Sept. 21, 2000 — (Lexington, Ky.) Representatives from the University Clubs of America, together with University ofKentucky officials, broke ground on Thursday at the new University Club of Kentucky golf course. The rolling, 300-plus acre site islocated at 4850 Leestown Road, just over seven miles from downtown Lexington.
“We are delighted to be associated with the University of Kentucky in this wonderful venture,” said Paul Degenhart, managingmember of the University Clubs of America. “Our goal is to provide a first-class golf environment where old friendships will berenewed and new ones created.”
The University Club of Kentucky features two 18-hole courses, one named the “Wildcat” and the other “Big Blue.” Currently,world-renowned golf course architect Arthur Hills is supervising the redesign of the “Big Blue” layout. The “Big Blue” course isexpected to be seeded later this fall and opened for play by the late summer of 2001. Meanwhile, University Club members can playright now on the existing 18 holes of the “Wildcat” course. Hills’ design firm is also planning future renovations to the “Wildcat”layout.
“The University Club of Kentucky provides UK alumni, faculty and staff, friends and supporters the opportunity to enjoy twotop-flight golf courses, together with an outstanding clubhouse and other facilities,” said UK President Charles T. Wethington Jr. “It isimportant to point out that no public dollars are being spent on this project,”Wethington said.
Athletics Director Larry Ivy said the University Club of Kentucky will be the official home of the UK men’s and women’s golf teams.
“This gives a tremendous boost to our golf program,” said Ivy. “For the first time, our student-athletes will have a true home coursefor practice and tournament competition. This will greatly help our golf coaches, Steve Smitha and Bettie Lou Evans, in recruiting anddeveloping outstanding individuals and teams.” Ivy added that the championship caliber of the golf courses would enable UK toseriously contend as host school for future Southeastern Conference and NCAA Championships.
In addition to the golf course improvements currently underway, plans call for the expansion and renovation of the existingclubhouse facility.
Membership is open to anyone. A person does not have to be a graduate of the University of Kentucky, nor a member of theUK faculty or staff. The University Club of Kentucky is a private, members-only club licensed by the University of Kentucky.
For membership information, call 381-8585.
