Waynesburg U. celebrates opening of golf facility at Greene County Country Club

Waynesburg University’s new golf facility, located at the Greene County Country Club, celebrated its grand opening Friday, Sept. 15, 2023.

Leadership from the University and the Country Club attended the ribbon cutting ceremony of “Swing Lab, Home of Waynesburg University Golf,” the culmination of a partnership between Waynesburg University, the Greene County Country Club and several generous sponsors.

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“The facility features three state-of-the-art Uneekor Eye XO Simulators that can capture and analyze every aspect of the golf swing and ball flight,” said Waynesburg University Assistant Athletic Director for Development and Alumni Relations and assistant golf coach Chris Smithley. “The Eye XO launch monitor is a series of overhead cameras that not only captures a wide range of data, but will also capture live video of each swing.”

The facility also houses 250-square feet of putting green and chipping areas to allow a golfer to work on his or her short game. One unique offering is a multi-sport software that provides a list of different sports and games that can be played on the simulator. Some of the sports in the package are hockey, baseball, soccer, bowling and football.

“Waynesburg University is grateful to the generous sponsors who have made this facility possible and for the work of our partners at the Greene County Country Club. This is a tremendous facility for all involved,” said Douglas G. Lee, Waynesburg University President.

Conversations for the project began in October of 2021, with the goal of housing an indoor facility for the University men’s and women’s golf teams and students in general. The facility will also be available to members of the Country Club and the surrounding community. Advance reservations will be required.

Head coach Mike Cipoletti has already seen the impact that such a high-quality facility can provide to an athletic program.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled!” Cipoletti said. “The players are really looking forward to training in a dedicated space, and the coaching staff is anticipating that the flexibility an indoor facility provides will help our players maximize practice time. We’re already seeing the benefits in recruiting. We take all of our recruits to see it, and they’ve been coming away very impressed. When recruits see what we have built, and they realize they will have access to practice there for free, they typically can’t wipe the smile off of their faces.”

The partnership between the Greene County Country Club and Waynesburg University has been an integral piece to the construction of the golf simulator."

Chris Smithley

Smithley went on to emphasize just how important the relationship between Waynesburg University and the Greene County Country Club was to the completion of the project.

“The partnership between the Greene County Country Club and Waynesburg University has been an integral piece to the construction of the golf simulator. Many of the members and board members are Waynesburg alumni and it opened many doors for both sides,” Smithley said. “We are extremely appreciative and thankful for those relations and look forward to the opportunity to grow with the country club.”

Waynesburg University Vice President for Enrollment Management, Athletics, Facilities and Strategic Initiatives Adam Jack played a large role in facilitating the partnership, as he serves as the IT Chair on the Greene County Country Club Board of Directors.

Sponsors for the project include Waynesburg-based businesses Baily’s Insurance, Iron Senergy, Fox Ford, Direct Results and First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Greene County. Other sponsors include Buddy Greco and DFS Wealth Management/ 4:12 Foundation.

Consistently ranked a best value school, Waynesburg University’s Strategy for the 21st Century affirms its commitment to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and ethical leadership skills for all students. Rooted in its mission of faith, learning and service, the private, Christian university is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania, with an additional site for graduate and professional programs in Southpointe.

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