At Charles B. Aycock High School, located in Pikeville, North Carolina - the golf program is in the midst of something meaningful - a transformation fueled by dedication, persistence, and a belief that the game should be accessible to all students.
Part of Wayne County Public Schools, the community surrounding Charles B. Aycock High School reflects many of the realities faced by rural and working-class areas. A significant portion of students in the district qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, and families are often balancing the costs of everyday life with extracurricular opportunities. In sports like golf - where equipment, course access, and travel can quickly add up, those barriers can be especially difficult to overcome.
For years, the golf program at CBA struggled to gain traction.
“The golf program at CBA is a program that for many years went unnoticed, unsupported, [and] unimpactful to our students,” said Head Coach Jordyn McGhee.
Over the past four years, however, that narrative has started to change.
Under Coach McGhee’s leadership, the boys program has grown from just four or five athletes to a roster of 10 to 12 players. The program has also embraced multi-sport athletes, creating an inclusive environment where students can learn the fundamentals of golf while balancing other commitments. At the same time, the addition of a new women’s golf coach has sparked growth on the girls’ side as well - expanding participation from just two athletes to five in a single season.
But even as interest has increased, the challenges have remained.
Currently, student-athletes are responsible for providing nearly everything themselves—transportation to courses, clubs, golf balls, tees, team apparel, and shoes. While the school and booster club were able to step in and provide team golf bags, many of the essential components of the sport have remained out of reach for some players.
And when building a program centered on confidence and development, those gaps can be difficult to overcome.
Recognizing both the growth of the program and the barriers still facing its athletes, Drive Fore The Future partnered with Charles B. Aycock High School to provide meaningful support, including:
These contributions do more than fill equipment gaps - they help create a sense of unity, pride, and belonging within the program. For athletes who may have previously felt under-equipped or out of place, having access to proper gear can be a turning point.
At its core, the work being done at Charles B. Aycock High School is about more than building a competitive golf team. It’s about creating opportunity and introducing students to a sport that teaches patience, integrity, and self-confidence, while ensuring financial barriers don’t prevent participation.
With continued leadership from Coach McGhee and growing interest from both boys and girls, the future of the program is trending in the right direction.
And with the support of Drive Fore The Future, that future just became a little more attainable.
