Neighbors react to future use of old Lamar Elementary School as Tiger Woods' TGR Learning Lab

Yahoo

15-04-2025

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)- Neighbors living near the old Lamar Elementary School property are reacting to Augusta National Golf Club's plans to give it a new purpose.
Augusta National Golf Club Chairman Fred Ridley announced last Monday that the club is partnering with 5-time Masters Champion Tiger Woods, and his nonprofit, TGR Foundation, to bring a TGR Learning Lab to the Garden City.
Richmond County school leaders have shared their excitement, and neighbors living nearby are saying the same.
'One of the foundation's most impactful and familiar programs is the TGR Learning Lab. Today, I am proud to share that Augusta National is partnering with Tiger and the TGR Foundation to develop the 4th location in Augusta,' said Ridley.
Chairman Ridley sharing the news along with a video statement from the 5-time Masters Champion.
The property has been vacant since December 2023, when the school board decided to sell it.
But soon, it will be home to one of four locations, with the others in Anaheim, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia.
William Brown has been living in the area for more than 10 years, and says he's excited for the facelift.
'Now that the National is putting their name on it, along with Tiger, it's going to be something. I think this is going to be a big magnet for the whole area,' said Brown.
The learning center will provide access to science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) resources to students in school districts across the CSRA.
According to the chairman, programs will be offered year-round, including during the school day, weekends, and the summer.
The idea is to give students in under-resourced communities the tools they need for a bright future.
Other neighbors say it's just what today's youth needs.
'Down here in Augusta, the kids are running wild, and whatever they get into that interests them, they go for it. So, something like this will open their mind up and give them more train of thought, and give them a way to be more successful in life,' said Julien Perry.
Beth Meagher also lives nearby, and volunteers with the nonprofit Bridge Builder Communities.
The organization is in the process of bringing the first tiny-home village to Augusta down the road on Merry Street.
Meagher says both of these efforts are only building more excitement for the neighborhood, and opportunities for young people.
'Those students with the IB program, Lamar and this learning lab, and then you have a whole tiny home community with people surrounding it trying to work with foster kids who are aging out of the system, and transitioning them into adult life. There's just a whole lot of community gathering and encouragement, and I think it's the greatest use for this property that you could come up with,' said Meagher.
Chairman Ridley told us last week the focus is to serve Richmond County students first, with the potential to help close to 30,000 students countywide.
They're aiming to officially open the learning lab in April 2028.
Chairman Ridley said they will launch in-school curriculum, programs and community events in Richmond County before the grand opening.
To learn more about the Augusta TGR Learning Lab, you can find more information at TGR Foundation's website.
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