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WICHITA, Kan. - The Wichita State golf teams unveiled a new indoor practice facility at Willowbend Golf Course on Wednesday evening, that will benefit both the men's and women's programs.
The new facility features an indoor putting green that allows both long and sloped putts alongside a hitting bay onto the driving range allowing practice year round despite potential weather issues. Cameras inside the facility will allow coaches to view and analyze golfers swings while a team room and lounge will allow student-athletes to relax between practice with another area dedicated to school work.
The 3,400-square foot facility will be located alongside the driving range at Willowbend which has been the home of Wichita State men's and women's golf since the closure of Braeburn Golf Course in 2014.
Wichita State Director of Athletics Darron Boatright
"Another fantastic day to be a Shocker. This is a joint venture between ourselves and Willowbend. I'd like to thank Woody Austin and his family, members of Willowbend for partnering with Wichita State in this endeavor. This is about student-athletes, young men and women and our program and we want them to have the facilities and ability to work on their game in an effort to compete at the highest level of collegiate golf and then go on as your dreams see fit. I'm so proud that this day is finally here."
Wichita State Men's Golf Head Coach Grier Jones
"I want to thank Woody Austin and his family at Willowbend, without them none of this would be possible. Second, I'd like to thank Darron Boatright and the Wichita State Athletic Department. When we first started this endeavor they were the first large donor to help us get started and you didn't have to, so I appreciate it. We're hopeful this facility lasts for a long time."
Wichita State Women's Golf Head Coach Tom McCurdy
"There are very few days or opportunities where you can look back down the road and say that was a key moment. This is one of those moments. Another key moment was the hiring of Grier Jones. When he came the men's program had already had some success at the national level, but he brought a level of consistency and respect to the men's program that is recognized around the country. That helped us, as we've built off the success of what Grier had already done. When we won our first conference championship that was another key moment as a Shocker and we're very proud of for the development of our program. As our campus has expanded it was necessary for our golf course (Braeburn) to be taken over and in the long run it was a great thing for our university. Whenever you take one step back, as long as you regroup and get all your ducks in a row and support yourself, you can take three steps forward. That's what we've done. We're going to look back several years from now at this day as one of those key moments in the development of our programs."
