Lonnie Poole Golf Course is known for its unique design on the rolling hills near downtown Raleigh. Now, N.C. State’s golf layout is getting noticed for its focus on player development.
“The course has been growing its golf staff over the past year, adding Daniel Spurling, our player development coordinator, to our team of PGA professionals,” said Chip Watson, the club’s general manager. “His expertise in club fitting and club building is allowing players to maximize distance and accuracy through a custom fitting program.”
The player development suite, located downstairs in the Carol Johnson Poole clubhouse, enables players to improve their swing indoors. It is a one stop shop for tour-level custom fitting, club repair and alterations.
Daniel is currently in the N.C. State University PGA Golf Management Program and earned his master fitter certification through Golfsmith International. He’s a certified fitter with many prominent brands.
“Daniel’s expertise complements the Lonnie Poole staff perfectly as we have the equipment needed to help golfers reach their full potential,” Watson said. “Daniel has the ability to individually alter and build custom clubs. After working closely with the client and examining their golf swing, the finished product will be uniquely fitted to them.”
Lonnie Poole staff members are also using a device called TrackMan to examine golfer’s swings — including the N.C. State men’s and women’s golf teams — to help them improve their game.
“TrackMan is the best and most accurate golf swing analysis, which is being used by professionals on tour, Spurling said. “These kind of amenities are not commonly offered at public golf courses. We hope golfers of all skill levels will take advantage of it.”
The staff is also offering a variety of group lessons and outings, including Golf and Grape for women and a nine-hole league on Friday afternoons.
“By the spring we hope to have clinics and leagues offered Monday through Friday for players of all ages and abilities,” said head pro Nick Dillman. “We want our players to have an authentic, one-of-a-kind, golf experience.”
