EMU Opens the GameAbove Golf Performance Center
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — Eastern Michigan University held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the GameAbove Golf Performance Center at Eagle Crest Golf Course Tuesday, Jan. 16. The momentous occasion marks the culmination of a visionary project that promised to redefine the landscape of collegiate golf training at EMU.
The two-story facility, perched elegantly overlooking the 18th green and Ford Lake, was made possible through an $8 million gift from GameAbove, a dedicated group of Eastern Michigan alumni. The facility stands as a testament to EMU's commitment to excellence in collegiate golf. This state-of-the-art training complex, spanning 13,000 square feet, is designed to propel the Eastern men's and women's golf teams to new heights of success. With lockerrooms, meeting spaces, indoor putting and chipping areas, and cutting-edge simulators, the facility provides an unparalleled training environment for all elements of the game.
The building features a dedicated practice range, spanning 6,619 square feet, which offers student-athletes the opportunity to hone their skills with targeted training sessions. A specialized area covering 5,383 square feet has been designated for chipping and putting, ensuring that every aspect of the game is meticulously addressed in the training regimen. Additionally, the inclusion of two TrackMan 4 Simulators, totaling 1,974 square feet, adds a cutting-edge dimension to the training experience. These simulators bring the outdoor game indoors, allowing for precision training regardless of external conditions.
"It is important to acknowledge the commitment of GameAbove," said EMU President Dr. James Smith. "This group of outstanding alumni are not only critical to this project, but to a host of other initiatives across our campus. Since its launch, GameAbove has committed millions of dollars to the University, supporting and creating programs that spark innovation and academic advancement."
EMU broke ground for the facility on Sept. 30, 2022, after the capital project was originally approved Dec. 13, 2019 by EMU's Board of Regents.
"It has taken a while, but we are extremely glad this day is finally here," EMU Vice President/Director of Athletics Scott Wetherbee added. "With this incredible new facility, we will have the best, most state-of-the-art golf performance facility in the Mid-American Conference and the region. This will elevate our golf programs immediately as we look to compete on the national stage year in and year out. We cannot say thank you enough to GameAbove and all they continue to do for Eastern Michigan University and Ypsilanti."
GameAbove provided the $8 million gift with the project dedicated to EMU men's golf coach Bruce Cunningham. GameAbove is a team of passionate Eastern Michigan alumni who desire to make a difference for all of EMU and the Ypsilanti community, and has made unprecedented contributions to support Eastern students and faculty.
The group's partnership with the University and its philanthropy are far-reaching, including gifts for faculty support, broad student support and athletics. GameAbove members are highly committed to the success of the University and, through their philanthropy, they seek to powerfully inspire other friends and alumni to give. All told, GameAbove has committed more than $30 million to EMU to support students, faculty, staff, and the Ypsilanti community.
"The EMU women's golf team is so appreciative and thankful for this facility," said Head Women's Golf Coach Stephanie Jennings. "As an alum and former student-athlete, it brings me to tears because I'm thrilled about the progress of our program over the last 20+ years and the heights to which we can now reach. The new golf facility will be a complete game changer in how we recruit, how we train, and how we strive to achieve our goals of winning the MAC Championship and being a nationally ranked team."
Cunningham, who is in his 31st year at Eastern Michigan, was named the MAC Coach of the Year in 2007, 2008, and 2019. He is one of only four men's golf coaches in league history to earn the accolade three-or-more times in a career.
During his tenure, Eagle golfers have had some of their most successful years, finishing in the top three at the MAC Championships in 11 of the past 18 seasons. Furthermore, Cunningham has become accustomed to the NCAA experience, as he placed a team or an individual in six NCAA Tournaments during his time at EMU.
"We cannot thank GameAbove enough for their generosity and support of our golf programs," said Cunningham. "This will have a dramatic impact on our student-athletes skill set development and significantly enhance our off-season practice and training methods. The commitment by GameAbove to create a world-class, state-of-the-art indoor facility will ensure the continued growth of both programs and allow us to achieve our annual goals of competing nationally and producing MAC Championships."
Besides the performance center, the Eagle Crest also saw an expansion in 2023 that recently opened that includes a 2,700-square-foot clubhouse addition with an expanded kitchen and lounge as well as four golf simulators.
Tale of the Tape GameAbove Golf Performance Center
Construction Started - December 2022
Building Opened - January 2024
Architect - Progressive AE
Construction Management Team - Granger Construction
Square Footage
GameAbove Golf Performance Center - 13,000 Square Ft.
Practice Range - 6,619 Square Ft.
Chipping and Putting Area - 5,383 Square Ft.
TrackMan 4 Simulators (2) - 1,974 Square Ft.
About GameAbove
GameAbove at EMU's primary focus is to help shape, inspire, and support the current and future students at Eastern Michigan University by reaching new heights in learning through transformation and inspiration in the educational experience. GameAbove aspires to help improve the higher education experience by exploring and supporting innovative financial models to sustain universities, enhancing the campus environment, elevating athletics, promoting pioneering academic programs, and creative giving within the community. To learn more, visit gameaboveemu.com.
About Eastern Michigan University Athletics
Eastern Michigan University has been a member of the Mid-American Conference since 1971 and has been among the league's most successful members. The Division I program boasts 157 MAC team championships, the most of any team in the league during that span. Eastern Michigan, which has had a representative at every summer Olympics since 1960, has won 15 team national championships and 55 individual national titles since 1932. For more information about Eastern Michigan Athletics, visit EMUEagles.com.
About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors, and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit emich.edu.