters weekend or simply paying a visit to Augusta at any other time of the year. 

And to do so is surprisingly cheap. Tee times for locals will run just $30 and visitors will be able to get on the course for $85.

The course itself is known as The Patch: a municipal track in Augusta that, while widely beloved in the community as a learning ground for young players, had fallen into a bit of a shabby state. 

As part of an expansion of Augusta's philanthropic efforts, Augusta National Chairman Fred Ridley made a pledge three years ago that the club would invest in revamping the course. Somehow, it's already finished.

The course sadly can't boast having been put together by the design duo of Dr. Alistair Mackenzie and Bobby Jones, but the team brought on by Augusta National is pretty special nonetheless. 

Led by Pinehurst/Adare Manor designer Tom Fazio and Beau Welling, the team recognised that The Patch had the makings of something special and easily manageable with the right level of investment.

To sweeten the deal, Tiger Woods was brought on to put together a nine-hole short course, known as The Loop.

The course was completely relaid and renovated, with much of the work going into removing trees and turning what was originally a vary tight parkland course into something more open and fun.

The vibe at The Patch is community-led and relaxed, with the vision of turning the course into a hub not only for easygoing golf tourists but local players and the next generation of Augusta juniors. The clubhouse has been rebuilt and features a bar with its own exclusive craft beers, a pro shop stacked with Masters memorabilia, and a casual dining restaurant. 

Tee times can be booked up to two weeks in advance. You can find out more for yourself at The Patch's website.