Braeburn Golf Course, on the campus of Wichita State University, will close Nov. 3 to make room for construction of the new Innovation Campus.

Braeburn was purchased by the university in 1967 to provide room for campus expansion.

Andrew Schlapp, executive director of the WSU Board of Trustees, said: “We are fortunate that WSU leaders nearly a half century ago recognized the value of banking this land for the future. It has been wonderful to have it as a golf course. It will be even more valuable to the city and state as a home for innovation and job creation."

Even though the golf course is closing for public play, part of the course will remain as a practice facility for Wichita State’s golf teams.

Braeburn Golf Course has operated under a contract with WBG LLC. That contract will end when the course closes at the end of October.

“We are pleased the Hartman Golf Practice facility will continue to be available for our men's and women's golf programs,” said Eric Sexton, director of athletics at WSU. “In addition, a few of the current holes will provide for enhanced practice opportunities that are unique to intercollegiate golf programs nationally. This continued commitment to providing high quality facilities as a part of the vision of the Innovation Campus is critical to our continuing to compete for golf championships.”

Plans for the Innovation Campus call for the demolition of Wheatshocker Apartments this fall and construction of the Experiential Engineering Building in early 2015.

History of land used as golf course

1921: Crestview Country Club chartered June, 26, 1921. S.L. Conine farm leased for three years with 10-year renewal clause and purchase option. Only the first nine holes ready on Aug. 12, 1921 when golf course opened for play.

1922: Crestview Country Club formally opened as an 18-hole course with clubhouse on May 10, 1922.

1924: Clubhouse destroyed by fire, May 15, 1924. New “Spanish type” clubhouse completed by October.

1966: Crestview purchased site east of Wichita for new golf course and clubhouse complex. Negotiations begin for sale of present property for use by WSU.

1967: WSU Trustees offered to buy 150 acres of Crestview Country Club on Feb. 26, 1967.

1967: Wichita Public Building Commission voted on May 19, 1967 to help WSU purchase Crestview property with bonds.

1969: WSU took possession of golf course and clubhouse facilities Sept. 1, 1969.

1993: WSU Golf Course was renamed Braeburn.

2001: Eighteen-month overhaul of golf course completed and reopened late July.