Purdue News
Purdue News
October 15, 1996
The project includes a redesign of the 18-hole North Course into a championship course, improvements to other components of the golf complex such as the 18-hole South Course, and construction of a new Turfgrass Research and Diagnostic Center, said Morgan Burke, director of intercollegiate athletics at Purdue.
The golf project also includes an enhanced practice range; a new clubhouse, cart storage and shelter facilities; and the state's first 18-hole contoured putting course. For a look at the golf course project on the Web, see https://www.purdue.edu/uns/info/golf
The gifts represent materials and services donated to date, with additional contributions expected as planning and work progresses on the redesign of the North Course.
"We're really pleased the way people and companies have responded to this challenge," Burke said. "The project is a unique blend of athletics and academics, and it will give Purdue one of the finest golf complexes anywhere."
While the original project cost was $6.5 million, the scope is actually more than $7 million because of the need to replace the starter house and other items that were not included in the original estimate, Burke said. Efforts to raise additional funds are continuing, he added.
Three families have made significant lead cash pledges to the golf course project. They are Michael and Katherine Birck of Hinsdale, Ill.; the family of the late Emerson Kampen of West Lafayette; and Jim and Lois Ackerman of Indianapolis.
Another cash gift came from the Robert Hoffer family, Elgin, Ill. Hoffer is owner, president and chief executive officer of Hoffer Plastics Inc. A son, William, was captain of and Most Valuable Player on Purdue's 1971 Big Ten championship golf team. The family made the gift in honor of the late Samuel Voinoff, who was Purdue's golf coach from 1950 to 1974.
Companies already have made gifts in kind of the following for work done so far on the South Course:
Individuals who have made gifts in kind:
Corporate charter memberships (benefits include complimentary golf rounds and outings):
The following organizations have given a total of $17,825 to the turf center and golf course renovation:
Purdue building construction and contracting students in the School of Technology are providing labor on the cart barn.
Gifts and discounts on materials and services are being discussed with a number of individuals and companies for the North Course work as well as for the new turfgrass center.
As part of the golf course complex, the Turfgrass Research and Diagnostic Center will be the first comprehensive turfgrass research facility in the country. It will be used for teaching and research activities in a variety of academic disciplines, including agronomy, entomology and forestry.
Work on the turfgrass center began this summer. It is expected to be completed by the time the new North Course opens in 1998.
Source: Morgan Burke, (317) 494-3189; home, (317) 497-9232
Writer: Ellen Rantz, (317) 494-2073; home, (317) 497-0345; e-mail, ellen_rantz@purdue.edu
