Columbus State University has started construction on a new clubhouse for its Golf Program, launching a $3.2 million fundraising campaign to support the project. The planned 6,447-square-foot facility will be built at the site of the existing Key Golf Studio and aims to provide both indoor and outdoor training spaces for student-athletes.
The new clubhouse is expected to enhance the university’s ability to recruit and retain top golfers by offering advanced practice technology and updated playing surfaces. Director of Athletics Justin Hay said, “The stakes have never been higher when it comes to recruiting and retaining the world’s top college golfers.” He added, “We must offer the best student-athlete experience—and that means giving our golfers access to top-notch facilities and the means to winning conference and national titles. Once finished, this new clubhouse will be one of the top golf facilities at any level in the country, raising Columbus State Golf to new heights of excellence.”
Lee McCoy, director of golf and head Men’s Golf coach, described the future clubhouse as a “home-away-from-home” designed to appeal to recruits visiting Key Golf Studio. Both Men’s and Women’s Golf teams will use the facility. Features include a high-tech putting lab for skill analysis, two practice bays—one with a Foresight golf simulator—and dedicated spaces for team meetings and community engagement.
Sydney Himes, a current golfer at CSU, commented on the significance of the project: “This new clubhouse will be a huge milestone for our teams. It’s going to create an environment that inspires us to keep improving and reminds us how much support we have behind our program.”
Funding for the facility will come entirely from donations. Supporters can contribute through multi-year naming opportunities or annual gifts via the CSU Foundation. Troy Woods ’74, who helped lead fundraising efforts, stated, “As a proud Columbus State alumnus, I’m honored to play a small role in building the future of CSU golf. I believe this investment in our Golf Program will empower our student-athletes to reach new heights and continue a tradition of excellence.”
Over its 50-year history, Columbus State University’s Golf Program has won eight Peach Belt Tournament championships between men’s and women’s teams and made 35 NCAA Division II championship appearances. The men’s team has earned six DII national championships along with numerous individual honors.
The Key Golf Studio opened in 2015 and is named after James W. “Billy” Key, who was instrumental in supporting CSU athletics. As part of this project, the current clubhouse will become a gym for players.
Jack Key, Billy Key’s nephew and current CSU Foundation trustee said: “We’re now positioned to return CSU Golf to a place of national prominence. We have outstanding coaches who are successfully recruiting and developing excellent young players. And with the addition of these new top-tier training facilities on the horizon, we’re on the cusp of bringing more championships home to Columbus.”
The official groundbreaking took place on January 8 with participation from university leadership including President Stuart Rayfield.
Columbus State University operates as part of Georgia’s public higher education system and offers undergraduate through doctoral programs. The university maintains campuses designed for learning and performance and emphasizes academic excellence, servant leadership and community partnerships as core values.
For more information about supporting the campaign or contributing donations toward naming opportunities or annual gifts through the CSU Foundation, interested parties are encouraged to contact Lee McCoy.
