Funds raised through the Austin Family Challenge will allow OU to make USGA required course improvements and add course amenities, which will enhance not only the Amateur Public Links Championship but also all future OU golf competitions.

T he family of the late Jimmie Austin of Seminole has pledged $100,000 to the Jimmie Austin University of Oklahoma Golf Club in preparation for the U.S. Amateur Public Links Championship to be held in July 2009. The OU course is the first collegiate golf course ever selected for the national championship in its 83-year history.

With the winning bid for the tournament, OU accepted responsibility to raise at least $200,000 for course improvements required for tournament play and related event expenses. The Austin family, whose name is synonymous with OU golf, kicked off the fundraising campaign in August with a challenge grant, offering to double any gift made to the 2009 U.S. Amateur Public Links Campaign between now and March 31, 2009.

Former OU Regent Paul D. Austin and Jimmie Lynn Austin, who made the commitment on behalf of the family, said their 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 nation’s top amateur golfers will come to OU for this event, and we want to make sure they have a first-class experience,” the brothers said.

“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 not only the Amateur Public Links Championship but also all future OU golf competitions. The campaign will support the costs associated with hosting the players, tour officials and media representatives, and with publicizing the event.

For more information on the campaign, contact JP Audas, associate vice president for development, at (405) 325-2395. Individuals interested in learning more about the championship or serving as a volunteer should contact Rodney Young at (405) 325-6716.