University of Michigan opens construction on new short game area

University of Michigan golf courses director Corbin Todd announced architects Chris Wilczynski and Mike DeVries have begun construction on the Cilluffo Family Short Game Practice Area — a five-acre short game area that will help hone the games of some of the nation’s best collegiate players.

The complex, which will cost $300,000 and be ready for use this fall, will feature two large greens, several bunkers and subtly undulating fairway and rough areas that will allow the members of the UM men’s and women’s golf teams to practice every aspect of the critical short game.

The new short game area will give golfers the opportunity to practice uphill, downhill and side-hill pitch and chip shots as well as shots from varying-depth bunkers. One green will be a concave punchbowl and the other will be a crowned convex green.  The greens also will be used for practice putting.

Wilczynski described is as “much more detailed than at a club or public facility. We have imagined and captured every type of shot that you will encounter from the edge of the green up to 120 yards away.” DeVries echoed his architectural partner, saying, “this is a generously sized area and will be a great asset to our players when completed.”

Construction began in mid-May with an expected completion in July, and is being directed by Wilczynski, DeVries and Joe Hancock.

"I have enjoyed working with Chris, the golf coaches and management of the golf courses in finding what is the best opportunity to maximize the area for what they need in a practice facility," DeVries said. "This is a challenging project, however, it is a generously sized area and will be a great asset to our players when completed."