The University of Notre Dame is making changes to one of its golf courses to make room for new student dormitories. This downsizing is a result of advancements in golfing equipment, which have caused high-level golf tournaments to require longer yardages on championship courses.
Shrinking for the Fourth Time
According to The Observer, a student-run publication, two existing dorms are being demolished to make way for the construction of two larger buildings. As a result, one of the university’s two golf courses will undergo its fourth reduction in size.
In a statement, University President Rev. John I. Jenkins emphasized the importance of residential life in the undergraduate educational experience. The new dormitories, with enhanced community spaces, aim to provide students with an optimal living environment.
A Brief History
The Burke Golf Course was initially built as an 18-hole course in 1929. However, it underwent its first downsizing in 1939 when the Knute Rockne Memorial was constructed. In 1995, a series of dormitories were added to the campus, resulting in the course being reduced to nine holes. At that time, there were concerns that the remaining nine holes might be repurposed for other university needs.
The course had its share of controversy during its early years. For the first four decades, The Burke was exclusively for men. Women from Saint Mary’s College requested access to the course shortly after its opening in 1929, but their request was denied by the University Council.
An Alternative to Warren Golf Course
While the university also boasts the renowned Warren Golf Course, which hosted the 2019 U.S. Senior Open, The Burke has served as an affordable and convenient option for students and the local community.
The new version of The Burke will retain its nine-hole layout but will become an executive par 32 course.
Construction and Updates
The old starting house has already been demolished, and a mound of dirt and tubes have been placed on what used to be the ninth hole. As the construction progresses, the current Holy Cross Drive will remain accessible until a new road is built to the west. There will only be a brief closure of the road during the early summer to connect the new leg to the existing road.
During the construction, the practice putting green near the Rockne Memorial Gym and Pangborn Hall will be removed. However, a new practice green will be constructed near the new first tee of the course.
According to Marsh, the project manager, the road construction is expected to be completed over the summer. The course will reopen once the greenskeepers have determined that the realigned holes are ready for play.
More: Warren Golf Course Recognized as One of Golfweek’s Best 40 Campus Courses
By: Tim Schmitt
Title: A Golf Course at the University of Notre Dame Shrinks to Accommodate New Student Dorms
Sourced From: golfweek.usatoday.com/2024/01/22/notre-dame-burke-golf-course-burke-shrinking-student-dorms/
Published Date: Mon, 22 Jan 2024 17:40:36 +0000
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