Hayden Audette, contributor

After a two year wait, the Mens and Womens golf teams finally have such a room to train and prepare for events. A new golf locker room and simulator is being constructed in Si Melby Hall. 

This area was previously open to all Augsburg athletes as a training area but was replaced with a new training area that was completed two years ago. Eric Rolland, head coach of both golf teams, is pleased that their program will finally have a space of their own. “In the last year a lot of work has been done on the room,” he said. “It had an old office removed, the walls were painted, new carpet installed, lockers brought in for the players, graphics put on the walls, as well as new furniture added.” 

The golf room will serve as a locker room, but will also include a golf simulator, which will allow players to practice regardless of weather conditions. This simulator will help Auggie golfers work on their game all year round instead of just during the season. The hope is that the program will be able to use this to their advantage and build on their solid 2021 season. 

Augsburg golf had a successful campaign this fall, with the Mens team finishing 5th at the MIAC championships in October and the Womens team claiming 7th, their best finish since 2012. The 2021 season also saw several school records set on the Womens side. Building on this momentum for 2022 might be made easier by these improved facilities and training equipment. 

Rolland is optimistic that the success of both teams will be able to continue, not only in 2022 but also beyond then. “Hopefully the Augsburg golf teams can be competitive for years to come.” It remains to be seen how the program finally having its own space will affect its competitive performance, but the new room gives many reasons to be excited about Augsburg golf.