VIRGINIA BEACH, VA (WAVY) — Virginia Wesleyan University is a school on the smaller side. With only a little less than 1,500 students, the Marlins aren’t the biggest fish in the pond.

But the golf program just made a BIG splash, that not a lot of Division III schools make. On Friday, VWU debuted its state-of-the-art golf simulation facility in its student center.

Head coach Tom Hall said he couldn’t believe his eyes when he saw the facility for the very first time.

“Unbelievable. I talked to somebody the other day and said it’s like going to the car dealership and buying a corvette,” Hall said. “Just what it is and what it can do it incredible. … I’m excited for them that they have a place to practice. Sure nice on those 34 degree days to come in here and practice.”

This space used to be racquetball courts, which all the golfers admitted they had never used for racquetball, just stretching.

“It certainly was a space we were able to takeover and it benefits us a lot,” said freshman Nick Barnes.

Now, this is something Barnes adds can be something not just for top play and skill sharpening, but something to build team chemistry with his teammates.

“We’ve got our spot and have something to be proud of,” Barnes said. “Not that our accomplishments in the past aren’t something to be proud of, but this is so huge for the program in a bigger way than golf.”

The Marlins open its season March 3 in Myrtle Beach, S.C.