CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The University of Illinois golf programs received a $2 million gift to fully fund an expansion of the Demirjian Indoor Golf Practice Facility.
"We are incredibly grateful for this generous gift," Director of Athletics Josh Whitman said. "Much of the success we have seen in our men's and women's programs is the result of us competing at a high level for quality coaches, facilities, and resources. The gifts from so many have solidified Coach Mike Small's men's program as one of the nation's elite and helped to build Coach Renee Slone's team into a contender in the Big Ten and at the NCAA Championships."
The renovation will complement the unique architectural design of the Demirjian Indoor Golf Facility by adding several hitting bays and an all-inclusive, state-of-the-art putting studio. A second glass-enclosed rotunda will be added to the existing facility. This space will house the putting studio and enable the team to gain new technological feedback with cutting-edge analysis. The additional bays will provide more year-round space for full swing practice and development.
"Illinois Golf has been blessed with generous support from our donors over the years, and this gift is another example of what makes the Illini family so special," head men's golf coach Mike Small said. "We could not be more thankful for the unconditional support and generosity that is shown from this gift, and it will have a lasting impact on this program for years to come. The added practice space and cutting-edge technology will continue to give our players the best chance of reaching their dreams as world-class players."
"We are so very appreciative of our donors' generosity and investment in Illinois golf," head women's golf coach Renee Slone said. "The commitment to providing these resources has made a profound impact on both programs and will continue to do so for years to come. This expansion will facilitate our ability to train at the next level. Illinois Women's Golf is truly grateful for the opportunity that is being provided to our student-athletes in their quest to achieve excellence."
The $2 million Demirjian Indoor Golf Practice Facility expansion is a capital project included in the DIA's $300 million fundraising goal, which is part of "With Illinois," the $2.25 billion University-wide fundraising campaign.
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