Wichita State’s decision to discontinue both the men’s and women’s golf programs may have been financially driven, but that does not make it the right decision.
The university announced Tuesday afternoon that both NCAA golf programs would be discontinued, effective immediately, citing rising operational costs and the financial strain it had on the athletic department in an increasingly expensive landscape.
While the decision might make sense on paper, it is still hard to ignore what Wichita State is losing in the process.
The men’s golf program has been a part of WSU athletics since 1935. The women’s program followed in 1974. Together, they have built decades of history including conference success and NCAA appearances while becoming some of the more accomplished programs at the university.
Golf was not a small piece of Wichita State athletics. They wore black and yellow too.
Remember when there was a golf course on campus, too?
Golfers practiced, traveled, completed and represented Wichita State like every other athlete on campus. Their sport may not have made as much money or gotten the same attention as other NCAA sports, such as men’s basketball, but dollar signs or visibility alone should not determine the real value.
That is why I am disappointed in this decision.
Wichita State Athletics has emphasized building its future together while continuing to support student athletes across its programs. That is part of what makes the decision to discontinue golf so difficult for many athletes and supporters to understand.
Behind every announcement about program discontinuation are real students whose college experiences changed within hours. Wichita State’s decision affects 17 current student-athletes, two head coaches and 5 future Shockers who committed to representing the university through the golf program.
Some likely chose Wichita State because of the opportunity to continue playing a sport they love. Kate Tilma, a Wichitan and senior on the women’s team this year, told The Sunflower in September that she transferred from Kansas State to Wichita State to play golf because she “wanted to come back home.”
Others have spent years building relationships with teammates, coaches and the university.
Now, many are left figuring out what comes next.
Looking back on the history of the programs, this was not one without success. The men’s team alone won 21 conference championships, made dozens of NCAA appearances over the years and produced eight All-Americans. The women’s team also built a strong competitive history of its own, with multiple NCAA Regional appearances and conference success.
For a university that celebrates athletic tradition, removing one of its longest-running programs feels contradictory. As Wichita State continues expanding opportunities through programs, like women’s bowling becoming NCAA affiliated, the decision to discontinue golf shows us how quickly opportunities in college athletics can come and go.
I have read the financial reports and understand the financial realities behind the decision. Universities across the country are facing growing costs and athletic departments are being forced to make difficult decisions. I especially do not envy the people who had to make this one.
Decisions like the one Wichita State made this week are appearing in much larger athletic conferences, as well. The University of Arkansas — a member of the Southeastern Conference — cut its men’s and women’s tennis programs in April.
But students, alumni and supporters still have the right to question if these decisions reflect what Wichita State claims to support.
Because if every athlete truly matters equally, then schools should act like it, even when budgets become difficult.
Wichita State did not just cut two golf programs. It cut decades of history, opportunity and tradition.
And those athletes deserved better.
