SAN DIEGO — A dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on August 31 to officially open USD Athletics' Purcell Family Championship Golf Practice Facility. Located in the northeast quadrant of campus, the state-of-the-art facility was designed by San Diego native and golfing icon Phil Mickelson and includes a one-acre natural turf short-game area, complete with an 8,000-square-foot putting green, three practice sand bunkers and a 40,000-square-foot fairway and rough area, designed to perfect every possible golf shot. 

"This world-class facility was designed to build teamwork and encourage a healthy sense of competitive spirit," said USD President James T. Harris III, DEd. 

USD Athletic Director Bill McGillis originally announced the $2 million gift courtesy of the Purcell Family in May 2021. USD alumnus Paul M. Purcell '97 (BA) joined the USD Board of Trustees in 2019 and currently serves on the board's investment committee, the athletics committee and the university advancement committee. Purcell helped in the planning and shepherding of the gift.

"This is a great day for our family," said Paul Purcell, dressed in a Torero Blue USD golf polo. "I stand before you humbled and full of gratitude. This place was a big part of my life."  

The official program featured a blessing, speeches, the official acceptance of the gift and a ribbon-cutting. The reception included a golf skills demonstration. 

"I have the privilege of thanking and recognizing the dream makers who made this facility a reality. It's been almost two decades since a number of people conceptualized and envisioned what this could be," said McGillis. "Paul and Mindy made this possibility that others had come to life." 

"To the Purcell family, thank you. This is really incredible," said USD Golf Head Coach Chris Riley. 

Phase 2 of the new facility will include a 3,000-square-foot clubhouse that will include a team locker room, team lounge, an indoor/outdoor hospitality space, a coach's office, storage, study/conference areas, a hitting bay and a golf lab featuring cutting-edge technology and equipment.