Illinois Athletics Donor Pledges $5 Million for Atkins Golf Renovation
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics has received a gift of $5 million to fund renovations and enhancements at the newly acquired Atkins Golf Club at the University of Illinois from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous.
"We are incredibly grateful to this generous donor for making continued investment in our nationally ranked golf programs," Director of Athletic Josh Whitman said. "These funds will allow us to fulfill our vision of making the Atkins Golf Club a championship-caliber home course for our men's and women's golf teams, while at the same time providing an inviting environment and an entertaining experience for our local community – golfers and non-golfers alike."
With the gift, DIA will undertake significant golf course and venue improvements. DIA is in the process of hiring a golf course architect who will design the course renovations, which are expected to include lengthening the course, tightening fairways, renovating bunkers, and improving lakes, creeks and bridges. The facility will also receive upgrades to its irrigation system, drainage infrastructure, course markings, and practice areas.
Inside, the clubhouse will be rebranded with an Illini-themed pro shop that celebrates the tremendous success and tradition of Fighting Illini Golf. DIA will also be creating lounges and recruiting areas for use by the men's and women's programs. Additional renovations are likely to be identified through the planning process.
"The financial support that Illinois Golf has garnered over the years continues to humble our program, and this gift is just another example of how generous and supportive the Illini Golf family is," head men's golf coach Mike Small said. "This enormous gift will allow the Atkins Golf Club to transform itself into a nationally recognized collegiate golf facility, while also giving the local community access to a first-class golf experience."
"The generosity of Illinois golf supporters is profound and genuinely appreciated," head women's coach Renee Slone said. "We are extremely excited about the impact this significant gift will have on the renovation process at Atkins Golf Club as it becomes a championship level college facility while providing area golfers with an outstanding venue. This gift demonstrates continued unwavering support by the Illinois Golf Family in our student-athletes and the future of our programs."
With this $5 million donation, the new fiscal year of capital project funding receives a jump start, building on a successful 2020 campaign that saw more than $30 million pledged toward Illinois Athletics facilities.
The gift counts toward the $300 million fundraising goal for the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, which is part of "With Illinois," the $2.25 billion University-wide fundraising campaign.
STONE CREEK SUBDIVISION: Planned enhancements of the Atkins Golf Club at the University of Illinois will add value to Stone Creek, the residential communities surrounding the golf course where undeveloped lots are being sold by the DIA and U of I Foundation. As part of its transformative gift to the University of Illinois, the Atkins Group included more than 100 residential lots. These lots are available in the five subdivisions in Stone Creek, with prices beginning at $32,000. For more information about lot availability and pricing, go to fightingillini.com/feature/buildatstonecreek.
CHAMPAIGN, Ill. – The Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics has received a gift of $5 million to fund renovations and enhancements at the newly acquired Atkins Golf Club at the University of Illinois from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous.
"We are incredibly grateful to this generous donor for making continued investment in our nationally ranked golf programs," Director of Athletic Josh Whitman said. "These funds will allow us to fulfill our vision of making the Atkins Golf Club a championship-caliber home course for our men's and women's golf teams, while at the same time providing an inviting environment and an entertaining experience for our local community – golfers and non-golfers alike."
With the gift, DIA will undertake significant golf course and venue improvements. DIA is in the process of hiring a golf course architect who will design the course renovations, which are expected to include lengthening the course, tightening fairways, renovating bunkers, and improving lakes, creeks and bridges. The facility will also receive upgrades to its irrigation system, drainage infrastructure, course markings, and practice areas.
Inside, the clubhouse will be rebranded with an Illini-themed pro shop that celebrates the tremendous success and tradition of Fighting Illini Golf. DIA will also be creating lounges and recruiting areas for use by the men's and women's programs. Additional renovations are likely to be identified through the planning process.
"The financial support that Illinois Golf has garnered over the years continues to humble our program, and this gift is just another example of how generous and supportive the Illini Golf family is," head men's golf coach Mike Small said. "This enormous gift will allow the Atkins Golf Club to transform itself into a nationally recognized collegiate golf facility, while also giving the local community access to a first-class golf experience."
"The generosity of Illinois golf supporters is profound and genuinely appreciated," head women's coach Renee Slone said. "We are extremely excited about the impact this significant gift will have on the renovation process at Atkins Golf Club as it becomes a championship level college facility while providing area golfers with an outstanding venue. This gift demonstrates continued unwavering support by the Illinois Golf Family in our student-athletes and the future of our programs."
With this $5 million donation, the new fiscal year of capital project funding receives a jump start, building on a successful 2020 campaign that saw more than $30 million pledged toward Illinois Athletics facilities.
The gift counts toward the $300 million fundraising goal for the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, which is part of "With Illinois," the $2.25 billion University-wide fundraising campaign.
STONE CREEK SUBDIVISION: Planned enhancements of the Atkins Golf Club at the University of Illinois will add value to Stone Creek, the residential communities surrounding the golf course where undeveloped lots are being sold by the DIA and U of I Foundation. As part of its transformative gift to the University of Illinois, the Atkins Group included more than 100 residential lots. These lots are available in the five subdivisions in Stone Creek, with prices beginning at $32,000. For more information about lot availability and pricing, go to fightingillini.com/feature/buildatstonecreek.
