UO Athletics Building "The Jake" To Benefit Golf Programs

The University of Oregon athletic department, in partnership with Emerald Valley Golf Club, the University of Oregon Foundation and O&S Contractors, is excited to announce plans for a 6,000-square-foot, indoor/outdoor teaching facility at Emerald Valley Golf Club.

The new Peter and Jan Jacobsen Teaching Facility, nicknamed "The Jake," will serve as a state-of-the-art practice, instruction and teaching facility that allows Oregon men's and women's golfers use of the latest in golf technology and resources in a weather-protected environment. The facility will include three oversized driving range bays with integrated TrackMan technology, an indoor putting studio and covered outdoor heated driving range.

The Northwest-inspired design was conceptualized by Oregon golf coaches Casey Martin and Derek Radley, with University of Oregon alumna/architect Annie Usher.  

"Peter and Jan have meant so much to Oregon Athletics, especially the golf programs," Martin said. "They have also been great friends and mentors to me personally. This facility is a special way to honor their contributions to the University of Oregon and continue our tradition of providing an amazing student-athlete experience. I cannot wait for this dream to become a reality."  

Martin and Radley recently surprised the Jacobsens when they informed them of the University's decision to name the new facility in their honor.

"Jan and I both loved playing on the Oregon golf teams during our time at Oregon," said Peter Jacobsen, a former PGA Tour professional and NBC Sports commentator. "We are so happy, humbled and honored to be involved in this new and vitally important practice facility. As Oregonians we understand the challenges we face with inclement weather in the Northwest, but this state-of-the-art facility will allow our teams to practice and train all year long uninhibited by the occasional rainy day. I hope all of Duck nation joins us in support of this exciting initiative."

In addition to the practice features of the teaching facility, the building will also provide a "clubhouse" atmosphere in which the men and women of Oregon Golf are able to study, build camaraderie and host prospective recruits.  A covered outdoor fireplace provides the perfect setting to enjoy the spoils of fall sunsets and crisp spring mornings in Oregon.  

"We are beyond excited and thankful for everyone's efforts in making this facility a reality," Radley said. "The University of Oregon takes pride in offering a world-class experience to all student-athletes, and this facility will be no different. For the men and women of Oregon golf — past and present — we have always thought of ourselves as a family, and now we will have a place to call home."

A unique partnership with Emerald Valley Golf Club will allow Oregon Golf to add another tremendous resource that is exclusively available to Duck golfers, complementing existing partnerships with Eugene Country Club and Shadow Hills Country Club.

"As a past Oregon golfer and Duck fan, we are proud to host one of the nation's top practice and instructional facilities," Emerald Valley Golf Club owner Jim Pliska said. "This facility will not only propel our current student-athletes but help attract the best in the world for years to come."  

Construction of the facility will be privately funded through gifts to the Oregon Golf program and the University of Oregon Foundation. Oregon Athletics aims to raise $3 million in support of construction and ongoing operation/maintenance of the facility.  

"The University of Oregon has a great tradition of championship golf," UO director of athletics Rob Mullens said. "Casey Martin and Derek Radley have built nationally recognized programs without having a dedicated facility. We are excited to provide men's and women's golf student-athletes this additional resource to continue competing at the highest level in the Pac-12.  A special thanks to Jim Pliska and Emerald Valley Golf Club for making this facility possible."

The facility is in the final stages of planning with hopes of breaking ground midway through 2022. Contributions can be made via this link.

For more information, please contact Justin Fisher, Associate Athletic Director for Development, at jjfisher@uoregon.edu or (503) 412-3751.