New SAU Golf Driving Range Aims to Put Students, Visitors on the Green

Students, faculty and the Magnolia community can hone their golfing skills at the new driving range on the campus of Southern Arkansas University now open.

According to a press release,  the driving range, located on the southeast side of campus adjacent to University Village, is open daily from daylight until dark. A golf ball dispensing machine is located in the range building on-site and a debit or credit card is all that guests need to purchase a bucket of balls. Two rental options are offered: a medium bucket (50) of balls for $5.00, or a large bucket (70) of balls for $6.00. SAU students may use the range free of charge by obtaining a range card at the Mulerider Activity Center front desk.

“I am so excited that our SAU students and community members who are not members of a golf club will no longer have to drive out of town to practice their golf game,” said Steve Browning, SAU director of athletics. “Golf is an excellent networking sport and could benefit our students in their future careers, in addition to being a lot of fun and healthy outdoor activity.”

The range greatly benefits the 20 SAU student golfers. GAC Men’s Golf Coach of the Year Ben Sanders said, “the existence of a driving range on campus enables student-athletes the flexibility to practice between classes and around individual schedules. Our athletes have already enjoyed being able to practice on campus and look forward to using it more throughout the spring.”

Browning expressed his appreciation to Dr. Donna Allen and Dr. Trey Berry who recognized the need and provided the support necessary to make an on-campus driving range a reality. He also thanked the physical plant and the farm operators for all their work on the project.

CUTLINES:

1: Klarissa Villanueva, a member of the SAU Women's Golf Team, targets a ball at the new driving range on the SAU campus.

2: SAU men's golfer Tim Ryan utilizes the golf ball dispensing machine in the range building.

3: The new SAU golf driving range is on the east side of campus adjacent to University Village.