What Do College Golf Coaches Look For?

Thinking about playing golf in college? That's a fantastic goal. But it often brings up one big question: What are college coaches *actually* looking for when they recruit? This article breaks down the exact attributes, skills, and characteristics that will get you noticed and, hopefully, earn you a spot on a college team.

It's Not Just About Your Score

Let's get the biggest myth out of the way first. While your scoring average is incredibly important - it’s often the first thing a coach looks at - it is not the *only* thing. We've seen hundreds of great junior golfers who could post a low number on their home course but struggled to get looks from colleges. Why? Because coaches are not just recruiting a score, they are recruiting a person, a player, and a future teammate. They're looking for potential, work ethic, and character that fits their program's culture.

Think of your score as the ticket that gets you into the movie theater. It gets you in the door and allows a coach to consider you seriously. But once you're inside, everything else - your swing, your attitude, your smarts on the course, and your grades - determines whether you get the leading role.

1. Tournament Performance & Scoring Average

Okay, with that said, your tournament scores are the foundation of your entire recruiting resume. This is the objective data that separates players at the start. Coaches don't just look at one good round, they look for patterns and trends.

• Consistency: Can you consistently shoot in the 70s? Coaches value a player who shoots 74-75-74 far more than someone who shoots 82-69-78. The consistent player shows a repeatable swing and a solid mental game. Wildly fluctuating scores can signal a lack of course management skills or an inability to handle pressure.
• Tough Conditions: Coaches pay special attention to how you score on difficult courses and in tough weather. Shooting a 76 on a day when the field average is 80 is far more impressive than a 72 on an easy course when everyone is going low. This shows toughness and grit.
• Upward Trend: Are your scores getting better over time? A coach loves to see a player whose scoring average has steadily dropped over the last year or two. This indicates a strong work ethic and a high ceiling for improvement. It tells them you're dedicated and on the right path.

2. Golf Swing & Athletic Potential

Once your scores have a coach’s attention, the next thing they'll evaluate is your technique. You do not need a picture-perfect swing that looks exactly like a PGA Tour pro's. What coaches *do* want to see is a biomechanically sound, powerful, and repeatable motion.

What "Sound" Technique Means:

Most coaches understand there are many ways to swing well. However, they look for some common threads based on principles of power and consistency. They want to see a swing that is a rotational action. The power is generated from the turn of your hips and shoulders, not an "up and down" chopping motion with just the arms. When they see good body rotation, they see potential for power and less reliance on perfect timing.

• Good posture and setup: Do you stand to the ball in an athletic, balanced position? Sticking your bottom out, tilting from the hips, and letting your arms hang naturally are signals that you understand the foundation of an athletic swing.
• Athleticism: Are you athletic? This doesn’t mean you have to be a superstar in every sport, but coaches look for coordination, balance, and speed. A powerful, free-flowing swing is a sign of good athleticism that can be honed.
• Repeatability: Your swing doesn’t have to be perfect, but it needs to be something you can repeat under pressure. A simple, efficient swing is often better than a complex one with lots of moving parts.

When sending a swing video, make sure to get two angles: one from "Down the Line" (behind your hands, looking at the target) and one from "Face On." Keep it simple - no music, no slow-motion, just a few swings with an iron and a driver.

3. Course Management & Golf IQ

This is where coaches separate the good players from the great ones. A player's Golf IQ is their ability to think their way around the course, make smart decisions, and avoid big numbers. It’s hard to see on a scorecard, which is why coaches love to watch players in person.

How do you demonstrate a high Golf IQ?

• Knowing When to Fire at Pins: You don't always have to be aggressive. A smart player knows when to aim for the middle of the green versus when to attack a tucked pin.
• Having a 'Miss': Good players know where *not* to hit it. Before every shot, they understand that if they do miss, it needs to be in a spot where they can still make par. They avoid short-siding themselves at all costs.
• Club Selection: This goes beyond distance. Do you factor in the wind, slopes, and potential trouble? Hitting a 3-wood off the tee to take fairway bunkers out of play is a classic sign of a mature player.
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How do you react to a bad shot? Do you let one bad hole turn into three? Coaches are watching carefully. They want to see a player who can take a bad break, hit the mental "reset" button, and focus completely on the next shot.

This is all about playing smarter, not just swinging harder. A player who understands strategy is someone who can contribute to a team immediately.

4. Character, Attitude, and Coachability

Coaches spend four years with their players. They travel together, practice together, and compete together. A player with a poor attitude can ruin a team's chemistry, no matter how talented they are.

Coaches are constantly asking these questions:

• How do you treat others? They watch how you interact with your parents, your fellow competitors, rules officials, and the course staff. Being respectful, polite, and positive is a massive plus.
• What is your on-course demeanor? Throwing clubs, audibly complaining, and having bad body language are giant red flags. Coaches want mature, resilient competitors who represent their program well.
• Are you coachable? A coach wants a player who listens, is open to feedback, and is willing to work on their weaknesses. A "know-it-all" attitude is poison to a team environment.
• What is your work ethic? Are you the first one at the course and the last one to leave? Do you practice with a purpose, or just bash balls? They want to see a genuine love for the process of getting better.

Remember, when a coach is watching you, they are evaluating you from the moment you get out of the car until you put your clubs away. Everything you do matters.

5. Your Academics are a Game Changer

This section is short but critically important: your grades matter. For many coaches, strong academics are a non-negotiable. Poor grades can make you ineligible and un-recruitable, TKTK no matter how far you hit the ball. On the other hand, excellent grades can open doors that talent alone cannot.

Good students show discipline and time-management skills, which coaches believe translates to a better work ethic on the golf course. Strong grades may also qualify you for academic scholarships, which can free up the coach’s limited athletic scholarship budget to use on other players. A player who is both athletically and academically appealing is a huge asset to any program.

How to Get a Coach's Attention

Knowing what they look for is one thing, putting yourself on their radar is another. Here's a quick guide:

1. Build a List: Research schools that fit you academically, athletically, and socially. Be realistic about your skill level (D1, D2, D3, NAIA, etc.).
2. Create Your Resume: Build a clean, one-page golf resume that includes your tournament scores, scoring average, upcoming schedule, academic info (GPA, test scores), and contact details.
3. Craft a Professional Email: Write a concise, personalized introductory email to the coaches on your list.
   • Address the coach by name.
   • Explain why you are interested in *their* specific program.
   • Link to your swing video and attach your resume.
   • Keep it short and to the point. They are very busy.
4. Follow Up: Send periodic updates with your recent results, but don't overwhelm them with emails.

Getting recruited is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient, be persistent, and focus on controlling what you can: your scores, your attitude, and your effort.

Final Thoughts

College golf coaches are looking for the complete package. A great scoring average will get their attention, but your character, work ethic, academic standing, and on-course intelligence are what will convince them you deserve a spot on their team. Focus on being a well-rounded athlete and person, and the opportunities will follow.

Developing that on-course intelligence and smart decision-making that coaches value so highly takes practice. As we developed Caddie AI, our whole goal was to help golfers with this. With the app, you get access to a 24/7 golf brain that helps you learn strategy. When you're standing over a tough shot or aren't sure of the right play on a tricky par-5, just ask, and it gives you a simple, smart plan. You can even snap a photo of a difficult lie to get expert advice in seconds. Learning to think your way around the course separates you a college recruit, and with Caddie AI, you have a tool to help you master that skill.