Published: August 28, 2008 12:00 am            

Austin family tees off fundraising campaign

Golf club to host U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship

The Jimmie Austin University of Oklahoma Golf Club recently won the bid to host the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship in 2009, the first collegiate golf course ever selected for the championship in its 83-year history.

With the winning bid for the tournament, OU accepted responsibility to raise at least $200,000 for the course improvements required for tournament play and related event expenses.

To kick off a fundraising campaign for the championship, the family of the late Jimmie Austin of Seminole pledged $100,000 as a challenge grant. OU alumni and friends who make a gift to the 2009 U.S. Amateur Public Links Campaign between now and March 31 will have their donation doubled through the Austin family match.

Paul D. Austin and Jimmie Lynn Austin made the commitment on behalf of the family.

"Our dad was proud of the Jimmie Austin OU Golf Club, and he was thrilled when the U.S. Golf Association awarded the 2009 Public Links Championship to OU," the Austins said on behalf of the family. "The nation's top amateur golfers will come to OU for this event, and we want to make sure they have a first-class experience."

OU is pleased to be the first collegiate golf course ever selected to host the event, said OU President David Boren.

"Continuing its longtime support of the course, the Jimmie Austin family has stepped forward again to assist OU in this opportunity to host the nation's top amateur golfers and those who will attend this national competition," Boren said. "We appreciate the leadership of former OU Regent Paul D. Austin and Jimmie Lynn Austin and all the donors who support the course with their generous gifts."

The U.S. Amateur Public Links was begun in 1922 for amateurs with no playing privileges at private courses and clubs. Past winners include Billy Mayfair, Chez Reavie, Trevor Immelman, Brandt Snedeker and OU's Hunter Haas. The Amateur Public Links champion traditionally receives an invitation to compete in the following year's Masters Tournament in Augusta, Ga.

"This championship will give OU's course unprecedented national attention," said Rodney Young, OU director of golf. "It is an amazing opportunity for our course, our golf community and the University of Oklahoma."

Funds raised through the Austin Family Challenge will allow OU to make USGA required course improvements and add course amenities, which will enhance the Amateur Public Links Championship and all future OU golf competitions. The campaign also will support the costs associated with hosting the players, tour officials and media representatives and with publicizing the event.

To learn more about supporting the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship, call JP Audas, associate vice president for Development, at 325-2395. Individuals interested in learning more about the championship and serving as a volunteer may call Young at 325-6716.

        

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