LOGAN, Utah – Utah State University Vice President and Director of Athletics, John Hartwell, announced a top gift Thursday from Norma Palmer to start fundraising for a state-of-the-art golf training facility – the Val & Norma Palmer Golf Performance Center.
“On behalf of Utah State Athletics, and especially our golf program, I would like to thank Norma Palmer for her generous lead gift to this much-needed facility,” said Hartwell. “It will improve the practice opportunities for our golf student-athletes in an effort to increase our success in Mountain West and in the national rankings. “
The new training facility, which is located on campus next to the Stan Laub Indoor Training Center, will include a simulation bay with Trackman swing analysis, an indoor chipping and putting green as well as a team lounge and a locker area. When completed, this facility will provide Aggie golfers with one of the best training locations in Mountain West.
“We have needed such a facility for years, and it will be invaluable in terms of recruiting“, Said USU golf trainer Dean Johansen. “It is also important for our student athletes to have a place that they can call their own and use in the winter months to prepare for our spring competition season. The facility will also serve to tell the history of golf in the state of Utah and give us space to highlight and showcase our current and past achievements, both athletic and academic. This facility will only help our program. “
For more information on donor names and recognition options, please contact the USU Athletics Development Office at 435-797-2583.
About Val and Norma Palmer
Val and Norma married in 1971 and were married for 38 years until Val passed away in 2009. The natives of Cache Valley shared a deep love for golf.
Val started playing golf at the age of 7 and has been an active member of Logan Golf & Country Club for over 35 years. He served on the board for two different three-year terms. He won the President Flight of the Club Championship several times and held the honor of Senior Club Champion twice.
Val wanted a building to be built in her name, and this training facility will leave a legacy for the USU Golf Team.