‘The Icon at Purgatory Golf Club’ set to take its place among golf’s most famous landmarks
(NOBLESVILLE, IN) – Purgatory Golf Club – named the 2016 “Indiana Golf Course of the Year” by the National Golf Course Owners Association – will unveil an 11-foot tall, signature statue on Monday, Oct. 3.
Designed by celebrated local artist Scott Westphal and fabricated from one-inch thick, rust-resistant aluminum, the sculpture depicts Purgatory’s Addy Award-winning logo (designed by Indianapolis-based Martin Schliessmann) of a trident, golf ball and halo. Its position behind the first tee ushers golfers to unforgettable experiences on the classic, links-style layout ranked No. 6 in Indiana by GolfAdvisor.
Guests at Purgatory are encouraged to pose for pictures at the statue’s base before and after rounds to share with friends using #DivineCamaraderie. Plans are to let golfers heading to the first tee make a “Daily Offering” by placing a donation on a small collection plate; monies raised will benefit local charities and aspiring artists.
Named “The Icon at Purgatory Golf Club,” the towering work of art is akin to golf’s most famous landmarks, including Pinehurst’s Putter Boy statuette, St. Andrews’ Swilcan Bridge, Harbour Town’s striped lighthouse and TPC Sawgrass’ infamous island green.
“We offer what no other course in Indiana can: artistry on and off the course, thanks to Martin Schilessmann’s logo and Scott’s Westphal’s metal creation” says Tenna Merchent, Co-Owner of Purgatory Golf Club with husband Mike. “The sculpture compliments what golf course designer Ron Kern brought to life with the land – people will be fascinated with the statue, be ‘wowed’ by the golf and return for the overall experience.”
“It’s amazing to see this two-year project come to completion,” says Westphal, whose work is found throughout Indianapolis, including pieces in Community North and South hospitals downtown. “Mike and Tenna pour their souls into Purgatory, and you can feel and see their passion for the game everywhere on property.”
The new sculpture beckons guests to enjoy a journey through golf’s hallowed ground and aligns with Purgatory’s namesake theme. All holes are named after Dante’s “Inferno,” the course was blessed by a Catholic priest and taglines include “More Heaven than Hell.” The towering structure is a tangible representation of the club’s distinctive logo designed by marketing strategist and graphic designer Schliessmann who also directed the video documentary “Why Sturgis?” and is producing a documentary about the Indiana wine industry (www.EscapeRouteFix.com).
About Purgatory Golf Club
Forty minutes north of Indianapolis, Purgatory Golf Club – which is managed by Billy Casper Golf – is spread across 218-acres of breathtaking landscape. Designed by Ron Kern, the par-72, 7,754-yard layout features more than 125 crushed-limestone bunkers and tall native grasses lining fairways. Among the signature holes is the mid-length, par-3 17th, dubbed “Hell’s Half Acre” that requires an accurate approach to avoid two acres of bunkers guarding the green.
Local golfers flock to Purgatory’s comprehensive practice facility that includes a 7,000 square-foot putting green, 10,000 square-foot chipping area and expansive driving range. Affectionately named “The Lodge,” the warm clubhouse invites guests to relax on comfortable, hand-crafted furniture, congregate before and after rounds at “The Confessional” bar, and enjoy various catered events in the banquet hall that accommodates 250 guests.
More information: www.purgatorygolf.com, 317.776.4653.
Contact:
Andy DeKeuster
Billy Casper Golf / Buffalo.Agency
703.891.3324
adekeuster@billycaspergolf.com
