Eastern Michigan University has officially opened the GameAbove Golf Performance Center at Eagle Crest Golf Course, marking a new chapter for EMU’s men's and women's golf programs. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on January 16, 2024, celebrates the completion of a cutting-edge facility designed to elevate the university’s golf teams to national prominence.
State-of-the-Art Facility
The 13,000-square-foot, two-story facility overlooks the scenic 18th green of Eagle Crest Golf Course and Ford Lake. Funded by an $8 million gift from GameAbove, a group of dedicated Eastern Michigan alumni, the GameAbove Golf Performance Center is equipped with everything a collegiate golf team needs to succeed. The facility boasts locker rooms, meeting spaces, indoor putting and chipping areas, and advanced golf simulators, providing an unmatched training environment.
"The goal is to fill it up with a whole bunch of new things,” shared Dan McLean, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Development at EMU, during a recent tour. “We’ve intentionally left some of the walls blank, allowing the coaches to put their own spin on it.”
The practice range covers 6,619 square feet, providing ample space for targeted training. An additional 5,383 square feet is dedicated to a chipping and putting area, ensuring that athletes can fine-tune every aspect of their game. Two TrackMan 4 simulators—spanning 1,974 square feet—bring outdoor golf indoors, offering precision practice no matter the weather.
"The new facility is incredible. It’s one of the best I’ve seen," McLean said. "It provides our student-athletes with the tools they need to elevate their performance."
Boosting EMU's Golf Program
This training facility sets EMU apart from other Mid-American Conference (MAC) schools, further positioning the program to compete nationally. McLean expressed excitement about the upcoming season, noting the significance of this week as athletes return to campus and experience the center for the first time.
"I’m most excited for this week ahead when our student-athletes start arriving," he remarked. "They’ve only seen pictures so far, so to watch them walk in for the first time will be a great moment."
GameAbove’s generous contribution is not just about golf—it symbolizes a broader commitment to EMU and the Ypsilanti community. President Dr. James Smith emphasized the alumni group’s critical role in funding various university projects: "GameAbove has committed millions to the University, supporting programs that spark innovation and academic advancement."
Since its inception, GameAbove has donated more than $30 million to EMU, benefitting students, faculty, and athletics alike. Their support for the golf program specifically honors longtime men’s golf coach Bruce Cunningham, a three-time MAC Coach of the Year, whose teams have made multiple NCAA Tournament appearances.
The Future of EMU Golf
The GameAbove Golf Performance Center is for more than just the student-athletes. EMU is exploring ways to make the facility a revenue generator. McLean mentioned that the space, particularly its conference room with sweeping views of the course, could be rented out to businesses and community organizations.
"We’re trying to figure out how to make the building a revenue generator," McLean said. "We think once people see it, they’re going to want to host events here."
With the new facility and a robust golf program, the future looks bright for EMU golf. "Golf is one of the best programs at Eastern," McLean said. "We have student-athletes from all over the world, which is really neat. I’m excited to see where this year takes us."
As EMU’s golf teams continue to practice and compete at this state-of-the-art facility, one thing is clear: the GameAbove Golf Performance Center has firmly established Eastern Michigan University as a top contender in collegiate golf.
Up Next:
Women's Golf: The team will return to action at the 2024 Marilynn Smith Sunflower Open on Oct. 7-8 in Lawrence, Kansas. This two-day event will be played at the Lawrence Country Club, with the University of Kansas serving as the host.
Men's Golf: Several individuals will participate in The Indy at Forest Hills on Friday, Oct. 4, in Richmond, Indiana. Meanwhile, the remainder of the team will travel to Estero, Florida, to compete in the West Bay Collegiate Invitational on Oct. 6-7.
