News 12 at 6 o'clock, Wednesday, October 6, 2010

AUGUSTA,Ga---Augusta State and First Tee of Augusta say they have a plan to save the cash strapped municipal golf course. But it won't come without possibly sacrificing an Augusta staple.

The city had to fork over $50,000 this year to keep the Patch going. Some say it's time to get creative. The future of the historic Patch golf course is up in the air.

"I'd love to see the Patch stay open. I'd love to see the Patch make money," said Elaine Clark Smith with First Tee of Augusta. "I'd love for First Tee to somehow be able to partnership with them."

They're teaming with the neighboring Augusta State University, Paine College, and "Friends of the Patch" to chart a new course.

"We're trying to figure out how to expand the university over the next 15 years," said university president Dr. William Bloodworth.

"Number one," noted commissioner Bill Lockett. "The Patch is not for sale."

"No," said Bloodworth. "I think we can work together to where the Patch is not closed."

That's where First Tee comes in.

"We need a space," said Smith. "I'm not saying we need that space."

One possible outcome could see the First Tee give up or work out an agreement to give its 20 acres to Augusta State. First Tee could use the Patch for their students.

"Because I feel like our children could benefit from that," said Smith. "I feel like Augusta could benefit from that."

"We need to go back to the way it was before," cried commissioner Jerry Brigham who wants the city to get out of the golf business. He is convinced it would save taxpayers money.

"As for the history of the Patch," said Brigham. "It was operated more by a private vendor than it has ever been operated by the public."

"We may see a way so that we get a solution that is win, win, win," said Bloodworth.

They've got 60 days to come up with a course of action.

"We have all local people working together to make this community a better place at no cost to the taxpayer," said Lockett.

The Augusta commission voted against putting the Patch back out for bid this week.