SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – Rain, snow or darkness cannot stop the Augustana men's and women's golf teams from improving their game with the donation of a golf simulator for the programs. 

The women's and men's golf teams are grateful to Showplace Cabinetry and Bill Allen for the gift of a first-rate golf simulator," said Augustana women's golf coach Coralee Jorgensen. "The new addition to the Kirby Golf Center has been a game changer for our program and it validates what a coach is telling an athlete. 

"It tells our student-athletes why the ball went where it did. It helps our players to adjust their swing and shot as they play." 

The device serves as a launch monitor that provides ball and club data, while also giving the option to play real courses in the simulation setting. The simulator is a projection on a wall-sized screen and the golfers hit off a mat into the screen that displays golf course scenery. 

The launch montiorater tracks the golf ball and the face of the club to provide specific statistical information like total distance, club path, angle of the shot, ball speed, club speed, and spin on the ball. 

"We are very excited to have technology like this that allows us to improve our games no matter the season," said Augustana head men's golf coach Danny Sinksen. "This technology will greatly impact our programs' development during the winter and help to further analyze our shots. 

"It is really nice to have something right on campus for our team to get better."
 

The Augustana golf programs are both in the middle of their spring seasons. The Men's golf team will next tee off March 28-29 at the NSIC Preview Invitational in Blue Springs, Missouri,. The women's team will be in action April 4-5 at the Newman Invitational in Newton, Kansas.