ASU Opens Golf Driving Range at Polytechnic campus
SOURCE(S): Richard Grinage, 480/727-1017; Curt Hudek, 480/727-1912
MESA, Ariz. — The recently completed Golf Driving Range and Pro Shop on Arizona State University’s Polytechnic campus will open to the public, beginning Jan. 18. The closest stand alone driving range in the area is about 15 miles away, making this a convenient spot for local golfers to practice their swing.
The Driving Range will provide enjoyment to students and the public, as well as help Professional Golf Management and Golf Facilities Management students develop and practice their professional golf skills and enhance their golf teaching skills. The 12-acre facility will function as a teaching laboratory for students in the two golf programs, and the entire facility will be operated and maintained by students.
"Students will use the range as a practice lab for pro shop and course management, improving their golf game, as well as for their studies in soils, turf management, irrigation, fertilization, maintenance, and other areas relating to golf," said Richard Grinage, director of the Professional Golf Management program.
Golfers will take aim at raised target greens instead of just flags. The range also features a total of 90 hitting stations; half reserved for golf students and the other half are open to the public to generate revenue to cover operating costs for the range.
Completion of the driving range is a result of four years of planning by determined ASU staff at the Polytechnic campus and dedicated supporters from the golf and construction industries. The construction of the range was accomplished with the involvement of approximately 50 local and national companies who contributed more than $350,000 in service and materials toward the project.
The next step in the driving range project is the naming of the facility. Now that the range and pro shop are complete, prospective donors can see the sophistication and professional design of the facility first-hand.
"We’re looking for a donor who is passionate about golf," said Rita Locke, development director for the campus. "This person has the rare opportunity to name a driving range on a university campus, and to forever link his or her name to ASU’s golf programs and the sport itself."
A donation of $1.5 million dollars is needed to name the facility. A portion of the donation will be used for unfinished planned projects, including two golf holes and a putting green, with the remainder going into an endowment.
The Morrison School of Management and Agribusiness dedicated the range in October 2004. Initially, the facilities will be open from noon to dusk. Eventually, lighting will be installed, allowing for the range to stay open later.
For more information on the range, contact Richard Grinage at (480) 727-1017 or Grinage@asu.edu.