AUSTIN, Texas—For many years, distinguished alumnus Mike A. Myers (Business Administration, 1959; LLB, 1963) has dreamed of building The University of Texas Golf Club, a course in the Hill Country that would serve the university, Central Texas and Austin residents, alumni, and the Longhorns’ men’s and women’s varsity golf teams. This month, that dream becomes a reality.
Construction is under way for the club at Steiner Ranch off RR 620 in Northwest Austin. The project, years in planning, was spearheaded by Myers, a successful Dallas business executive and chairman of the board and owner of Myers Financial Corp. He is a long-time supporter of numerous academic and athletics programs at the university.
The 7,008-yard, par 71 course was designed by Bechtol Russell Golf Inc., with input from several former University of Texas golfers. A driving range practice facility for the university’s golf programs is adjacent to the first hole, and three holes overlook Lake Austin. The course is scheduled to open in November 2003. Detailed prices regarding local, regional and out-of-state memberships and dues are forthcoming.
“Mike is among the very special individuals who serve The University of Texas in so many ways,” said Men’s Athletics Director DeLoss Dodds. “We are so pleased and excited that Mike and his wife, Sammye, are realizing the dream of The University of Texas Golf Club. Our two outstanding golf programs now will have a superior home course on which to practice, compete and host championship tournament events. This course also will serve the growing golf population in Austin.”
Myers signed a 50-year licensing agreement with The University of Texas System to place the university’s name on the course.
A percentage of revenues will accrue annually to the university. Those funds will support men’s and women’s golf program operations and scholarships. The men’s team is coached by John Fields and the women’s team by Susan Watkins. The Longhorn men won the 2002 Big 12 Championship and tied for third at the NCAA Championship. The women’s squad tied for second nationally in 2002, marking its third consecutive top three NCAA finish.
“This facility will be a huge benefit to every phase of our program,” Watkins said. “It’s such a bonus to have our own practice facility and home golf course. Our players will now have a premiere spot to hang our hat and call home.
“It’s exciting for me to see the passion that Mike and Sammye Myers share for UT Athletics. I know the passion that I have for this program, and it gives me chills to see that passion shared by Mike and Sammye. Their love and concern for The University of Texas is the ultimate.”
“We’ve had a great association with the area golf courses since I’ve been here at Texas, but the addition of the UT Golf Club will help elevate our program to a level that is on par with the best collegiate programs in the country,” Fields said. “We will now have amenities for our players, including a practice facility and driving range, that are equal to, if not better, than the highest competition that we face.”
Lincoln Properties Co. and Taylor Woodrow Communities have joined with Myers in this endeavor. They serve as limited partners in the UT Golf Club. Steiner Ranch Golf Club GP, LLC, serves as the project’s general partner. The golf course management division of Taylor Woodrow will operate the UT Golf Club.
Myers has owned and operated five country clubs and owned controlling interests in seven Texas banks over the past 29 years. As a real estate developer, he has created communities that house more than 20,000 residents.
Myers, originally from Olney, Texas, has been chair of The University of Texas Chancellor’s Council and was co-founder of the Texas Scholars program, in which he has continuing involvement. He has been a member of The University of Texas Development Board and Business Administration Advisory Council and the Texas Exes Executive Council. In fall 1996, he received the university’s Distinguished Alumnus Award.
His association with Texas athletics includes being on the Men’s Athletics Council and the Longhorn Foundation Advisory Council. He funded the 20,000-seat Mike A. Myers Track and Soccer Stadium, home of the university’s men’s and women’s cross country teams, and track and field squads, as well as the women’s soccer team.
For further information contact: Don Hale, 512-471-3151, or Scott McConnell, Athletics Media Relations, 512-471-1345.
