Construction work has started on of the University of Michigan’s Cilluffo family short game practice area, designed by golf course architects Chris Wilczynski and Mike DeVries.

The five-acre short game complex will cost $300,000 and is to be located near holes twelve and thirteen of the university’s golf course, at the northwest corner of Weisfeld Family Golf Center’s driving range.

It will feature two large greens totalling over 20,000 square feet, three bunkers, as well as fairway and rough areas.

“It has been exciting working with the university’s coaches and determining what they are looking for in such a facility,” said Wilczynski. “It is much more detailed than at a club or public facility. We have imagined and captured every type of shot that you will encounter from the edge of the green up to 120 yards away. The demands of collegiate golfers are very different than those of recreational players.”

Golfers will be able to practice uphill, downhill and side-hill pitch and chip shots as well as shots from bunkers of varying depths. One green will be a concave punchbowl and the other will be a crowned convex green. The greens also will be used for practice putting.

“I have enjoyed working with Chris, the golf coaches and management of the golf courses in finding what is the best opportunity to maximize the area for what they need in a practice facility,” said DeVries.

Wilczynski and DeVries have been joined by Joe Hancock, who provides expertise in golf course shaping and construction management. Construction began in mid-May and it is expected to be completed in July.

“The design and implementation of the Cilluffo family short game practice area is a culmination of hard work from our support staff, the Cilluffo family, our coaching staff and architects Chris Wilczynski and Mike DeVries,” said the university’s head women’s coach Jan Dowling.

“With some great design suggestions, the space has become more efficient and effective for our student-athletes to train.”

University of Michigan golf courses director Corbin Todd said: “The process of developing this facility has been a collaborative effort between the university, the coaches and our design and construction experts. We will create a great facility in the spirit of what is best for the Michigan golf teams.”

The short game area is scheduled to open in autumn.