Jan. 26, 2000 Seattle - University of Washington athletic director Barbara Hedges announced today that the Huskies have entered into a sponsorship agreement with O.B. Sports that will make the new Washington National Golf Club the official home for the Husky golf program. The course is currently under construction in Auburn, Wash., and will be open for play this summer. Under the terms of the five-year agreement, 18 holes at the 36-hole Washington National Golf Club will be designated "The University Course" and will incorporate a Husky theme, including buildings modeled after landmarks on the University campus. A likeness of Husky Stadium will be used for grandstand seating and the primary clubhouse will feature a resemblance to Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Golf carts at Washington national will be purple and gold and special "Husky Tees" will be used for championship play. A dedicated Husky store will sell University licensed merchandise. "This is a wonderful opportunity for our men's and women's golf programs and the entire Husky community," says Washington athletic director Barbara Hedges. "This is going to be a beautiful course and very unique with a concept of using the University as the theme for its surroundings." "The University Course and practice facility will be the finest of its kind in the United States," says Husky men's golf coach O.D. Vincent. "It will give us the opportunity to practice for any type of conditions that we may be traveling to. The course will present us new opportunities to fundraise and give our program and student-athletes tremendous exposure. Most importantly, it will give our players a feeling that they have a home and are not a guest every day that they are out practicing and playing. That is something to be very proud of." "It will be nice to finally have a place that we can call our own," says Washington women's golf coach Mary Lou Mulflur. "We have been very fortunate with the relationships we have had with the courses in the area, but now we will have a course that will better accommodate our schedules and needs. This will be a big advantage in recruiting. There are very few schools that can offer a prospective golfer this type of opportunity." The Washington golf program will have a dedicated practice facility at the new course and will play its home matches there. Additionally, Washington can also host Pac-10 and NCAA Championship events at Washington National. "NCAA Championships are definitely something that we are going to pursue," Mulflur says. "I would think we have a very good chance to bring a regional to Washington National and, eventually, the national championship." University students, staff, and alumni will received discounted tee times during designated time periods. The University's Board of Regents approved the agreement, valued at $160,000 annually on, Jan. 21. Washington National is part of O.B. Sports, a Kirkland golf development company owned by Orrin Vincent. He is the farther of current Washington men's golf coach, O.D. Vincent. |
