Ransom donates $5 million toward new OU indoor golf performance center, renovation of Charlie Coe Center
NORMAN – The University of Oklahoma announced a transformational $5 million gift from longtime OU golf supporter Jerry Ransom that will support the modernization of the existing Charlie Coe Center and the creation of a new indoor golf performance center.
This gift is a part of the university’s recently announced capital campaign, “Lead On.” The “Lead On” campaign extends through 2027 and has a goal of $2 billion. Every area of campus will be impacted and includes the athletics department’s most ambitious goal to date. Ransom is further supporting the university by serving as a Campaign Champion on the “Lead On” committee.
The upcoming facility improvements to the Charlie Coe Center will result in a world-class clubhouse that includes team suites for both men’s and women’s programs and a multi-purpose area that will showcase each program’s storied history. Each suite will feature a locker room, a players lounge, coaches offices and a rest-and-recovery space.
In addition to these improvements, the gift will create a one-of-a-kind indoor performance center. The center will include six hitting bays equipped with world-class swing analysis technology, a state-of-the-art putting studio, putting lab, a golf simulator and conference rooms for team instruction.
“I have been able to see firsthand the culture of our golf programs,” said Ransom. “This culture is more than athletics – we are teaching our student-athletes how to live life beyond the sport. Our programs continue to excel year over year, and I am excited to support them both. This new facility will allow us to train at an elite level year-round and will also help us recruit the best student-athletes so we can continue competing at the highest level.”
With Ransom’s help, the Oklahoma golf facility, including the Ransom Short Course, was named one of the top college golf facilities in the country and was featured by Golfweek Magazine in 2021.
Project cost is currently estimated to be in the $7 million range. Groundbreaking is scheduled for spring 2023.
Oklahoma is home to two of the nation’s best golf programs, which have combined to appear in 21 NCAA Regionals over the last 11 seasons.
The men’s golf program has won a Big 12-best 21 tournaments since the Ransom Short Course opened in 2017. Under Ryan Hybl, who was the 2022 men’s national coach of the year, Oklahoma has appeared in a nation-leading six consecutive NCAA match play quarterfinals, owns the second-longest Division I streak of 11 straight NCAA Championships berths and won the 2017 national title.
In 2022, the women’s golf program made its fifth consecutive regional appearance and 10th in the last 11 seasons. With head coach Veronique Drouin-Luttrell at the helm, the Sooners have posted the top 11 team scoring averages in program history.
OU President Joseph Harroz Jr.:
“Jerry Ransom has a long history of supporting the University of Oklahoma and ensuring our student-athletes, especially in men’s and women’s golf, have the best in practice and playing facilities. His gifts have been integral to our golf programs’ elite national status. His vision will impact our university far into the future, especially as the landscape of college athletics continues to evolve.”
“We are elated that Jerry continues to play an integral role on our OU Athletics team. Prior to this most recent gift, Jerry’s generosity has taken us to new heights. With this additional investment, there is no doubt our men’s and women’s golf programs will excel with one of the finest facilities in college golf. We are incredibly grateful to Jerry for his significant contribution and steadfast partnership.”
OU Head Men’s Golf Coach Ryan Hybl:
“It’s hard to put into words what Jerry Ransom has done for the golf programs here at Oklahoma. Since Mr. Ransom came into our golf family, he has just been exceptional. His generosity has allowed us to be over the top with our facilities and has made sure that people around the country know how serious we are about our golf program. We would not be where we are without the kindness and continuous investment that Mr. Ransom and his family have made not only to our golf programs, but the University of Oklahoma.”
OU Head Women’s Golf Coach Veronique Drouin-Luttrell:
“When you think about what Jerry Ransom means to the University of Oklahoma and the men’s and women’s golf programs, it’s indescribable. Our current and future student-athletes will be blessed with the best facility in the country. I am beyond grateful for Jerry and his family and what they’ve been able to do over the last few years to help us develop players and to continue to embrace the team culture we’ve built.”