BASF Supports Golf Course Project with $250,000 Gift

BASF 's $250,000 gift will name the Superintendent's Maintenance Facility at the new golf course planned for NC State's Centennial Campus.

University Development received a $250,000 gift from BASF representatives for “On Course For Distinction,” the campaign to raise money for the planned golf course on NC State’s Centennial Campus. The gift, which will name the Superintendent’s Maintenance Facility, was announced Friday, July 7 at a check presentation on Centennial Campus.

Provost Larry Nielsen accepted a check for $250,000 from Markus Heldt, Group Vice President, BASF Agricultural Products. Heldt was accompanied by various BASF representatives including Toni Bucci, the Business Manager for Turf & Ornamentals with BASF Agricultural Products. Bucci received her Doctorate from NC State in 1995.

“We’re proud to support the North Carolina State University student-athletes and researchers and hopeful they benefit from the professional examples of the golf course superintendent and crew maintaining the course,” said Heldt.

“The university is very appreciative of this donation and the long-time support of BASF, which has contributed more than $1.4 million in recent years, in addition to its matching programs of more than $1 million,” said Nielsen. “Partnering with BASF is a natural extension of our ongoing relationships with business and industry and its donation will greatly benefit turfgrass research and professional golf management programs.”

The golf course, which was designed by Arnold Palmer, will serve as a competitive home for the NC State varsity golf teams, as well as an outdoor lab for the Turfgrass program and Professional Golf Management program. In addition, the golf course will create opportunities for NC State to host ACC tournaments and fundraising events, as well as offer excellent amenities for alumni, friends and Centennial Campus partners. The 21,000 square-foot Research and Training Center will house lab and classroom space and will contain facilities for student-athletes, faculty and coaches.