LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Bellarmine University is celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Ernie Denham Indoor Golf Facility, recognizing the dedicated group of donors, families and supporters whose vision made the off-campus training center a reality for the Knights' men's and women's golf programs. 

Opened in 2021, the facility has become a cornerstone of Bellarmine Athletics' continued rise in NCAA Division I competition. The facility, named for a longtime Bellarmine golf coach who died in 2019 after 17 seasons coaching the Knights, includes three hitting bays with two foresight simulators, a putting green with seven holes, a chipping area, a study area, and an office for the coach. 

This milestone shines a spotlight on the collective effort behind the project, led by a dedicated group of alumni, parents and friends of the program who recognized both a need and an opportunity to elevate the student-athlete experience. 

For Don and Mary K Korfhage, the project was deeply personal — rooted in a multigenerational connection to Bellarmine. They provided access to the facility on a property they owned. 

"Our connection to Bellarmine spans generations, which made this opportunity especially meaningful," Don Korfhage said. "My father was part of Bellarmine's Pioneer Class in 1950, and decades later, our son was a member of Bellarmine's first NCAA Division I golf team. Being connected to both the very beginning of Bellarmine and such a pivotal new chapter made this deeply personal for our family."  

The Korfhages, along with fellow supporters, recognized that Bellarmine's transition to Division I required new resources to remain competitive. 

"If Bellarmine Golf was going to recruit top talent and compete at the Division I level — especially given Louisville's winter climate — an indoor training facility wasn't just helpful, it was essential," said Mary K Korfhage.  

Their leadership helped catalyze broader support, bringing together donors and families across the Bellarmine community. Among them were Swain Beard and Ronnie Harris, who played key roles in fundraising efforts and engaging others who shared a passion for the game and the program. 

"I've always believed in golf as a game that builds leadership and character," Beard said. "Bellarmine provides an outstanding education, and I wanted to be part of creating something that would enhance the experience for student-athletes." 

Beard said the response from supporters reflected a shared commitment to the program's future. 

"A lot of people who love the game wanted to invest in these student-athletes," he said. "Together, we were able to create a space that gives them the resources to train, grow, and compete at a high level." 

Beyond performance, donors emphasized the facility's role in building community and shaping the student-athlete experience. 

For Harris, whose oldest son, Ballard Harris, was a member of the golf team, it was an opportunity to support the golf team in a way that would help attract student-athletes to a university that he sees as an important part of the region's business community.  

"Bellarmine's golf program was missing some of the tools that other established D-I golf programs already had, like a van for road trips, an indoor hitting facility, and funds to supplement the golf budget for travel to non-tournament events," said Harris. "My wife and I, and a group of others, were committed to raising the money to fund those areas so that Bellarmine was on an equal playing field when recruiting golfers. The program has been a huge success." 

"The real difference is that it gives the team a place to call 'home,'" Don Korfhage said. "It's where they build friendships, support one another and create lasting memories. The impact goes far beyond golf."  

The facility has also strengthened Bellarmine's ability to recruit and develop talent, providing a competitive advantage through consistent, year-round training opportunities. 

"It puts our program on par with top programs across the country," Beard said. "Having a dedicated indoor space means our student-athletes can continue developing their skills and reach their full potential." 

"The Ernie Denham Indoor Golf Facility has been transformational for our program," said Bruce Brown, director of golf at Bellarmine. "We are deeply grateful to the donors and families who believed in our vision and invested in our student-athletes. Their generosity enhances everything we do — from recruiting and development to the culture we build as a team — and it will shape the future of Bellarmine golf for years to come." 

Donors hope future student-athletes will recognize both the opportunity and the legacy behind the facility. 

"Seize the moment — your time at Bellarmine will go by faster than you think," Mary K Korfhage said. "Be grateful to those who helped make it possible, and one day, we hope you'll choose to give back as well."  

As Bellarmine celebrates its 75th anniversary, the Ernie Denham Indoor Golf Facility stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved through philanthropic partnership. The project reflects the university's commitment to Athletics Excellence — a key pillar of its comprehensive fundraising campaign — and demonstrates how donor support directly enhances the student-athlete experience.

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