Hillsdale College Dedicates Salmans Golf Performance Center
Van and Sue Salmans gave a leadership gift for the facility, which will allow the men’s golf team to practice year-round.
HILLSDALE, Mich. — Hillsdale College held a dedication and ribbon cutting on April 10 for the Salmans Golf Performance Center. The new facility will allow the men’s golf team to practice year-round.
“This facility is a resource to help each golfer achieve their full potential.”
“What we want them to be is excellent human beings, body and soul. So that means they have to work and study,” said Hillsdale College President Larry P. Arnn. “This place is efficient, and you can use it when it’s cold — what a gift. It can make the golf program work better than a whole golf course could do.”
Van and Sue Salmans gave a leadership gift for the facility.
“Golf is a hard game, especially competitive golf,” Van Salmans said. “It’s a test of character. It’s a test of adversity. It’s a test of courage. It’s a test of determination. It’s a test of perseverance. I believe that it’s a test that makes you a better person.”
The facility, located in Hillsdale College’s Hayden Park, features a putting green, four practice bays, locker rooms, and a conference room.
“We hope that this golf team and others to follow will be rewarded with the practice this facility affords to improve their game and advance the Chargers golf team,” said Sue Salmans. “This facility is a resource to help each golfer achieve their full potential. As in life, meeting any challenge is important to personal achievement and fulfillment. We wish everyone on the team the best possible golf they can play as well as the personal fulfillment of life’s challenges met and conquered.”
The Hillsdale College men’s golf team competes in NCAA Division II as a member of the Great Midwest Athletic Conference (G-MAC). Under the leadership of Head Coach Matt Thompson, the program has achieved consistent success, including multiple top-five tournament finishes and a runner-up placement at the G-MAC Championships. The 2024-25 roster features a deep lineup of veteran talent and promising newcomers, including standout senior Filippo Reale, who recently set a modern program scoring record.
For photos from the ceremony, click here. For photos of Hillsdale College, click here. For a high-resolution copy of the Hillsdale College clocktower logo, click here.