The previously unused area now sports a full-turf putting green and enough space for several players to practice their strokes. The players can also place artificial grass mats on the green and use any club to hit into hanging mesh nets.
Associate Athletic Director for Facilities and Operations Richard Whitmore explained that the base of the green is made from a foam product that allows the contours of the green to be precise and realistic.
"We've needed something for the golf team because it's tough to get any kind of swing time in the offseason because of the snow," golfer Peter Williamson '12 said. "If you don't get enough practice in, you're not up to the same level as the rest of the competition."
Before the new facility, the golf teams had limited practice time in Hanover during the offseason due to weather. In order to practice its strokes, the team had to reserve time in the main area of Leverone in front of the retractable nets.
"The training was difficult in the Winter," golfer Julie Campbell '13 said. "We couldn't putt at all, which is a big part of the game. It's better than any other substitute for grass. It rolls pretty well. It's new, so we're still working things out, but it's consistent, which is really nice."
In addition to the playing surfaces, the players can use two state-of-the-art golfing tools to analyze and improve their form on puts and hits. The TOMI Putting System analyzes golfers' putts and gives real-time feedback on how to improve hits. Another system the V1 Pro uses two cameras to provide video analyses of players' swings.
In order to fit the facility into Leverone, several modifications of the building occurred. The northwest doorway now serves as the entrance for the facility, and the exit on the building's west side has been remodeled to allow normal access to the field house.
While the putting and chipping areas are currently usable, modifications are still being made to facilitate the movement of the nets and allow the golfers to take a greater variety of shots. These improvements will be completed within the next one or two weeks, Whitmore said.
According to men's golf coach Rich Parker, the added indoor golfing area and golf software will boost Dartmouth's appeal to prospective golf recruits.
"I think [the facility] is great for both programs," Parker said. "This is unbelievable for recruiting. [Golf facilities] are the number one question for the recruits who visit here."
