A replat for the the second phase of the Jayhawk Golf Training Center at Alvamar Golf Course was approved by the city commission this week, but construction remains on hold.
Janelle Martin, the Kansas University athletic department administrator in charge of golf programs, said only about $150,000 of the estimated $400,000 price tag has been raised.
KU went ahead with the replat request, Martin said, because they wanted clear sailing “so when we have the funds we can go right to work.”
The first phase of the state-of-the-art practice facility was completed in 2001 near the No. 10 hole at Alvamar. It consists of five bunkers surrounding a 16,000-square foot green that makes it possible for any short-game shot to be simulated.
The second phase will consist of construction of a building with indoor hitting bays that will allow members of KU’s men’s and women’s golf teams to hit balls onto Alvamar’s driving range during the winter months. Included would be a video equipment area for analyzing swings.
In addition, elevated tees with different grasses would be constructed in the area.
“The best-case scenario is that work would start at the end of fall,” Martin said, “because it’s too late to install grass this year.”
Most of the funding for the Jayhawk Golf Training Center has come from former KU golfers and from alumni who contributed to the Margin of Excellence Fund.
“It’s the most important thing that’s happened to the golf teams since I’ve been at KU,” said Ross Randall, who just completed his 24th season as the Jayhawks’ men’s coach.
