In small communities, opportunity often depends on access, and for the golf program at Santa Fe High School in Scranton, Kansas - access has recently become more challenging.
Santa Fe High School serves a tight-knit, largely rural community where hard work and resourcefulness are part of everyday life. Like many districts in this part of Kansas, the area reflects a blue-collar, working-class population. A meaningful percentage of students qualifying for free or reduced-price lunch - a common indicator of financial need in school communities.
For the golf team, those challenges have only increased.
“Our golf course in our town (Overbrook) got shut down, so we have to travel to play now,” shared Head Coach Jayson Duncan. “We have a bunch of beginning golfers, and I recently started a junior high golf team in which we’ve had upwards of 30 kids.”
That level of interest is remarkable, especially for a rural program. With more than 20 students expected to come out for the high school boys team, participation is growing in a way that many programs strive for but rarely achieve.
But growth has come with its own set of obstacles.
Many players rely on hand-me-down clubs from family members, leading to inconsistent and mismatched equipment. The team lacks uniformity in appearance, often wearing mismatched shirts, and basic necessities like golf balls for junior varsity and developing players are frequently paid for out of pocket by the coaching staff.
Despite those hurdles, the passion for the game is undeniable, driven largely by Coach Duncan himself. A former college golfer, with a son who also played at the collegiate level, his commitment to growing the game runs deep. That passion has translated into opportunity for students who may not have otherwise considered picking up a club.
Recognizing both the need and the momentum behind the program, Drive Fore The Future stepped in to support Santa Fe High School.
By providing essential resources, the foundation is not just supporting a team, it’s investing in a program that expands access to the game in a community where such opportunities can be limited.
For students at Santa Fe, golf is more than just a sport. It’s a chance to build confidence, develop discipline, and be part of something bigger than themselves. And in a town where the local course has closed and travel is now required just to compete, that opportunity means even more.
As the program grows, from a thriving junior high pipeline to a high school team with increasing participation, the impact of support like this becomes clear.
Because in places like Scranton, Kansas, growing the game isn’t just about lowering scores - it’s about opening doors.
