Purcell Short-Game Practice Facility Design

SAN DIEGO– University of San Diego Athletic Director Bill McGillis announced a $2 million gift for the establishment of a new golf training facility — the Purcell Family Short-Game Practice Facility, designed by San Diego native and golfing icon Phil Mickelson.
 
"We are so grateful for the extraordinary generosity of Paul and Mindy and the entire Purcell family," said McGillis. "This is a truly transformational gift that will catapult our golf program to a new level, positively impact the experience of USD scholar-athletes and also change the lives of young people in our community. This state-of-the-art practice facility, when combined with the inspiring leadership of Head Coach Chris Riley, the beauty and academic excellence of USD, and the natural resources of San Diego, will enable USD to compete at the very highest level of intercollegiate golf."  

Highlights of the planned 1.4-acre facility include:

• A one-acre natural turf short-game area, consisting of a 7,500-sq. ft. putting green, a 1,000-sq. ft. practice bunker and a 40,000-sq. ft. fairway and rough area designed to practice every possible golf shot
• 1,800 square feet of synthetic turf tee area, consisting of two types of hitting surfaces
• Innovative "Phil Mickelson" wedge control targets, consisting of four synthetic turf targets, providing distance control practice for every yardage from 30 yards to 85 yards 
• "Phil Mickelson" synthetic turf putting pads, consisting of three 15'x15' square putting surfaces at 2%, 3% and 4% slope each

In addition to the short-game practice facility, the university's future plan includes the building of a 3,000-sq. ft. clubhouse to support the golf team. The clubhouse will include a team locker room, team lounge, indoor/outdoor hospitality space, coaches office, storage, study/conference areas, a hitting bay and golf lab featuring cutting-edge technology and equipment.
 
"As a result of the generosity of the Purcell family, and a strong commitment from the University of San Diego, I could not be more thrilled to be designing a state-of-the art on-campus golf practice facility for the Toreros," said Phil Mickelson. "Every detail of this new facility will be designed to improve the scholar-athlete golfer, provide an environment to promote team unity, instill competition and position the University of San Diego to compete for future West Coast Conference and national championships. The University of San Diego holds a special place in the hearts of the Mickelson family, and I'm excited to partner with Coach Riley in developing something truly special for the young men in the USD program."
 
The Purcell Family Short-Game Practice Facility will be located in the northeast quadrant of campus, centered in the hub of USD athletic facilities. 
 
"This was years in the making, and I am thrilled that the day has finally come for USD Golf to have all the tools to compete at the highest level," said Chris Riley, head coach of the golf team. "I am grateful to Paul Purcell and his family for the generosity that will have a lasting impact on our scholar-athletes for years to come. The facility will enable our USD golfers to excel from inside 100 yards, which is crucial for us to compete for NCAA titles. I also want to thank Phil Mickelson and Mike Angus of Phil Mickelson Design for their vision and expertise in designing and creating this world-class facility."
 
In addition to the significant impact the facility will have on the Torero golf program, the university intends, through partnerships with Pro Kids, First Tee and other local organizations, to strengthen its commitment to serving anchor communities like Linda Vista, Logan Heights and City Heights.

The generous gift was made possible by USD alumnus, and Board of Trustees member, Paul M. Purcell and advances the final planning stages of the project. 
 
"Our family is honored to give back to institutions that are very important to us -- USD and the game of golf," said Purcell. "We are humbled to work with professionals such as Bill McGillis, Chris Riley and Phil Mickelson Design. Our hope is this facility will advance the mission of USD, not just to compete at the top levels of the NCAA, but also make the entire community better through the game of golf."
 
The major gift is being announced as Riley and the nationally-ranked Toreros golf team head to Albuquerque, New Mexico to compete in the NCAA Regional tournament taking place May 17-19.

About the University of San Diego
The University of San Diego sets the standard for an engaged, contemporary Catholic university where innovative Changemakers confront humanity's urgent challenges. With more than 9,000 students from 69 countries and 50 states, USD is the youngest independent institution on the U.S. News & World Report list of top 100 universities in the United States. The university's eight academic divisions include the College of Arts and Sciences, the School of Business, the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, the School of Law, the School of Leadership and Education Sciences, the Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science, the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, and the Division of Professional and Continuing Education. USD's Envisioning 2024 strategic plan capitalizes on the university's recent progress and aligns new strategic goals with current strengths to help shape a vision for the future as the university looks ahead to its 75th anniversary in the year 2024.