Members of Stetson University's men's and women's golf teams began classes for the fall semester this past Thursday along with all of the other Stetson students. But the start of this semester is one the golfers have been anxiously awaiting.
 
This fall begins a new era for Stetson golf because the 2019-20 teams will be the first to use the new Edinger Golf Complex, a much needed and long-awaited practice home for those players.
 
Construction of the complex will continues as permitting for the clubhouse is currently in front of Volusia County officials awaiting approval. The landscaping is not quite ready, but the hitting and practice areas are ready for use.
 
"This is an amazing project and it will be magnificent for our squads to have a private practice area," Stetson Men's Coach Larry Watson said.
 
"Coach (Danielle) Shelburne and I have had this dream for some time. When Mr. Sandy Edinger first came to us and asked what we needed most, we didn't hesitate to list a practice facility as the most desired item."
 
The men's team will have four freshmen joining the squad to round out a team of nine players. The women's squad returns seven players from last year and has added three newcomers to the mix. All are excited about the new facility.
 
"Practice has always been a challenge while using private or public facilities," men's team captain Chris Williard, a senior, said. "There were times we just had nowhere to go because the courses we were using had tournaments. Now we can practice uninterrupted at any time."
 
The Edinger Golf Complex has been largely funded by Sandy (class of '65) and Martha Edinger. As the 10-acre parcel of land develops, the project will include a clubhouse for both teams to use. It is an ambitious undertaking, with four synthetic greens and 18 hitting areas combined with the 2,600 square-foot clubhouse. This remote athletic site is Stetson's second; the rowing complex was completed just last spring.
 
"This facility will enable the programs to develop their own practice routines and operate on their own time frames," Watson said. "The kids will be able to practice on their own and work on the areas of their games they feel need the most attention.
 
"Most importantly, this investment will give the players a sense of belonging, and that is meaningful to today's student-athletes. Personally, I am looking forward to watching the boys develop their practice routines. I think this will promote a new culture for the squads. Having their own home facility will improve their confidence levels. They will revel in pride for their university and its championship culture."
 
With the clubhouse portion of the facility yet to begin construction, there will likely be some growing pains.
 
"We have all decided to look at the glass as half full, knowing it is only going to get better," Watson said. "I know this is going to help Danielle and her girls as well it will help my team. They are a good team already. It will be paramount for the men's team as the players strive to improve their ranking in a very tough conference and advance to the NCAA Championship."
 
All former members of the men's and women's golf teams are welcome to pay a visit to the facility, but please contact one of the coaches to schedule a tour because the location is still a construction site. Continued interest, input, feedback and contributions from all former players is appreciated and will help raise the visibility of the programs nationally.
 
This Edinger Golf Complex continues the development of outstanding athletic facilities spearheaded by the rebirth of football, the evolution of women's lacrosse, the continued national prominence of women's beach volleyball and the completion of the Sandra Stetson Aquatic Center.
 
Both the men's and women's golf teams will open the fall portion of their schedules the weekend of September 8-10 at the Golfweek Program Challenge at Pawley's Island, SC. The men's event will be held at the Caledonia Golf & Fish Club while the women's will be played at the True Blue Golf Club.
 
The men's fall schedule will continue at the Western Carolina Intercollegiate September 30 through October 1, the Georgia State AutoTrader Collegiate Classic October 13-14 and the FGCU Classic October 28-29.
 
The women's golf team, which will be under the direction of graduate assistant coach Eilidh Watson during the fall season with Shelburne on maternity leave after the birth of her second child, will play in five fall events. In addition to the Golfweek tournament, the team will travel to play at Dartmouth (Sept. 14-15) and at Jacksonville (Sept. 30-Oct. 1) before hosting the Hatter Classic at Alaqua Country Club in Longwood Oct. 7-8.
 
The Hatters will close out the fall playing in the FIU Pat Bradley Invitational at Lakewood Ranch.
 
About Stetson University Athletics: Stetson University's Athletics Program has a vision of developing a culture of champions athletically, academically and within the community. This vision is accomplished through a mission of recruiting and developing student-athletes, coaches and staff, creating a culture of champions, within and outside of competition. The department operates with five core values: Championship Culture, Integrity, Excellence, Pride/Tradition and Leadership. To learn more about the Vision, Mission and Core Values for Stetson Athletics, visit GoHatters.com and click on Mission Statement under the Inside Athletics tab.