Mission Statement
The mission of the Sunset Youth Golf Center (SYGC) is to provide the youth in Ector County ISD with a safe, accessible place to practice and develop their golf skills. The vision is to inspire a generation of young people who not only want to excel at golf, but want to play this great game just for the fun of it, all the while learning valuable life skills such as honesty, sportsmanship, perseverance, discipline, respect and teamwork!
The Sunset Youth Golf Center is dedicated to the goal of being a catalyst for positive change where all students, regardless of background or circumstances, have access, where they will learn skills needed to succeed in both golf and life!
“Preserving Odessa’s Golfing Legacy”
- The site has historical significance to West Texas golf community and with this project gives new life to through the preservation and transition from private club to educational facility for ECISD
“More Than Golf – Building Character”
- Safe, welcoming environment for all ECISD students
- Focus on life skills: discipline, focus, teamwork, perseverance
- Inclusive community regardless of background or experience level
- Connection between golf skills and academic/life success
Did you know?
Roy Cobb and Hank Brinker were co-owners of Sunset Golf Country Club that opened in 1953.
Hank moved to Odessa in 1946 with United Supply, he was later vice-president of Permian Drilling co.
Comprehensive Youth Development Through Golf
Program Strengths:
- Professional coaching staff (Rodney Roman – PHS, Shelby Hill – OHS)
- Partnership with ECISD Athletic Department
- Access to quality facilities and equipment
- Structured curriculum combining technical skills and character development
- Integration with school athletic programs
Current Needs:
- Facility restoration and modernization
- Expanded practice facilities (driving range, putting greens)
- Equipment for student programs
- Ongoing operational funding
- Infrastructure improvements (water systems, clubhouse)
Restoring Excellence
- Selective restoration of historic Sunset Golf Course
- Development of Par 3 course, driving range, clubhouse, and putting green
- Showcase the natural beauty of West Texas landscape
- Preservation of local heritage and identity
What age groups can participate?
Current Program: Middle school and high school students can visit our facilities to practice all aspects of their golf game.
Future Expansion: As the program grows, the goal is to offer workshops for younger players to spark their interest in golf at an earlier age.
Do students need prior golf experience?
Open to All Skill Levels: Students are encouraged to join regardless of their current ability level. The Sunset 3-par course would serve as a dedicated teaching facility where players can focus on improving their overall game without the pressure of playing alongside more experienced golfers.
How does this integrate with school athletics?
School Partnership: This facility will primarily serve ECISD students, who will have first priority for practice and play time. We may also partner with other local charter schools in the future.
Addressing Current Limitations: ECISD’s golf program currently has limited access to area golf courses, both private and public. This dedicated facility will be fully integrated into ECISD’s existing teaching and training programs, providing students with consistent, reliable access to golf instruction.
What facilities will be available?
Facility Vision: The plan is to restore the existing 3-par course with potential for future expansion, while preserving the current property footprint. The golf facility will occupy only a small section of ECISD property dedicated to golf students.
Minimal Impact: The facility will maintain a relatively small footprint to ensure ECISD retains full flexibility for the property’s primary purpose: accommodating future growth of the entire student population.
Practice Facilities: A driving range with safety nets will provide additional practice opportunities for students.
Course Design Goals: The course will be designed with versatility in mind – accessible enough for novice players to learn fundamentals while incorporating challenging elements for more skilled players.
How can community members get involved?"
Project Status: This project is currently in the early planning and feasibility stage.
Get Involved: If you’re interested in partnerships, donations, or other contributions, please reach out through our contact form. We welcome open discussions about how you can support this initiative.
Did you know?
ECISD purchased the Sunset Golf property in August of 2024 from Robert Duncan. While the site does not have a designated plan until the citizens vote on it, a large portion of the Sunset Golf property was set aside for future planning of new facilities.
