Pittsburgh, Pa. – The Duquesne University women's golf program announced Thursday that Sewickley Heights Golf Club will serve as the home for the Dukes when it begins play in the fall of 2024.
"I'm absolutely thrilled that Sewickley Heights Golf Club will be the home course of Duquesne women's golf," head coach Colleen Meyers said. "Having the ability to practice at this championship-style course that is both challenging and meticulously maintained will be vital to our success as we prepare to compete. The length, difficult rough and complex greens will be a true test of skill from tee to green."
Sewickley Heights Golf Club was founded in 1961 by visionaries Harton "Bud" Semple, William George and David, John and Henry Oliver. Course architect Jim Harrison was hired in 1960 and a year later the course opened for play. Semple, who went on to serve as president of the United States Golf Association (USGA) in 1974 and 1975, helped Sewickley Heights Golf Club host the United States Women's Amateur in 1966, just five years after opening. The course also hosted the Champion's Pittsburgh Senior Classic in 1998.
"Sewickley Heights Golf Club is thrilled to extend a warm welcome to the Duquesne women's golf team, as they now will call our esteemed course their official home," Sewickley Heights Country Club General Manager and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Brett Mucheck said. "This partnership is a testament to our club's dedication to excellence, both in the sport of golf and fostering camaraderie. It also reflects Duquesne's remarkable commitment to high standards in both athletics and academics."
Women's golf was added
at Duquesne in the spring of 2022 along with women's triathlon and women's acrobatics and tumbling, bringing NCAA Division I sport sponsorship for the University to 20. Triathlon began competing last fall, with women's golf and women's acrobatics and tumbling beginning competition this fall. Meyers was named the
first Duquesne head coach in women's golf history in August of 2023.
"I'd like to thank the professional staff, management and Sewickley Heights Golf Club members for the support of our program as we get ready to launch," Meyers said. "They have been very supportive and are as excited for this partnership as we are. I can't wait for this program's inaugural season in the fall of 2024."
Since its inception in 1961, some of the game's greatest golfers, including Jim Palmer, Gary Player, Hale Irwin, Raymond Floyd and Lee Trevino, have graced the grounds of Sewickley Heights Golf Club. Local golf hero Carole Semple Thompson, the daughter of core founder Bud, honed her skills on the course en route to impressive achievements in the game, including 12 Amateur tournament victories and 19 national team appearances.
"At Sewickley Heights, we take pride in creating an environment that values integrity, respect, inclusivity and stewardship," Mucheck said. "We believe these principles align closely with the culture and goals of the Duquesne program. Our challenging course is set to play a pivotal role in the growth and achievements of Duquesne student-athletes, equipping them for premier competitions. This collaboration also enhances our commitment to community engagement and encouraging a love of golf among young players. I'm overjoyed to be a part of welcoming these talented young women, and I eagerly anticipate witnessing their future triumphs."
Meyers, who arrived on the Bluff after spending two seasons as assistant coach for both the men's and women's teams at Carnegie Mellon, one of the top teams in NCAA Division III, announced the
signing of her first two student-athletes in November. Local products Sasha Petrochko of Hermitage, Pa., and Lindsey Powanda of Mt. Lebanon, Pa., each signed National Letters of Intent (NLI) with the Dukes. Duquesne will compete in women's golf as a member of the Atlantic 10.
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