Tee Off with Duke Golf Association

Duke community members looking for a new way to socialize and work on their putting game can now join the Duke Golf Association, a group of Duke employees and local residents who’ve come together to promote golf.

The group, which originated late last year, was created in partnership with the Duke University Golf Club to offer opportunities to meet golfers and participate in events and tournaments throughout the year. New members are welcome to join any time and can sign up now to take part in upcoming events.

The Duke Golf Association currently has seven events planned through March 2016, with upcoming tournaments scheduled for April 26, June 14 and July 12. All events take place on Sundays and in the future may also include educational clinics for members and their families. 

“One of the best benefits is you don’t have to be a member of the Duke Golf Course to join,” said John Noonan, vice president for Facilities Management who also serves on the Duke Golf Association’s board. “It’s a great golf course designed by one of the great course architects in Robert Trent Jones Sr. You’re out in Duke Forest and you never get bored.”

Joining the Golf Association costs a $25 annual membership fee, which helps set up events and pay for course costs. The group offers reduced course rates for tournaments, costing $80 per person that includes a full round with cart followed by a gathering, which will include food, beverage and prizes. Normal rates for Sunday golf with a cart for Duke employees costs about $100. 

Most events will be open to all golfers, but some Duke Golf Association tournaments may require members to establish a handicap to be eligible for prizes. Duke Golf Course staff will help members set a handicap if necessary, which uses a balancing system to even out strokes taken for less-skilled golfers. 

Members of the Duke Golf Association have met for events since the fall.

“The Duke Golf Association has evolved into a great way to get together with other golfers for fun events centered around the fantastic Duke Golf Club,” said Gavan Fitzsimons, R. David Thomas Professor of Marketing and Psychology at the Fuqua School of Business. “We hope the Association will provide a good reason for folks that haven’t played at Duke in a while to get back out there with us.” 

For more information about joining the Duke Golf Association, contact the Golf Club’s Pro Shop at (919) 681-2288 or email Doug Remensperger at djreme@pacbell.net.