Dreaming of teeing it up for a college golf team? The path from junior golfer to college athlete can feel confusing, but it’s an achievable goal with the right game plan. This guide breaks down the entire process into clear, actionable steps, showing you exactly what to do and when to do it so you can get on a coach's radar and find the right fit for your game and your future.
Landing a spot on a college roster doesn’t happen overnight, and it definitely doesn't start in your senior year of high school. The recruiting process is a marathon that begins much earlier than most families realize. Here’s a general timeline to keep you on track.
This is the foundation-building phase. Your primary focus should be on two things: your grades and your golf fundamentals. Academically, start strong. Good grades from your freshman year onward matter for NCAA eligibility and show coaches you're responsible.
On the course, work with a swing coach to build solid mechanics. Start competing in local and regional junior tournaments to gain experience and see how your game stacks up. Begin your research by looking at different types of schools and golf programs (NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, NJCAA) to see what might be a good fit for your academic and athletic ability.
This is when recruiting kicks into high gear. Your tournament schedule should become more serious, focusing on multi-day events that draw bigger fields and are ranked by services like Junior Golf Scoreboard (JGS). Your scores in these tournaments are the single most important metric coaches will look at.
This is also the time to assemble your recruiting materials: a professional golf resume and a high-quality swing video. You should be sending introductory emails to coaches at your target schools. According to NCAA rules, D1 and D2 coaches can start actively contacting you after June 15th following your sophomore year. Be prepared for those conversations.
Your senior year is about locking in your future. You'll continue to play a competitive tournament schedule and maintain close communication with the coaches who are recruiting you. This is the period for taking official and unofficial visits to campuses, where you can meet the team, see the facilities, and get a feel for the school.
You may start receiving offers, both for scholarships and preferred walk-on spots. Your job is to carefully weigh your options, consider the academic fit, the team culture, and the coach's philosophy before making a final decision and signing your National Letter of Intent (NLI) if one is offered.
Coaches are looking for more than just a great swing. They are building a team and looking for student-athletes who will be a positive addition in three key areas: your golf game, your academics, and your character.
Your ability on the course is what gets a coach's attention. But they evaluate it in more detail than you might think.
Your handicap at your home club is nearly irrelevant to a college coach. They want to see how you perform under pressure in multi-day, competitive tournaments on unfamiliar courses. These scores tell them how your game truly travels. Here’s a general idea of the average scores coaches look for by division:
Playing in events on circuits like the AJGA, Hurricane Junior Golf Tour, or other nationally recognized tours is the best way to validate your skills.
Your swing video is your digital handshake. It should be simple, clear, and around 2-3 minutes long. No music and no dramatic slow-motion effects are needed.
Coaches want players who understand course management and how to practice effectively. They look for players who can make smart decisions, avoid big numbers, and know their own strengths and weaknesses. Having a structured practice routine that isn’t just about beating balls demonstrates maturity and a commitment to real improvement, which is a major green flag for coaches.
You can be the best junior golfer in the country, but if you can’t get admitted to the school or stay academically eligible, you are not recruitable. It’s that simple.
When a coach is deciding between two players with similar scores and grades, character is often the deciding factor. They want low-maintenance players who are coachable, resilient, and good teammates.
Now that you know what coaches want, here’s how to put yourself out there and connect with them.
Do your homework and create a realistic list of 20-30 schools. Don’t just target the top 10 D1 programs. Your list should be a healthy mix of schools from different divisions.
Look beyond just the golf team. Consider academic programs, location, school size, and campus culture. You're choosing a home for the next four years, not just a golf team.
Before you contact any coaches, get your materials in order. This includes your golf resume and your swing video.
Your golf resume is a one-page document that includes:
Your introductory email to a coach is your first impression. Keep it professional, personal, and concise. Do not send a generic mass email.
An effective email structure looks something like this:
After your initial email, be sure to fill out the team's online recruiting questionnaire, which can usually be found on the university’s athletics website. Send polite follow-up emails with updates on your recent tournament success or academic achievements every 4-6 weeks.
Securing a place on a college golf team is a long-term commitment that rewards hard work, planning, and persistence. By focusing on continual improvement in your golf game, your academics, and your personal character, you give yourself the best possible chance to find a program where you can thrive both on and off the course.
Developing on-course strategy and demonstrating a high golf IQ are a massive part of this process. It helps you stand out and that’s a big reason we developed Caddie AI. Our goal is to give aspiring players access to an on-demand golf expert in their pocket, helping you make smarter, more strategic decisions under pressure - precisely the skills that an experienced college coach loves to see an identify in a potential recruit.
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