HUNTSVILLE – Construction on the Robert & Erin Steele Golf Facility for the Sam Houston State men's and women's golf team is underway at Raven Nest Golf Club.

Distinguished Sam Houston State alums Robert and Erin Steele generously donated a 2,800-square foot golf facility that will be utilized by both the men's and women's golf teams. Very active in the golf community, the Steeles own and operate several golf courses in the Houston area.

The new facility will feature coaches' offices, a team/player lounge, men's and women's locker rooms and showers as well as a training room.

“I want to thank the Steele family for their generosity and commitment to Sam Houston State and to our program,” head coach Brandt Kieschnick said. “This is a gift which will not only effect the student-athletes that are already here, but will effect many more in years to come.”

In addition to the two hitting bays at the Michael McIver Golf Training Center, the new facility will provide three new hitting bays that feature a redesign and re-grass of the practice tee with Celebration Bermuda grass.

Becoming the largest facility in the Southland Conference, and one of the top golf facilities in the region, the Kats' new facility will connect via breezeway with the current McIver Facility to give SHSU a whopping 4,800-square foot facility to call home. The project is expected to be finished in the spring of 2019.

“This is a huge step for our program and will help our teams continue to climb to the level we know it can achieve,” Kieschnick added. “We have already established a great culture within our program, but this facility will only help to enhance it.”

The women's team began their 2018-19 season this past weekend at the Lady Maxwell Cup and the men's squad is set to begin the season on Monday, Sept. 10 at the UTSA Lone Star Invitational. For all the latest information on the Sam Houston State golf team, visit gobearkats.com.