Issue link: http://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/112292
2012 FURMAN UNIVERSITY Furman Golf Course, REK Center FURMAN GOLF COURSE/REK CENTER S et among 170 acres on one of the nation���s most attractive campuses, the Furman University Golf Course is rightfully acclaimed as one of the best collegiate courses in the country. Originally designed by Richard K. Webel of Long Island, N.Y., and Walter Cosby, superintendant of grounds and greens at the Greenbrier Hotel and Golf Resort, course construction began in 1957 when few colleges in the country had an on-campus facility. In the spring of 2008 the course was closed for major renovation, including the rebuilding of all tees and greens and several hole modifications and improvements. It re-opened in October 2008. The home of two of the nation���s oldest intercollegiate tournaments, the Furman Intercollegiate and Furman Lady Paladin Invitational, it also serves as the annual site of the annual 4A South Carolina State High School Championship. Over the years the course has hosted some of the game���s most renowned stars, including Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer, Curtis Strange, Jay Haas, Billy Andrade, and David Duval, as well as a host of outstanding women players, including Nancy Lopez and Furman graduates Betsy King, Beth Daniel, Dottie Pepper, Sherri Turner, and Maggie Will. The home of Furman���s nationally recognized women���s program that has made 23 NCAA Tournament appearances and now counts 10 graduates on the LPGA Tour, the facility has also served as the primary course to several outstanding Furman men players, including 1981 Fred Haskins Award winner and current PGA Champions Tour member Brad Faxon ���83, who holds the course record with a 62. The REK Center for Intercollegiate Golf, which opened in the summer of 1997, has provided a big boost to Furman���s golf program. Launched with gifts from Betsy King, Beth Daniel, and Dottie Pepper, and completed with the help of an anonymous donor, the center serves as clubhouse and practice facility for Furman���s golf teams. In addition to coaches��� offices, locker rooms, and a meet- ing area, the center features putting and chipping greens, fairway and greenside bunkers, and a covered, heated tee. In the summer of 2012 the university completed construction of Phase I of the REK Short Game Facility featuring three new holes and renovated putting green, a $320,000 project. Phase II will include further expansion of the REK Center, including a Learning Center at a cost of $1 million.