March 31, 2008 PHOTO GALLERY

AUBURN - The new home of Auburn men's and women's golf at the Jack Key Golf Teaching Facility - was officially dedicated during a ceremony Monday at the Auburn University Club at Yarbrough Farms.

Key, a 1950 Auburn University graduate and four-year golf lettermen from Columbus, Ga., spoke to the crowd following comments from Athletics Director Jay Jacobs, President Jay Gogue, women"s head coach Kim Evans, men"s head coach Mike Griffin and Paul Spina of the Board of Trustees as well as senior golfers Abigale Schepperle and Jay Moseley.

Construction began on the $1.95 million golf teaching facility that now houses the men's and women's teams in the fall of 2006. Construction on the facility concluded this past fall, and the teams moved into the facility in October.

"This is a remarkable facility, and it wouldn't be possible without the generosity of Jack Key and his family," Jacobs said.

"It is a result of the leadership from a lot of people. It shows a wonderful commitment to our men's and women's golf programs created by what has happened in the past, to strengthen our present and sustain our future."

The 8,300 square foot facility is located two miles from campus off Donahue Drive and includes a lobby area, office space for men's and women's golf head coaches as well as a trophy/awards display for men's and women's golf.

"This is a very special day for our golf programs," Evans said.

"I want to personally thank Mr. Key and his family for their contributions and giving us this house. When Jay Jacobs came on board, he made it known that he wanted us to build the best. If you take a look at what we have, it is the finest golf facility in the country."

The Key Golf Teaching Facility also features a team meeting room, men's and women's locker rooms, club repair, video analysis and indoor hitting bays that open onto the driving range. With a width of 14 feet, two players can easily hit shots out of each door and with a height of 20 feet, players are not limited to drivers or low irons.

"I want to thank all of the former players who paid a large price to have a team and program strong enough to have a facility like this," said Griffin. "I want to thank all of the former coaches, including Sonny Dragoin.

Jay Jacobs said, "Let's build what we need, and we did that. This is tremendous, and we owe a lot of gratitude to the Key Family."

Named as the No. 1 area for golf in the country by Golf Digest in 2005, Auburn-Opelika is home to several facilities used by Auburn golf including the Auburn University Club, Grand National, Saugahatchee Country Club, Auburn Links, Farm Links, Moore's Mill Golf Course and Indian Pines Golf Course.