ATHENS, Ohio -- After a two-year redesign project, the Ohio University Golf Course will reopen at 7 a.m. Sunday, June 29. The nine-hole course is a challenging par 35/70 that features 31 bunkers and four water hazards, with four holes located across the Hocking River.

The public course is available to all golfers, and golfers can schedule tee times by calling (740) 593-4669.

"This redesigned course offers a challenging round of golf for any level player. It's one of the best and is the newest in southeastern Ohio," said Ohio University Assistant Director of Golf and Tennis Jason McCutcheon, a PGA-certified golf professional.

The project was completed in two phases. During the first phase in 2001, four holes were added south of the Hocking River. The second phase in 2002 involved the redesign of five holes on the original course north of the river.

The construction of the Ping Student Recreation Center and expansion of the nearby tennis courts and football practice field impeded on the original course and made the redesign necessary to maintain a quality course for the community.

Total cost was approximately $1.46 million and is funded by state capital funds and course user fees from Campus Recreation.

A unique aspect of the redesigned course is that a pond on the course provides water for irrigating the course and nearby athletic fields, lessening the reliance on city services and maintaining the emphasis of efficient use of resources.

Course designer Barry T. Serafin, Serafin Golf Course Design, Inc, New Albany, Ohio says, "It's been a great opportunity to work at Ohio University. The golfers will love the challenge, playability, and aesthetics of this new golf course. And even though the original layout of the golf course has been completely changed, the new golf holes have the look and feel that they have been there for years. This mature character was accomplished with a design that showed consideration for the existing trees and the Hocking River, which comes into play on holes No. 3 and No. 6."

Memberships to the course are available at the Campus Recreation Business Office, Ping Center, Room 142, from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. A 10 percent discount is being offered on an annual membership purchased before the course opens. Annual membership also includes use of the driving range located on West State Street.

Hours are 8 a.m. to dark Monday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to dark Friday through Sunday.