By Dana Lance, Media Relations Specialist
Chickasaw Nation Media Relations Office
Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby, center, with scissors, is joined by tribal officials and WinStar Golf Academy staff to cut the ribbon on the state-of-the-art WinStar Golf Academy May 4. Pictured from left, Sandra Haynie, WinStar Golf Academy director of instruction; Scott Colbert, tribal legislator; Cheri Bellefeuille- Gordon, tribal Supreme Court justice; Nancy Elliott, tribal legislator; Bill Lance, tribal Division of Commerce administrator; Linda Briggs, tribal legislator; Buddy Fichera, WinStar Golf Academy general manager; Gov. Anoatubby; Dr. Judy Goforth-Parker, tribal Division of Health administrator; Connie Barker and David Woerz, tribal legislators; and Barbara Smith, tribal Supreme Court justice.
THACKERVILLE, Okla. – WinStar Golf Academy, located at the championship 18-hole WinStar Golf Course, officially opened last month, adding yet another attraction to the WinStar World Casino complex.
Governor Bill Anoatubby and dozens of tribal officials, citizens, guests and WinStar Golf staff gathered to cut the ribbon and tour the state-of-the-art 4,850 square-foot facility during the May 4 event.
"Opening of WinStar Golf Academy is another significant step toward building a world-class destination resort," said Gov. Anoatubby. "We believe this academy will add to the positive impact WinStar has on tourism and economic development in this area."
WinStar Golf Academy offers SAM® (Science and Motion) Putter Fitting & Practice Studio, two Indoor/Outdoor Heated Practice Bays, eight Covered Outdoor Practice Bays, Outdoor Grass Driving Range, two PGA TOUR® AboutGolf Simulating Studios, MIZUNO®, PING®, TITLEIST® & ODYSSEY® Custom Club Fitting Center as well as TPI®/LifeFitness® Fitness Room.
The core golf instruction program at WinStar Golf Academy offers a unique and distinctive approach. The program focuses on the physical and technical facets as well as the mental aspects of the game. The curriculum was established by Golf World Hall of Famer Sandra Haynie, WinStar Golf Academy General Manager Buddy Fichera and WinStar Golf Course General Manager Mike Hammond. The seven disciplines that make up the courses include: Mindfulness Training, Swing Fundamentals, Physical Conditioning, Swing Dynamics, Golf Equipment, Shotmaking, and Course Management.
“These three professionals, with more than 80 years combined experience, have built a facility and designed a course of instruction which will offer amateur golfers the same level of services playing professionals currently receive,” said Gov. Anoatubby.
After a session at the Academy, students can enjoy the beauty and challenging layout of the 7,341-yard D.A. Weibring/Golf Resources Group-designed course at WinStar. Built to complement its natural setting, the course features sandy natural areas, native prairie grasses, tree groupings, four lakes and native wildlife on a development-free 225 acres. An additional 9-hole course is currently under construction and scheduled for completion later this year.
The Academy offers individual, as well as small- or large-group golf instruction, membership packages and player development packages. Chickasaw citizens receive a 20 percent discount on services offered at the academy. Visit www.winstargolfacademy.com to learn more.
