John Deere Supports Golf Course Project with $100,000 Gift

John Deere and Revels Tractor Company, Inc., present Provost Larry Nielsen with a chcek for $100,000 for the campaign to raise money for the planned golf course on NC State's Centennial Campus.

University Development received a $100,000 gift from John Deere and Revels Tractor Company, Inc., a local division of John Deere 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 course’s second hole, was announced on Monday, July 31 at a check presentation on Centennial Campus.

Provost Larry Nielsen accepted a check from Gregg Breningmeyer, Director of Commercial Marketing in Golf and Turf Marketing/ Sales and Turner Revels, President of Revels Tractor Company, Inc. In addition to the $100,000 gift, John Deere will donate eight pieces of equipment, leased annually at no charge, for 10 years, beginning with the first year the golf course is operating.

“The thought of anyone other than John Deere maintaining this premiere golf course is simply unacceptable,” said Breningmeyer. “We want to inspire and encourage future golf course superintendents.”

“We are proud and thrilled to be involved with this project,” noted Revels. “It is an honor to be a part of the cutting edge research taking place in turf grass management at NC State. What is taking place is important to the future of the business and we are committed to seeing it through to fruition.” Breningmeyer and Revels both made special mention of the fact that they, as individuals and as representatives of large companies, are “committed to NC State as a whole.”

“The university is very appreciative of this donation from John Deere to the golf course project. John Deere also supports many areas of NC State including a scholarship in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the College of Management and Athletics,” said Nielsen. “We love seeing the green John Deere equipment on campus and are excited that this 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 and professional golf management programs. 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.