NORMAL, Ill. – Illinois State Athletics announced on Thursday (July 17) that the Mounier Golf Training Center at Weibring Golf Course will be getting an upgrade in September by way of the Jim and Carole Mounier Golf Performance Lab.
"We are so proud of the accomplishments of the men's and women's golf teams and coaches, on and off the golf course," said Jim and Carole Mounier. "It has been a privilege to contribute to their success."
The new structure will have four hitting bays with doors to hit onto the driving range, with heaters installed for student-athletes to use the space to hit onto the range year-round.
"The addition of the Jim & Carole Mounier Golf Performance Lab is another game-changer for Redbird Golf as it will take our practice and training opportunities to another level," said men's golf head coach Ray Kralis. "The flight of the golf ball tells the story, so our student-athletes will benefit greatly from that feedback as we prepare through the winter months for our championship season in the spring."
The building, built by First Galena in Racine, Wisconsin and outfitted by Design2Golf, includes two simulator screens on the side walls powered by Foresight software and GC Quad launch monitors as well as video capabilities from multiple angles for immediate player feedback. In addition, GASP force plates will be added in the near future.
"Jim and Carole Mounier have once again raised the bar for Redbird Golf through the addition of the Mounier Golf Performance Lab," said women's golf head coach Jackie Szymoniak. "With the new performance lab positioned on the 27-acre Jim & Carole Mounier Golf Training Facility, team members will have the unique ability to hone their skills through practice from covered and heated bays, while using some of the most accurate and insightful technology in golf. The state-of-the-art equipment and functionality of the new facility will be a gamechanger for Redbird Golf. We are forever grateful to Jim and Carole Mounier, in addition to the many other generous donors who made this vision a reality. We are fortunate to have an incredible donor base that is committed to providing the resources necessary for our golf teams to compete at the highest level!"
The building adds to the already spectacular Mounier Golf Training Center, a 27-acre private golf park, whose features among the rolling terrain include eight target greens, bunkers, fairway lanes, four types of grasses for a variety of lies and added definition, and multiple tees so you can hit in any wind direction. The facility also has a complete short game area so every shot in golf can be created and practiced. The short-game facility has two USGA greens surrounded by multiple bunkers and rolling terrain and a third green for chipping, pitching, and distance wedges so every shot inside of 125 yards can be created and practiced. The green complexes feature multiple slopes and tiers placing a premium on distance control when putting and spin/trajectory control when chipping & pitching.
"The Lab will also extend our developmental opportunities in October and November and ensure we don't lose any practice days to unfavorable weather in March and April," said Kralis. "With the latest technology available for player improvement, it will be a tremendous asset for our teams all year round. Thank you to everyone that helped make this a reality! With Weibring Golf Club, the Jim & Carole Mounier Golf Training Center, and now the Performance Lab, Redbird golfers have access to on-campus facilities that rival the best in the country."
Fundraising efforts remain ongoing for this project and those interested in contributing can contact Nathaniel Smith, Associate AD – Revenue Generation, at nwsmit2@ilstu.edu or 309-438-3803. Donations to the Mounier Golf Performance Lab will continue to enhance the experience for Redbird Men's and Women's Golf. These programs have had incredible success within the Missouri Valley Conference and every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference in the lives of these golf student-athletes.
