University of Minnesota Athletics
Gophers Break Ground on Golf Facility
6/22/2018 2:08:00 PM | Men's Golf, Women's Golf
Joined by some of the project's biggest investors, the University today broke ground on its new indoor golf training facility for its men's and women's golf programs.
"We often talk about our goal of providing a first-class experience for every Gopher student-athlete. To the donors here today that helped make this facility possible, thank you for sharing that commitment," said Athletics Director Mark Coyle. "For us to continue providing that experience, our golf programs needed this facility. Your investments, which fully funded this project, allow us to put even more resources toward other areas of our student-athlete experience - academics, nutrition, career development - while also having an incredible venue for them to come together and develop their skills."
Today's event was another milestone in the multi-year process of bringing to life the idea of a year-round training facility for both Gopher golf programs. Despite being the northern-most campus in the Big Ten, Minnesota has not previously had any indoor golf training space, something other programs across the Big Ten and the nation have enjoyed for decades. Knowing this facility was a need to ensure continued success and growth of both programs, the athletics department successfully raised enough private contributions to fully fund the facility's construction. Those who invested in the project joined student-athletes, coaches and administrators for today's groundbreaking event.
"I feel so fortunate because all of you have the same passion as me," Head Women's Golf Coach Michele Redman said to the crowd. "You want to help student-athletes be the best they can be. You want to grow the game, get these kids started younger, keep these kids in Minnesota and help our program be one of the best in the country. When this project is complete, we will finally have an exceptional facility fitting the most talented and brightest young golfers in the state. Thank you so much for supporting us."
Following a brief program, attendees at Friday's event each had the opportunity to grab a shovel and break a little ground of their own. There was also a hole-in-one contest on the site with a prize of money donated toward the facility construction if anyone present could drill an ace. Though no one was able to slay the 119-yard hole in a single stroke, the contest was a fun way to wrap up an historic afternoon for Gopher golf.
"We all have a place we can call home," said Director of Men's Golf John Carlson. "I think we are all more comfortable in our homes. Now our teams will have a home, something we haven't really had before, and now we have that home because of everything you have invested in this project. Your generosity has made a lifelong difference for our programs."
The new facility will feature heated indoor hitting bays for golfers to practice full swings in all weather conditions, as well as indoor practice greens for putting and chipping. It will also include locker rooms for both teams, offices for the coaching staffs of both teams, a lounge for students to relax, study, and bond as a team, and a Hall of Fame area to celebrate the achievements of both programs.
The new facility will be on the University's St. Paul campus, immediately adjacent to the historic Les Bolstad Golf Course.