SAN ANTONIO – The University of the Incarnate Word Athletics Department and Briggs Ranch Golf Club have entered a partnership that provides the UIW men's and women's golf programs with a new home for the next 17 months, announced UIW Athletics on Thursday.
 
"It was our desire to continue to provide our student-athletes with a first-class golf course to call home, so I'm excited about our partnership with Briggs Ranch Golf Club," said UIW Athletic Director Richard Duran. "Briggs Ranch, with its exceptional facilities, nationally ranked golf course, and a standing as part of the Dormie Network, will help us provide an incredible experience for our student-athletes, supporters and alumni. Both of our golf programs took positive steps forward last season, and securing a home course with the caliber of Briggs Ranch is another significant step in the right direction."
 
The men's and women's golf programs will have access to the 18-hole Tom Fazio golf course at Briggs Ranch, which is the No. 16-ranked golf course in Texas. Additionally, the Cardinals will have designated spots at the driving range as well as access to the chipping green and putting green.
 
"Briggs Ranch Golf Club and the Dormie Network are extremely excited to announce the partnership with UIW and the UIW men's and women's golf teams," said Derrick Dixon, general manager of Briggs Ranch. "Briggs Ranch will offer the student-athletes a superb opportunity to continue to improve their games and prepare for competition. The facilities at Briggs Ranch are something the students can be proud to call home. In addition, we look forward to creating unmatched experiences with alumni, donors, and VIPs of UIW. It was fantastic working with the UIW representatives to get the partnership to the finish line, and we are excited to get to work."
 
Briggs Ranch Golf Club will be featured on the UIW Athletics website and will receive signage at Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium, Daniel Sullivan Field, sponsored by H-E-B, and H-E-B Field. Briggs Ranch will also be a sponsor of in-game promotions at select UIW home events.
 
Women's golf competed in eight tournaments during the 2019-20 season prior to the year being cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Through those eight competitions, the Cardinals had five top-10 finishes, including four in the top five. In addition to the accomplishments on the course, UIW achieved a 3.81 semester GPA and a 3.57 cumulative GPA in the spring.
 
The men's golf program competed in seven tournaments during the shortened 2019-20 season, collecting six top-10 finishes and two top-5 finishes.  The Cardinals finished the spring strong in the classroom as well, collecting a 3.70 semester GPA and a 3.54 cumulative GPA.
 
Ranked among the state's best, Briggs Ranch features zoysia tee boxes, fairways, and roughs and bent grass putting surface. The club offers a full-service clubhouse, including locker rooms, a golf shop, restaurant and six on-site casitas with 24 master suites. Planned for future construction is a full-service, state-of-the-art practice facility featuring a club fitting area, hitting bays, and golf's leading technology.
 
For the most up-to-date information on UIW Athletics, visit uiwcardinals.com, follow the Cardinals on Twitter @UIWAthletics and like UIW Athletics on Facebook at UIW Athletics. Follow the men's golf and women's golf teams on Twitter @UIWMensGolf and @uiwwomen'sgolf.
 
What the UIW golf programs are saying…
 
UIW women's golf head coach Allison Howarth
"Our staff and players are thrilled about the partnership with Dormie Network and Briggs Ranch. Since Dormie Network took over Briggs Ranch a couple years ago, they have really transformed the golf course and have given it the care and attention it deserves. We are very grateful to the Briggs Ranch and UIW staff that played a role in making this happen! It's pretty sweet when your playground is a Tom Fazio-designed golf course, has zeon zoysi fairways, bentgrass greens and a top-notch practice facility. This place checks all the boxes, and we are extremely appreciative that our student-athletes will get to experience a little piece of paradise during their time at UIW."
 
UIW men's golf head coach Remy Huston
"I am so grateful for our administration and Briggs Ranch/Dormie Network working through this for our players. This facility is going to provide all the opportunities our players need to improve and grow in their game. Dormie Network takes pride in providing the 5-star experience. They are continuing to create avenues to do so, and we want to get on board to add value where we can. I am so excited for what this relationship will become, and I know our guys will be prepared to build this as well."