On September 13 in front of a small, yet enthused, socially-distanced crowd, Navy Athletic Director Chet Gladchuk raised a glass to mark the official dedication of the restored U.S. Naval Academy Golf Course. The excitement and pride of the day was palpable as the Friends of Navy Golf (FoNG) and Naval Academy Golf Association (NAGA) groups celebrated the completion of the project.

The project had multiple phases that restored the course greens, bunkers, fairways, as well as added a new irrigation system. Throughout the project, architect Andrew Green remained true to the original design of William Flynn's creation in 1944 while also upgrading and enhancing the overall experience. The final product is now aligned with all Physical Mission facilities at the U.S. Naval Academy and provides and incredible venue for the Navy golf teams and the NAGA membership. 

"The United States Naval Academy has to be top of the line in everything we do. We knew this course needed the work. Now, this course reflects exactly where we want to be, which is one of the top collegiate golf courses in the Mid-Atlantic," said Gladchuk.

The $6 million project was made possible through the generous support of several leadership donors and the NAGA membership. The initial phase was the Chipping & Putting Practice Facility, with funding from Ron Council and David '90 and Karen Dorton and the Golf Performance Center, funded by Ted '61 and Michelle Gurnee. The Gurnee Center features five indoor hitting bays with state-of-the-art video technology.

Following the Gurnee Center and Council and Dorton Practice Facility openings in 2017, the FoNG group, under the leadership of Co-Chairs Admiral Hank Mauz '59 and Rear Admiral Bill Cobb '68, continued to push forward to provide the needed support to finish the project. Through their love of golf and reverence for Admiral Mauz and Admiral Cobb, Rob Skinner and Hank Plain, both California residents, became involved and created the "California FoNG" group. In partnership with FoNG and the Naval Academy Athletic Association (NAAA), they helped launch a three-year initiative that generated incredible support from their friends, including several members at the Caves Valley Golf Club in Baltimore. Naval Academy alumni and friends subsequently supported naming all 18 holes and the driving range is named by the Caves Valley Golf Club Foundation. The partnership was transformational in moving the restoration project over the finish line.

"Every time in life you have an opportunity to be a part of something great, you do it. If your life is about impacting other people's lives, then your life is so much more fulfilling. To have a chance to be a part of this initiative is just amazing," said California FoNG Co-Chair Rob Skinner.

The restored Naval Academy Golf Course will have a lasting impact on the future growth and success of the Navy men's and women's golf teams. Despite a shortened 2019-20 season, both programs had impressive results. For the eighth-straight year, Navy women's golf lowered its season average, posting a program-best 304.0 over 16 rounds at six events. The Navy men's golf team saw similar success, ending its shortened season at the Invitational at Savannah Harbor by shooting a school-record 7-under par 281 in the final round—the lowest round of the tournament by any team.

The Navy golf programs have begun using the new course this fall and are already benefitting from practicing on a world-class course.

"Playing here on a daily basis, prepares us for any kind of competition that we may go to," said Head Women's Golf Coach Nadia Ste-Marie.

Now, with a newly-restored golf course to practice and compete on, the men's and women's programs will undoubtedly continue this tradition of excellence for years to come.

"The Course is going to be an incredible benefit not only for this year's team, but to teams moving forward in the future, because they'll have a championship golf course to practice and compete," said Head Men's Golf Coach and Director of Golf Pat Owen.

For more information on the U.S. Naval Academy Golf Course, click here.

For a photo gallery of the event click here: https://navysports.com/galleries/general/usna-golf-course-restoration-dedication/1048

To watch the video click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XH41Vog-xME