A&M Texarkana Announces Partnership with Oliphant Golf Construction and Oliphant Golf Management for Renovation and Day to Day Operations of Golf Course

Texarkana, Texas­­­- Texas A&M University Texarkana has announced a new partnership with two affiliated companies to both renovate the former Texarkana Golf Ranch and oversee its day-to-day operations when the course reopens. Oliphant Golf Management (OGM), a family-owned golf management company based in Plover, Wisconsin, will run the daily operations of the facility. OGM currently runs 21 golf courses under 15 different contracts, including municipal and public courses and has taken over a dozen courses through renovation projects. OGM's sister company, Oliphant Golf Construction, will oversee the renovation of the golf course. The firm started as a golf construction company in 1996.

"This is an exciting time for Texas A&M University Texarkana and the entire Texarkana community," said Mike Smith, Chairman of the Texas A&M University Golf Advisory Committee. "We have a tremendous opportunity to bring a new vision to the former Texarkana Golf Ranch through thoughtful course redesign, meaningful improvements, and a commitment to creating an exceptional golfing experience. Our goal is not only to provide a first-class home for the University's golf program, but also to develop a public golf course that golfers of all ages and skill levels can enjoy and take pride in. We want to build something special-something that strengthens the University, serves our community, and continues to grow and improve for generations to come."

"We are pleased to announce our partnership with OGM and look forward to beginning renovations at the A&M Texarkana golf course," said A&M Texarkana President Dr. Ross Alexander. "Their vast experience in golf course construction and renovation, coupled with their highly successful history of golf course management and operations make them an ideal partner for the University. Our intent is to turn this golf course into a premier regional public golf course and one of the best golf courses in the city."

The golf course itself will serve the University in multiple ways. Not just as the home of the Eagles men's and women's golf teams, but it will help improve the overall student experience and allow the University to add its first ever plant science degree. "We will eventually be offering a Bachelor of Science in Plant Sciences with concentrations in Plant Science, Soil Science & Conservation, and Turf Science & Management," added Dr. Alexander.

"The A&M Texarkana golf course has tremendous potential, and we look forward to working alongside the University to make it a place the community is proud of," said Brian Jensen, Vice President of OGM. "Our focus will be to maintain operations during course renovations while preparing for a full relaunch of the facility, offering great service and a welcoming experience for everyone who visits."

"This will be a course that appeals to all kinds of players- it will be wider and friendlier to play for all, with plenty of challenge for the golf teams," said Craig Haltom, President of OGM. "The feature work and new greens will look and play great, and the entire course will be presented in fantastic condition every day of the season. We are focused on elevating the golf to match the quality of its natural environment, which includes native forest, interesting elevation changes, and stunning views into 600 acres of Bringle Lake. It is such a beautiful property and a true park-like setting. We are thankful to be trusted to work on it and look forward to delivering a great result for the University."

For additional information about Texas A&M University Texarkana, please visit www.tamut.edu.