IOWA CITY, Iowa — Finkbine Golf Course, home of the University of Iowa men’s and women’s golf teams, is preparing for a comprehensive transformation. The scope of the renovation marks the most notable change to Finkbine since the course relocated in the early 1950s.

Construction is set to begin at the conclusion of the 2025 golf season and will continue throughout 2026. The project will focus on modernizing the layout, improving playability for all skill levels, and incorporating sustainable turf technologies, aimed at reducing water usage and maintenance costs. The privately funded project will be managed by Troon as part of their agreement with the Iowa Athletics Department.

Building on their support of the Nagle Family Clubhouse at Finkbine Golf Course, Fritz and Mary Lee Duda, of Dallas, Texas, have provided leadership support to fund the major renovation of Finkbine Golf Course.

“I take great pride in my family’s roots in Iowa City,” said Mary Lee Nagle Duda. “This is a wonderful way to give back to a community and University that has meant so much to my family. Upon completion, the Iowa City community will enjoy access to one of the premier golf courses in the Midwest.”

“We are incredibly grateful to Mary Lee and Fritz Duda for their continued visionary support of the University of Iowa,” said Beth Goetz, the Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair. “Their commitment to enhancing the student-athlete experience and enriching our community is truly inspiring. The transformational project will elevate Finkbine into one of the premier collegiate golf courses, and we couldn’t be more excited about the future.”

A Storied History
In 1924, William Orlando and Edward Charles Finkbine donated 175 acres of farmland to the University of Iowa as a tribute to their father, Robert Finkbine.

The original 18-hole course, designed by renowned golf architect, Tom Bendelow, was commonly known as The Golf Course or Westside Field before receiving the official name of Finkbine Field in 1925.

Following World War II, a housing shortage and the need for new university facilities led to a reconfiguration of the golf course at Finkbine Field. In the early 1950s, the university purchased 270 acres with athletic funds and Finkbine Field relocated to its present-day location. Architect, Robert Bruce Harris, was selected to design the new Finkbine Golf Course. The current 18-hole, par 72 layout opened in July 1955.

Over the decades, Finkbine has hosted numerous prestigious events, including Big Ten Championships, the Ben Hogan Tour, and the famed Amana VIP Pro-Am in the 1970s and 1980s. The year 2020 saw the opening of the Nagle Family Clubhouse, a 19,000-square-foot facility that significantly enhanced the venue’s amenities. Featuring a new restaurant, bar, outdoor terrace, and event space, the clubhouse has become a popular location for both golf and community gatherings.

A New Era Begins
Golf course architect, Scott Hoffman, has been selected by Troon to reimagine Finkbine Field for the next several decades. A Nebraska native, Hoffman spent 13 years as a senior design associate for renowned architect, Tom Fazio. While with Fazio, Hoffman contributed to dozens of high-profile courses, including Gozzer Ranch, Martis Camp and Pronghorn. After his time with Fazio, Hoffman worked alongside Jackson Kahn Design on several elite projects, including Monterrey CC Dunes and Scottsdale National.

Hoffman’s first two solo projects have elevated him as one of the most exciting names in the golf industry. Hoffman’s debut project, Lost Rail Golf Club, located in Omaha, Nebraska, received national acclaim, earning 94th in Top 100 Golf Courses USA and Runner Up Golf Digest Best New Private Club. Hoffman’s highly anticipated sophomore project, Mapleton Golf Club, opened last weekend in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

“I feel privileged to be awarded the task of reimagining Finkbine,” said Hoffman. “The goal is to maximize the potential of the course and improve sustainability. We will work with the land, highlighting the most dramatic features, while adding variety, to create the best 18-hole golf course imaginable.

“We have constructed a plan that will rival the best college courses in the country. The new layout will test the best collegiate players while maintaining playability and enjoyment for golfers of all skill levels.”

FROM THE COACHES

Iowa Head Men’s Golf Coach Tyler Stith
“Finkbine has a special place in my heart. I have countless memories as a player and coach, and I know many people feel the same way. An opportunity to completely reimagine the course only comes along once in a lifetime, and now is the right time. Scott’s Midwest roots and minimalist design approach make him a perfect fit for this project. The new course will be a great benefit to our golf programs and a centerpiece for the University of Iowa.”

Iowa Head Women’s Golf Coach Megan Menzel
“The renovation of Finkbine is a tremendous step forward for our program. The quality and challenge of the new layout will prepare our players week-in and week-out for the types of competition and courses we play across the country. It has been exciting to spend time with Scott Hoffman and see his appreciation and vision for the property come to life. We’re incredibly grateful to have a championship-level course we can call our own and having it on campus is a huge advantage for our team. We want Finkbine to remain a destination of choice for our alumni, and community members. We believe this renovation will generate even more excitement around the game and play a key role in continuing to grow the sport of golf across the state of Iowa.”

The Nagle Family Clubhouse – including Bump’s restaurant and the Pro Shop – will have reduced hours of operation during the renovation. Private event space rentals and catering can be coordinated by contacting 319-335-9444 or email bumps-restaurant@finkbine.com.