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Tommy Hale Short Game Center Something new on campus for golf enthusiasts in 2018! Plans for the HSU Tommy Hale Golf Practice Facility Phase I to be used by the men’s and women’s golf teams are underway. As a National Champion for HSU, Tommy Hale knew the value of regular and routine practice. Throughout his life, he enjoyed teaching and helping others improve their golf game. He took great pride in helping golfers of all skill levels increase their love for the game. Therefore, this short game facility is named in his honor. In 2016, HSU began the planning of facility upgrades with incredible support from the HSU family. Dr. Joe Black, a former HSU golfer and PGA Tour member, has fulfilled a generous matching gift up to $100,000 to support this golf campaign. HSU’s golf program has a storied history of success dating back to its inception in 1948. Both programs have won National Championships, with the men winning in 1953 and the women winning in 1994. In the Division III era, themen have won five ASC championships, and in the past six years, the men have recorded three of the lowest team-scoring averages since HSU entered the Division III era. In 2017, the men’s team had four individuals win ASC All- Academic honors as well. Since winning the National Championship in 1994 at the NAIA level, the women’s team has won the 1999 ASC championship and went on to finish fourth at the National Championship that same year. The women’s team also won the ASC team Sportsmanship Award in 2017 and had two different individuals win tournaments during the 2016-17 school year. Mr. John Neese, HSU Athletic Director, said, “The Tommy Hale Short Game facility will provide a significant boost for our recruiting efforts. There are only a limited number of Division III schools that will be able to offer what HSU will have for our golf program. We are grateful for the generosity and support of Dr. Joe Black.” “Our newgolf facility will equip our students, faculty and staff with the tools necessary to empower them to build relationships through the game of golf,” said HSU Head Golf Coach, Bart Craig. “This facility will also be a gathering place for community learning, social activities and outreach to bring people to our campus and experience how Hardin-Simmons University can be a catalyst in changing lives.” Dr. Joe Ed Black RANGE RIDER | FALL-WINTER 2017 17