The course for U is Ray Richards Golf Course — home of the Fighting Hawks
Golf at Ray’s is expected to get underway soon. With that in mind, it’s never too soon to secure your membership for 2022
By almost any measure, the return of Ray Richards Golf Course has been a huge success.
Named for the late University of North Dakota benefactor and former engineering student Ray Richards, the Ray Richards Golf Course first opened in 1968. It challenged UND students, staff, faculty, and regional golfers for nearly 50 years, until University budget constraints forced a brief closure in 2017.
The course reopened in 2020 and has resumed its status as a popular location for regional golfers in search of an impressive nine-hole challenge.
UND student golfers were very active at Ray Richards in 2021, logging 4,200 total rounds. The students like forming a number of course activities in concert with UND organizations. They also like the course’s convenient location on the southern border of the UND campus, the low rates and the new autonomous “Tempo Carts,” robotic golf caddies that allow golfers to walk the course without having to lug their own bag.
“Students can leave class, play a round, and then be back in class two and a half hours later,” said Kyle Myers, course general manager. “Our location makes it easy. And our staff does a great job getting golfers out on the tee efficiently.”
Calling staff and faculty
Something course managers want to do in 2022 is increase the number of UND staff and faculty that hit the Ray Richards links. UND employees played just 225 total rounds in 2021. Ideas to attract more golfers from the campus community include hosting alumni outings, Fighting Hawks Athletics pre-game tournaments, UND departmental retreats as well as other events such as the UND Open and Annual Ray Golf Tournament.
“The course is easy to navigate, it’s challenging for golfers of all skill levels, but forgiving enough to help golfers be competitive against their more seasoned partners,” Myers said. “I think those are the reasons why students are playing so often. It doesn’t have to be a full-day deal. We think there is a similar opportunity for UND staff and faculty too.”
Fighting Hawks abound
UND’s Cross Country team also calls the course home. Ray Richards hosts the annual Ron Pynn Classic cross country meet and is slated to host the Summit League Cross Country Championships this fall. Student-athletes from the Fighting Hawk golf teams also are often spotted practicing at the course. And seeing a Fighting Hawks head coach or two out for a round is pretty much the norm throughout the summer.
Membership details
Golf at Ray’s is expected to get underway soon. With that in mind, it’s never too soon to secure your membership for 2022.
The membership rate for UND students is only $315; for employees, it’s $424. For more details on membership, hosting tournaments or fundraisers, call the Ray Richards pro shop at 701.777.4340.
Ray Richards is certainly the course for U!
