UDM Unveils New Wayne Wheeler Titan Golf Practice Center

Calihan Hall's latest addition was unveiled Thursday night with the official dedication of the Wayne Wheeler Titan Golf Practice Center.

Located in Calihan's lower level, the Wheeler Practice Center has been a welcomed addition for the UDM men's and women's golf teams this winter. Built exclusively to benefit the Detroit golf program, the center includes a putting/chipping green along with two hitting areas, allowing the Titans the opportunity to work on their games any time of the year. The Detroit golfers can also use the new JC Video system to analyze their swings as they get ready for their next tournament.

An avid golfer himself, Wheeler has become a great supporter of the Titan program, and his major donation helped make the new indoor practice center a reality. Wheeler is the founder and CEO of Data Consulting Group, which is the title sponsor of the annual UDM women's golf tournament.

"The University is blessed with a special group of friends and alumni who've been extremely generous and supportive of Titan Athletics over the years. Wayne Wheeler certainly fits into that classification with the way he has adopted our golf program," UDM athletic director Keri Gaither said. "The new Wayne Wheeler Golf Center has already become a great asset to our teams."

On hand for Thursday's reception in Wheeler's honor and the dedication were many of UDM's athletic staff, coaches and golfers along with their families, a number of former Titan golfers and other boosters.

"To have our own indoor practice facility on campus is really a tremendous advantage for our teams," UDM Director of Golf and men's coach Mark Engel said. "I don't think there've been many days all winter where the center hasn't been in use. The opportunity for us to practice inside if it's cold or there's bad weather, especially the short game, will really pay dividends."

"Wayne's generosity and friendship is overwhelming," women's golf coach Terri Anthony-Ryan added. "I think he remembered his beginnings as a golfer and what practice meant to the way he was able to improve his game, and he understood what this practice center would mean to our program. He has really become a great friend to our golfers."

Both Titan golf teams return to the course next week for the start of their spring seasons. The UDM men come off their fifth Horizon League Championship in nine years, while the women look to build on their conference runner-up finish in 2007.