ELON, N.C. ? In the summer of 2009, Elon will open a golf training and practice facility located on South Campus.  W. Cecil Worsley III, a 1986 Elon graduate and member of the men’s golf team, presented Elon with a gift during the Ever Elon campaign which funded the facility.

“We are so excited about the new golf training center and very appreciative of Cecil Worsley and the many other donors who are making a dream become reality,” said Elon Director of Athletics Dave Blank.  “With the addition of two putting greens and the golf training facility to our existing driving range, our student-athletes will now have a state-of-the-art practice environment right on our campus that will allow them to develop their golfing skills and compete for championships in a first-class manner.”

The facility, which will serve as the headquarters for the men’s and women’s programs, includes an indoor practice area with hitting bays and a computerized swing analysis center as well as a putting area and player’s lounge.  Outside the facility will be a lighted driving range and an area where players can work on their short game, including two large practice greens ? one made of Bermuda grass and the other bent grass.

“I saw the need for a superior training center that has state-of-the-art equipment which can help both the men’s and women’s golf teams compete and recruit,” said Worsley.

“The golf training and practice facilities on campus will have an immediate impact on the Elon women’s and men’s golf programs, leading to new opportunities in training and the ability to recruit talented student-athletes,” said men’s golf head coach Bill Morningstar.