Nov. 5, 2014
THE FLATS – G.P. “Bud” Peterson, president of the Georgia Institute of Technology, has given the green light to begin work on an ambitious plan to redevelop Tech’s golf practice facility. The full-scale renovation will begin in spring 2015.
The decision comes after many months of collaborating with philanthropic partners to secure the financial resources needed to initiate the first phase of the project to renovate the existing site. The property, which is located close to campus on 14th Street, was recently purchased by the Georgia Tech Athletic Association.
“Georgia Tech’s golf team has a tradition of excellence, both athletically and academically,” said Peterson. “Through ongoing support, we’re taking bold and decisive steps to provide a state-of-the-art practice facility immediately adjacent to campus. This exciting and transformative project has the potential to make a dramatic impact on student-athletes’ experience while at Tech, and on our ability to continue the successful recruitment of the best golfers in the nation.”
The golf program at Georgia Tech has set a high standard — winning ACC championships, producing talented professional golfers, and maintaining a Dean’s List cumulative GPA among players.
Thanks to the philanthropic support of alumni and friends, the “groundbreaking goal” has been reached. And, for President Peterson, that means it is time to put shovel to earth. The planned enhancement of the golf facility will include completely renovated and redesigned indoor hitting bays, teaching areas, a clubhouse with locker facilities, and a par-3 competition course.
“There is no doubting the importance of having a quality practice site near campus,” said Coach Bruce Heppler. “We cannot thank our alumni and friends enough for supporting Georgia Tech golf, or put into words how much their association with the program means to us.”
Every step of the way, two people have stood at the forefront of fundraising: Kim P. Noonan, IM 1983, and Thomas E. Noonan, ME 1983. Their leadership has been integral to the success of the project to date. They, along with countless other generous donors and volunteers, will continue to reach out to individuals, foundations, and corporations in helping to ensure that the overall philanthropic goal for the project is met, and that Georgia Tech’s golf team will enjoy and make the most of the significant benefits that come with having a first-rate practice facility near the Tech campus.
As professional golfer Stewart Cink, MGT 1995, put it, “In an effort to recruit the best possible student-athletes, a program must provide outstanding facilities. The proximity of the practice facility to campus is a tremendous asset.” As is a permanent, state-of-the-art home — which, starting in the spring, will begin to come to fruition.
For more information about supporting this initiative, contact Jim Hall at jhall@athletics.gatech.edu or Jack Thompson at jthompson@athletics.gatech.edu.
