Kinkaid’s Golf Program is making significant strides to improve its practice situation. The new putting green has opened allowing golfers to have their own practice location on campus, which is something that has never been done in Kinkaid’s history.
“We have Sharpstown and Memorial Park for our middle school and JV programs, but you never know when they might take those away from us,” said Mr. Bobby Eggleston, head of the golf program.
The putting green is part of the school’s push to build out new facilities for students. Originally, Mr. Eggleston had asked for a contained netted driving range located near where the Learning Village sits.
“I could not get the administration to buy in on that, so I went to the next thing I wanted: a putting green,” said Mr. Eggleston.
Mr. Tom Moore, director of advancement, was the main help in obtaining the funding for the putting green. It was primarily funded with the help of donors.
Despite delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the construction of the new Upper School, and issues with obtaining permits from the City of Piney Point Village, the putting green was finally installed and dedicated on Feb. 21.
The new putting green is 2000 square feet with a chipping area about 10 yards away. It is located adjacent to Bowden Field, a multipurpose turf field near Kinkaid’s entrance. Mr. Eggleston also mentioned that they can use Bowden field for chipping anywhere from 10 to 60 yards.
“This is going to drastically enhance our practices,” said senior and captain Tyler Karkowsky. “Usually, if we want to practice our putts, we have to go to a golf course far away from campus. [The putting green] has the potential to be a major asset to the golf team for practicing.”
The putting green will not only give golf players easy access to practice but it will bring the team closer together. Players often practice on their own at golf courses around the city. This putting green allows players to practice together and bond, which players said is a crucial factor for the team’s overall success.
“I’m excited to practice with my teammates on the new putting green,” said senior and captain Ford Montgomery. “It will allow me to bond with my younger teammates.”
Unlike other team sports like football and soccer, golf players usually play and practice individually. This putting green will be monumental for the golf team, allowing them to function more like a team practicing and helping each other.
