Construction of a $1.4 million indoor golf facility at the Kent State Golf Course is scheduled to be completed in January. It will allow players to practice year round. Amanda Sowards| Daily Kent Stater

Credit: Steve Schirra

The Kent State golf program will receive a huge boost by the middle of January.

That’s when a $1.4 million indoor facility will be complete at the Kent State Golf Course, enabling golfers to play year round. Construction is already finished on a new driving range and outdoor putting green.

“The athletes are excited because it gives them a home and headquarters,” said Laing Kennedy, Kent State director of athletics.

He also said the new facility, which will be located by the 10th green on Powder Mill Road, was completely funded by private gifts from Kent State alumni and friends.

The new facility will feature offices, a wall of champions, team locker rooms, indoor putting and pitching greens and meeting rooms.

“It will allow Kent State golf to compete nationally,” Kennedy said. “They can schedule matches against elite programs in the country.”

He also said the history and the tradition of Kent State golf really helped this happen.

He pointed out that there are five golfers from Kent State on the Nationwide Tour. And in 2003, Kent State alumnus Ben Curtis won the British Open in his first appearance in a major tournament.

“This is a first-class program in every regard,” Kennedy said. “The $1.4 million donation is a testament to the tradition and success of Kent State golf.”

He also said the new facility reflects men’s golf coach Herb Page and his staff’s impact during the last 22 years.

Kennedy said the recently built outdoor fairways and driving range are the finest Kent State golfers have played on. He also said that when the new facility is built, it will become the center of attention of the Kent State Golf Course.

Contact sports reporter Nate Stuart at [email protected].