December 27, 2019 | By Lee Spencer

World Wide Technology Raceway expands entertainment footprint with Gateway National Golf Links

It’s not unusual for a golf course to be called a “track.” Now World Wide Technology Raceway at Gateway has both.

WWTR has acquired Gateway National Golf Links, the 7,178-yard links-style course designed by Keith Foster that abuts the motorsports complex to the north.

The purchase of Gateway National Golf Links not only enhances WWTR’s entertainment holdings but expands the 380-acre footprint by an additional 220 acres with the inclusion of the course and clubhouse.

“Boosting St. Louis and the Metro East is part of our mission and bringing together the two properties makes great sense,” said Curtis Francois, World Wide Technology Raceway owner and CEO. “Just as our racing venue has evolved into a showplace for some of the greatest racing in the country, Gateway National is a beautiful course that compliments what we are doing next door.”

Walters Golf Management will continue to oversee the golf facility that was built in 1998. Located just 10 minutes from downtown St. Louis, the course is ranked the No. 1 by Golf Advisor among public facilities in the Metro area.

“The quality golf experience our customers have come to expect will stay the same well into the future,” said Jeffrey C. Smith, Principal and CEO of Walters Golf Management. “This course has had a committed and visionary ownership group for over 20 years and Curtis has proven he shares the same passion for its success.”

WWTR joins Indianapolis Motor Speedway as a race track with a golf course on property. Four holes of Pete Dye-designed Brickyard Crossing are actually inside the Indy oval.

Under the ownership of Francois, World Wide Technology Raceway has evolved into one of the top motorsports facilities in the Midwest. WWTR features the NTT IndyCar Series (Aug. 22), the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series (Aug. 21), AAA Insurance NHRA Midwest Nationals (Oct. 2-4), NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Regional Finals (Oct. 8-11) and the ARCA Menard’s 150 and USAC Silver Crown Series (Aug. 1-2).