DENTON – The Mean Green men's and women's golf teams will have a new on-campus practice facility, thanks to a $1.5 million lead gift by Jerome "Bruzzy" Westheimer, Vice President and Director of Athletics Wren Baker announced today.  The new facility, which will be built on the far east side of the former Eagle Point Golf Course, was approved by the UNT Board of Regents Friday.

"This gift will allow us to provide top-level support to our student-athletes in an effort to give them the best opportunity to be successful," Baker said. "The generosity of Bruzzy Westheimer is an admirable example of giving back to aid in the development and growth of student-athletes as we help them to become champions and leaders in life." 

The total project will cost approximately $3 million and construction is targeted to begin in December. The facility will be located just south of the pond on the east side of Apogee Stadium and Victory Hall. It will include a driving range, short-game area, putting green and an indoor meeting space.  

"The on-campus facility will be a game-changer for our golf programs," head men's coach Brad Stracke said. "We will be more efficient with our time and it will enhance our performance and will help us attract top prospects to our programs. We appreciate the support of Mr. Westheimer and the vision of our administration."     

The North Texas men's and women's golf teams have not had an on-campus outdoor training facility since the former Eagle Point Golf Course was shut down to create Apogee Stadium, Victory residence hall and the Mean Green Village development in 2003. Since then, the teams have had to travel to various golf courses in the DFW region to practice outdoors.

"We are thrilled to have an on-campus facility that will allow us to work on all facets of the game in a private setting," head women's coach Michael Akers said. "Bruzzy Westheimer has made a difference in our program as we continue to compete for championships. This addition will help in the development of our student-athletes and will be huge for recruiting."    
 

Westheimer has been instrumental in the upgrade and development of the UNT golf programs and other university educational endeavors over the past several years. He is being honored as the recipient of the 2019 Wings of Eagles Award, which is the most prestigious award presented by the president for a person who embodies the true spirit of UNT through engagement, generosity and affinity. Westheimer will officially be presented the award at the Wingspan Gala Saturday night.

"It is a great honor to support the development and success of our UNT golf student-athletes with this much needed on-campus facility," added Westheimer. "Golf is the hardest individual game there is, so this practice facility will help perfect every facet of their games so they can win more championships as well as assist in recruiting the best talent from around the world."

The Mean Green men's golf team has a long history of success, including four NCAA national championships, winning 31 conference championships and making 35 NCAA postseason appearances. Stracke has won three conference championships and made five NCAA postseason appearances since he took over in 2009. The Mean Green women's team is currently ranked No. 53 in the nation - a dramatic improvement from when Akers took over the program in 2016 and the team was ranked No. 201.  Anyone wishing to support the golf practice facility can contact the Mean Green Scholarship Fund at www.MeanGreenScholarshipFund.com or by calling 940-369-7284.