Ferrum Holds Dedication for Golf Driving Range

FERRUM, Virginia – Ferrum College held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday afternoon, March 11, to dedicate its renovated golf driving range, located on the eastern side of the Ferrum campus.

The renovated facility was dedicated to Ricky Cox, the late father of current Ferrum Head Men’s and Women’s Golf Coach Erick Cox ’13. Mr. Cox passed away in 1999.

Coach Cox’s family made a surprise appearance at Friday’s dedication, where his mother, Susan Cox, made a statement on behalf of the family. Also in attendance today were Coach Cox’s sisters, Beverly Goolsby and Tara Tunnell.

Ferrum College President Dr. David Johns and Vice President for Institutional Advancement Wilson Paine ’07 each made comments, followed by Coach Cox. Dignitaries from the Rocky Mount Town Council were also on hand for the ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication. Also in attendance were members of the Ferrum athletics staff, both Panther golf teams and Ferrum faculty, staff and students.

“This renovation is an important improvement as we work to advance our golf programs,” stated Director of Athletics John Sutyak. “I am thankful for all of the hard work that Coach Cox and his team have put into beginning this process, as well as our donors who stepped in and helped expedite these renovations to the facility.”

Following the ceremony, light refreshments were provided by Aladdin, Ferrum’s on-campus food service and corporate sponsor. Folks in attendance were also able to try out the driving range, with prizes available.

The Ferrum golf driving range includes five driving markers, three moveable target baskets, three artificial hitting mats and a Bermuda tee box. A storage building was installed recently with a mower, aerator and lawn supplies.

The driving range improvements expand opportunities for Ferrum men’s and women’s golfers to practice on campus. Coach Cox has also worked over the past few years to create an indoor simulator room, located in Swartz Gym, which now includes two simulators and a putting green.

The Ferrum women golfers will be back in action Monday and Tuesday, March 14-15, at the Lynchburg Invitational. The tournament is being hosted by University of Lynchburg at Boonsboro Country Club in Lynchburg, Virginia.

The Panther men will return to the links on Saturday and Sunday, March 19-20, at The Ruckus. The event is hosted by Drew University at Williamsburg National Golf Club in Williamsburg, Virginia.