Augusta, GA

Tiger Woods Back at Augusta National, First Time Since Achiles Injury

Published

8 months ago

June 22, 2025

Tiger Woods Back at Augusta National, First Time Since Achiles Injury

Tiger Woods has shown several signs of a successful recovery from his ruptured Achilles tendon. He was recently spotted twice following his son, Charlie, during golf tournaments, and this Friday he visited the Augusta National Golf Club.

This marks Woods’ first return to the Masters Tournament venue since his injury. In fact, that incident prevented him from attending the infamous Champions Dinner at the most recent edition of the event.

Woods’ purpose in visiting was to see firsthand the construction of the 9-hole course designed by his firm, TGR Design, next to the Augusta Municipal Golf Course, near the renowned Augusta National. Fred Ridley, chairman of the Masters Tournament, accompanied Woods on his visit.

Currently known as “The Patch,” the 9-hole course is part of a project by Woods that includes a TGR Learning Lab. The course is expected to open in 2026, and the lab is scheduled to open in 2028.

It will be the fourth TGR Learning Lab, joining those currently operating in Anaheim and Philadelphia, and the one that will be open next year in Los Angeles. These STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) institutions are designed to promote and facilitate the development of different branches of knowledge.

This collaboration between Woods and Augusta National was announced at the 2025 Masters Tournament. At the time, Ridley emphasized the importance of the future course for both the community and the legendary player:

“I know that this whole concept of a short course is something that’s near and dear to Tiger’s heart,” Ridley said, according to the Augusta Chronicle.

“I know he’s stated that he grew up playing on short courses. So I’m sure they’re going to make it really interesting for these people, for everybody -the young people and everybody else that are playing it.”

Tiger Woods of the United States walks up the first fairway during the first round of the 2023 Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club on April 06, 2023 in Augusta, Georgia.

Andrew Redington/Getty Images

In early March, Tiger Woods announced that he had ruptured his Achilles tendon while preparing for the Players Championship. The event would have marked the start of his 2025 PGA Tour season.

The 15-time major champion underwent immediate surgery, and the prognosis was favorable. However, due to the severity of the injury, it is unlikely that Woods will return to competitive golf until at least 2026.

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Augusta, GA

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

Published

2 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta announced a temporary closure of New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Park.

Closure of the park at 2105 Lock and Dam Road will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the lock and dam structure.

The park will be closed from March 4 to April 7.

All areas of the park will be closed.

However, the Baurle Boat Ramp will remain open and accessible to the public for fishing and boating activities.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

Published

14 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta 911 center has been named 2025 Communications Center of the Year at the Georgia Emergency Communications Conference in Athens.

The award recognizes excellence in public safety communications, innovation, leadership and service.

The award recognizes a center that demonstrates strong performance in emergency response coordination, training, technology and community engagement.

The Augusta center was selected among agencies statewide for its consistent service, professional standards and coordination with public safety partners.

“This recognition reflects the work our team does every single day,” said Daniel R. Dunlap, 911 director. “Our communications officers are the first point of contact during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life. They provide reassurance, direction and critical coordination until help arrives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and strength they show.”

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Augusta, GA

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn opens on Broad Street in Augusta

Published

1 day ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn opens on Broad Street in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – A new gourmet popcorn shop has opened on Broad Street, bringing a Chicago-style twist to downtown Augusta.

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts, located at 716 Broad Street next to the Miller Theater, opened late last year. Owner Sheila Jones moved to Augusta from Chicago, where she said gourmet popcorn has a strong following.

“I’m from Chicago where gourmet popcorn is kind of a big deal,” Jones said.

Specialty flavors made in house

The shop offers specialty flavors including caramel, strawberry drizzle, peppermint, Oreo, green apple, and peanut butter — all made in house. Jones said the experience starts before customers even reach the counter.

“The smell is part of the experience. Green apple, strawberry, strawberry drizzle with chocolate. We have a new peanut butter flavor I just did,” Jones said.

A business built for family

Jones said her move to Augusta and her decision to open the business were driven by her son, who is on the autism spectrum. She said she believed he would be more comfortable in Augusta and wanted to build something that would benefit him long-term.

“I wanted him to have something when he gets older. He has a job already if he wants one. He already has a business,” Jones said.

Jones said starting the business has been harder than she expected. She handles most operations herself, with some help from family. She said the purpose behind the shop keeps her motivated.

“Coming into this every day is fulfilling because I built it. I’m building it and I just wanna see how high we’ll go,” Jones said.

Popn’ Off Gourmet Popcorn and Nuts is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The shop is also holding a pop-up Saturday at noon on Gordon Highway.

Here’s a link to their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584084467886#

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