Samuel Keith Schanafelt – better known as Sam “Schany” to all who loved him – was born on February 28, 2004, in Scottsdale, AZ. Ever since he was a toddler, it was pretty clear that Sam was going to be an athlete. After all, he was only two years old when he started swinging a golf club! Driven at an early age, he participated in anything and everything he could: soccer, basketball, flag football, and, following in his dad’s footsteps: baseball, his first love.

 

After playing soccer and baseball for Horizon High School, Sam quickly learned that competition was fierce. This realization pushed him to develop his “new” love. From his sophomore year in high school, Sam was living, eating and breathing golf. He spent more and more time at the course, established friendships with the “regulars” there, and completely engrossed himself in learning every aspect of the game. His dad, Bryan, believes he had the “it” factor and always encouraged him that he had nothing to lose and everything to gain. Driven by that, Sam always played like he had something to prove. He was dedicated to getting better and better each day.

 

After graduating from Horizon in 2022, Sam went on to attend Estrella Mountain Community College on a golf scholarship. Some of Sam’s high school and Junior Golf Association of Arizona highlights include:

 

• Sam recorded several top 25 finishes along with 3 top 5 finishes and 2 trophies.

• Sam’s all-time lowest score was at Kierland Golf Club where he shot 67.

• Sam wanted his final event with the JGAA to be at his home course and his place of work Kierland Golf Club. He finished tied for eighth with total score of +1 (145) for 36 holes.

• Sam played in two Fall events for EMCC in 2022 finishing 14th (77, 70) and 11th (75, 70) respectively, both finishes were low man for his School in each event.

 

Sam was a one-of-a-kind son, brother and friend. He was an absolute joy to be around, and his smile never failed to light up a room. Sam’s love of adventure and seeing the beauty in life’s small things – like a sunrise or sunset – were hallmarks of his amazing personality. His free time was spent golfing with his dad and buddies, fishing at McCormick Ranch, hiking Camelback mountain, or hanging out and having fun with close friends and family.

 

He was always a loyal and encouraging teammate, a warm and inspiring friend and a loving and caring brother, giving others confidence with his kind words and witty humor.

 

At 18 years old, Sam lost his life much too soon in an automobile accident on October 4, 2022. His mother and father, Robyn and Bryan, and his two sisters, Olivia and Katherine, hold fast to his memory, and their wish for others is to keep Sam’s loving, joyful and kind spirit alive.