On Feb. 9, the UCCS athletic department announced they would discontinue the men’s and women’s golf programs following the 2023 spring season. This decision does not affect the College of Business Professional Golf Management Program.
UCCS spokesperson Chris Valentine said via email, “The entire University is experiencing budget reductions this year. The athletic department reviewed multiple scenarios to meet their budget goals and had to make the difficult decision to discontinue the golf program.” Of the 16 NCAA-sponsored sports at UCCS, golf is the only affected program.
The release states that UCCS will honor athletic scholarships for eligible student-athletes through the 2023-24 academic year, and Valentine said they are assisting those that wish to transfer schools. “We all recognize the impact on our athletes who have devoted a lot to playing college golf, and we are doing everything we can to support them.”
This season, the men’s eight-man team has placed in the top 10 in three of five tournaments, tying for first place at the Dennis Rose Invitational in Waikoloa, Hawaii. The women’s team placed in the top 10 in two of four tournaments, their highest place being third at the Colorado State University Pueblo Farmers Insurance invite on Oct. 10-11.
The men’s and women’s teams will finish their spring season, with their next tournaments occurring in the next month. The men’s team will open their season at the California State University San Bernardino Coyote Classic on Feb. 27. The women’s team will travel to the Southwest Minnesota State University Classic on March 17.
Photo by Tim Flynn/Colorado School of Mines