Thanks to the generosity of four supporters of the Georgia Tech golf program, the Yellow Jackets are able to take advantage of a new Tom Fazio-designed practice facility conveniently located just off campus.
“I felt we really needed to have our own place to practice, and Jim Dellinger, Julian Saul, Gene Brooks and Dan Yates were willing to make that happen for us,” said head coach Bruce Heppler.
Heppler believes the facility will be a tremendous asset for the team, allowing players to practice a wide array of skills.
“It’s about eight acres, with two bent grass greens, one for chipping and one for putting,” said Heppler.
“We have tees on both ends. It’s over 320 yards from one end to the other, so our players will be able to practice all aspects of the game. There are several fairway bunkers that they can hit iron shots out of, and we’re designing some wedge areas to work on the short game. Really, there’s not a shot in golf that they won’t be able to work on.
“Plus, they’ll be able to practice with the balls they play with in competition rather than range balls, so they can find out more about distance, control and accuracy. When you have your own place and you can throw down your own balls and practice anywhere you want, that’s a much better situation than going to a driving range.
“It’s four blocks from the new Olympic housing,” Heppler continued. “It makes practicing more convenient and will allow our players to use their time better. And, of course, it’s still backed up by our ability to play on some of the best golf courses in the Southeast.”
