Issue link: http://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/168234
Furman University Golf Course/REK Center The REK Center for Intercollegiate Golf has provided a big boost to Furman's golf program. Furman's beautiful 170-acre golf course is considered one of the finest college courses in the country. Designed by Richard K. Webel of Long Island, N.Y., and Walter Cosby, superintendent of grounds and greens at the Greenbrier Hotel and Golf Resort, the course was built in the late 1950s when few colleges had a course on campus. Measuring approximately 6,994 yards from the championship tees and 6,400 from the women's tees, the course features Champion Bermuda greens and Bermuda fairways and is fully irrigated. With Greenville's temperate climate, the Furman course is open for play year-round. Since the 1970s, the course has been the site of two outstanding college tournaments, the Furman Intercollegiate and the Lady Paladin Invitational. In addition, the Furman Pro-Am, has welcomed back many former Furman standouts and LPGA superstars. Through the years, some of golf's top talents have played at Furman. In 1967, Arnold Palmer, who was one of the top draws on the PGA circuit, played an 18-hole exhibition match with local golfers. Gary Player and Patty Berg have also played exhibition matches on the Furman course. Many former Furman greats like Brad Faxon, Betsy King, Beth Daniel, Dottie Pepper and Sherri Turner have also returned to play the course that they sharpened their skills on during their collegiate years as Paladin standouts. Now a semi-private facility, the Furman golf course has approximately 300 members. The course hosts the annual AAAA South Carolina State High School Championship and sponsors several tournaments for club members and their guests. The Furman golf course is also home to several top national junior golf tournaments, including AJGA, SJGT, PKBT, and Hurricane Tour.