Hamilton College will construct a new PGA-quality golf practice facility and name it for longtime professor and coach Bob Simon, President David Wippman announced.
Construction for the project will begin in spring 2018 and be available for use in the summer of 2019. It will include a challenging new practice green, short game area, and a full driving range. The facility will be built on the site of the former Hamilton golf course, which is being altered for other purposes.
“Bob Simon is widely known as an inspirational professor of philosophy, international expert on sports ethics, outstanding golf coach, loyal fan of Continental athletics, and devoted family man,” said Wippman. “His life and career have personified everything this College represents: superb teaching, groundbreaking scholarship, loyalty, friendship, and character.” He and his wife, Joy, are among the most dedicated fans and supporters of Hamilton and its scholar-athletes.”
His life and career have personified everything this College represents: superb teaching, groundbreaking scholarship, loyalty, friendship, and character.
Athletics Director Jon Hind said the new facility will be used extensively.
“This facility will not only benefit our varsity golf teams,” Hind said. “It will also provide a wonderful venue for recreational and instructional use for the entire Hamilton community. Golf is always among our most popular physical education courses, and this facility will be an exceptional venue for our classes. It is a fitting tribute to one of the most respected and cherished members of our College.”
Mark Fedorcik, a 1995 Hamilton graduate, is providing leadership for the project. He said he’s supporting the facility because it honors a man who taught him “humility, sportsmanship and making whatever you do fun. Golf and Hamilton have been such an important part of coach’s life and that of his entire family,” Fedorcik said. “He and his family spent countless hours on the Hamilton course. There’s no better way to honor him than with the new facility.” Fedorcik was a member of the varsity golf team from 1991 to 1995 and served as captain his final two years. He received the Coaches Award as a senior.
Simon was unable to attend the dinner at which Wippman announced that Hamilton would name the new facility in his honor, but the longtime professor and coach provided a taped message expressing his gratitude. Attendees responded to the message with a standing ovation.
