When renovations to ISU’s golf course were completed in 2001 by D.A. Weibring’s design firm, the PGA and Champions Tour star expressed his hope that the course would eventually add a top-notch practice facility. That time is now, as the University completed this fall The Jim and Carole Mounier Golf Training Facility at Weibring Golf Club.
The club is named in honor of Weibring, a stand-out Redbird golfer who has helped raise more than $1.4 million for ISU through D.A. Weibring Redbird Golf Classic events held annually for years.
Weibring has also invested his expertise with the initial upgrades, and now creation of the practice facility made possible with support from the Mouniers.
The Mouniers are both alums, with Jim graduating in 1974 and Carole (Czerniak) in 1975. They made a financial contribution to help with construction of the training facility’s first phase, which includes a team-only driving range. Completion of additional phases will allow for community use.
Weibring-Wolfard Golf Design of Texas configured the facility to be about 500 yards in length. There are two tee areas able to accommodate about 50 golfers on the south end. A north tee area is smaller.
With six to eight target greens, golf team members can now practice hitting in different wind directions. They no longer travel to an area golf course for extended practices.
“This takes the programs to another level,” ISU men’s coach Ray Kralis said. His players have the opportunity to visualize hitting shots into a fairway, as the design includes contrasting areas with different grassing.
“To have the golf course on campus is huge. Now we’re putting up a facility to match the golf course,” Kralis said. Women’s coach Darby Sligh is equally pleased.
“This will put us right with the bigger programs in the Midwest,” she said. “It’s the missing piece in a lot of ways.” Kralis agreed.
“This is a major commitment to golf,” he said, noting the practice facility will not only strengthen current team members but create a ‘wow factor’ that is vital in recruiting.
