The Chattanooga golf program will share a brand, new practice facility with the First Tee of Chattanooga.  The Player Development Complex will provide the Mocs with a comprehensive area dedicated to their use.  Completion of the facility is scheduled for summer 2009.

            “This is an exciting project for our program,” said Head Men's Golf Coach Mark Guhne.  “We will have a complex that is second to none for player development.  It is an integral part of building our program into a perennial national power.”

            The Player Development Complex, situated on 28 acres, sets a new standard in golf learning facilities.  Anchored by its 10-acre, double-sided practice range, the facility boasts four auxiliary short game practice areas, a three-hole practice course, The First Tee of Chattanooga along with the Mocs practice area.

            “It is first class all the way,” added Guhne.  “This facility will greatly enhance our program from our playing ability to our recruiting efforts.”

            The Mocs will have a clubhouse, practice tee, short game area and two practice greens.  A key to swing development is the ability to practice in a variety of wind conditions.  With teeing areas at both ends of the range and a triangular shaped three-hole course, the Mocs will be able to create practice sessions to prepare for all potential tournament situations.

            The planned greens will feature two types of surfaces.  One will be A-1 Bent Grass, while the other will be surfaced with premier Ultra Dwarf Bermuda.  An additional short game area will be designed behind the far-end range tee.  It will feature two practice bunkers and a closely-mown chipping area for short game development.

            UTC will share the facility with the First Tee of Chattanooga.  The First Tee of Chattanooga's mission is to impact the lives of young people from all backgrounds by providing learning facilities and educational programs which promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf.

            The First Tee has served children in the greater Chattanooga area since 1996.  Several are college graduates, several are playing college golf on scholarship.  Several are recognized as The First Tee Scholars and have earned Leadership Scholarships for college.  Over 300 children are active annually.