Golf teams cut ribbon at UT Golf Academy
Kevin O'Keeffe, Longhorn Scoreboard, October 2005 AUSTIN, Texas -- Tonight the University of Texas men's and women's golf teams cut the ribbon on their new home at the University of Texas Golf Club in Austin to begin a new era in golf at UT. "The Academy has been a longtime dream for everyone," said women's golf head coach Susan Watkins, who has been at UT for 13 seasons. "This gives us some of the best facilities in the country to work with our athletes and improve both our teams." "For the first time in the history of UT golf, our guys have lockers," said men's golf head coach John Fields. "We are moving forward in what we bring to the table nationally, but most importantly we have a place for our teams to call home." One of Athletics Director DeLoss Dodds' favorite expressions with regard to The University of Texas' spot in the world of intercollegiate athletics is: "We are the Joneses." That's as in others trying to "keep up with the Joneses." The UT Golf Academy is what Dodds is talking about. The 5,100-square-foot academy area includes locker rooms, team rooms, academic facilities and other service areas for the UT men's and women's varsity golf teams. The highlight of the building is the three all-weather hitting bays, each with it's own launch monitor viewing and recording system. "One of the great things about being at The University of Texas," Watkins said, "is that Texas never settles for anything less than the best. And this is the best." The V1 video equipment is state of the art and is used by many touring pros both on the men's and women's circuits. "Talking about the UT Golf Academy really doesn't even do justice to it," Fields continued. "It is just that great. It sounds like a building, but it is so much more. It is our home." The $1.2-million project is being financed by UT Athletics' fundraising activities, which includes pro-am tournaments, as well as other private gifts. The next pro-am is slated for next fall and will include many UT greats currently playing on the tours. "I am so thankful for the gifts and for the Texas Athletics administration for their support in making this happen," Fields said. "I thank Mike Myers and Bill Duval, The Partnership, as well as many others for making this happen." Watkins echoes that sentiment. "We all are most grateful for this," she added. "We realize how fortunate we are to have this."
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