Aurora LPGA golf pioneer still bringing women into the game

BY BRAIDON NOURSE FOR SENTINEL COLORADO

Karen DeSantis knew early on in becoming a golf pro, the journey would take her far beyond the course.

Almost 40 years after starting down that path, she’s arrived.

“It was just something I wanted real badly,” DeSantis said. “I just loved it.”

She has the same passion now as she did when she rst picked up her own club: Grow the game and make it more accessible to any who might want to try it, especially women. DeSantis’ dedication to the game, and a welcoming and helpful demeanor to those who come to her for guidance, has long been her trademark teaching and coaching on Aurora courses.

Her love for the game started at 31. She would go out to courses with her husband, Carl DeSantis, to spend time with him while he played. She got bored watching and wanted to try it out herself. She took lessons and never looked back.

She once thought of going on tour, but money mattered, and