what college golf coaches look for

• Maturity. Maturity, both on and off the course, is very important. ...
• Scores. Scores will always be the most important factor for a coach. You must have proven results that are comparable to the level of play the coach is looking for.
• Passion and Work Ethic. Scores are a big piece to the puzzle, as mentioned above, but that doesn’t guarantee success at the collegiate level.
• Mental Toughness. College golf is an incredible experience and is a lot of fun, but it is also very tough sometimes. ...

Full Answer

What do college golf coaches look for in a student-athlete?

If a student-athlete wants to be recruited by college golf coaches, they need qualifying scores, extensive tournament experience, solid grades and test scores and the mental toughness to overcome college course difficulty.

When do college golf coaches make offers?

The NCAA regulates when college golf coaches can reach out to student-athletes. Generally, contact begins June 15 after sophomore year. At this point, coaches can call, email, text and make verbal offers. NCAA Division 1 and top Division 2 programs usually set the pace for the golf recruiting timeline.

How do I get a college coach’s attention for golf recruiting?

One of the best ways to get on a college coach’s radar is by sending them a golf recruiting video. For players who may not have new footage from tournaments or camps, a golf skills video is key for showing coaches your athleticism and technical ability.

How to get into college golf?

10 Steps to College Golf. 1 1. High GPA and Test Scores. A good academic record is more important than a good golf record. College coaches are reluctant to select a player that ... 2 2. Compete in Nationally Ranked Tournaments. 3 3. National Rankings. 4 4. Register with the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse. 5 5. Contact Colleges. More items

How do you get noticed by a college golf coach?

6 Ways to Get Noticed by a College Golf Coachhand-written letters.CDs.YouTube videos.phone calls from crying parents.surprise visits during team practice.calls from alumni who swear their friend's child is the next 'can't miss kid'…

What handicap do you need to play D1 golf?

0 to +2NCAA Division 1 golf handicap – 0 to +2. NCAA Division 2 golf handicap – 0 to +2. NCAA Division 3 golf handicap – 3.5/4 and below. NAIA golf handicap – 3.5/4 and below.

What are D1 coaches looking for?

D1 coaches cared more about athleticism, height/weight, and speed than other coaches. Those are generally characteristics of developmental players. D1 coaches are the most likely to take a player with the raw skill set and try to turn him into a great football player.

What are college coaches looking for in a player?

But there are some other traits college coaches want in a prospective student-athlete.Athleticism: First and foremost, you must have the skills to play in college. ... Solid academics: You must prove that you can thrive in an academic setting. ... Good Character: ... Work Ethic: ... Team Player: ... Hustle: ... Sports IQ: ... Maturity:More items...•

How good is the average college golfer?

The average scores for men are on the low end a 65 and on the high end a 75. For the women, the average scores can be anywhere from 66 to 78.

How do you get into a college golf team?

10 Steps to College GolfHigh GPA and Test Scores. A good academic record is more important than a good golf record. ... Compete in Nationally Ranked Tournaments. ... National Rankings. ... Register with the NCAA Initial Eligibility Clearinghouse. ... Contact Colleges. ... Campus Visits. ... National Letter of Intent. ... Financial Aid.More items...

How do you impress a college coach?

The best way to make sure you impress rather than depress a coach is to be prepared. Anticipate the questions he or she might ask, know a little bit about their program and be ready with your answers. College coaches want outgoing, confident players who will represent their program in a positive light.

What to say to a coach when you want to be recruited?

If you need help on what to say to a coach when you want to be recruited, follow these tips:Address the coach. Always include a coach's name in the greeting.Introduce yourself. Who are you? ... Express why you're interested in the program. ... Key athletic and academic info.

How do coaches pick players?

Coaches are looking for players who can exhibit composed aggressiveness, swift and secure decision-making at the opportune times. The successful goal scorer has the mentality of a great used-car salesman - very aggressive and not afraid of failure.

What do college coaches want to hear?

College coaches want to hear everything they can about you and your athletic and academic abilities. With the recruiting process being so short, coaches want to learn as much about you as they can and as quickly as possible.

How do you get noticed by college?

Research your top choice college. ... Join the mailing list. ... Visit the campus. ... Attend the visit when the college rep comes to your high school. ... Attend the visit when the college rep comes to your city. ... Follow the college on Twitter, Like them on Facebook, Follow them on Instagram. ... Apply Early Action or Early Decision.More items...•

What coaches expect from players?

What do Coaches Want from Their Players?Player to coach communication. ... Be ready to go at practice time. ... Show effort and attitude. ... Be Patient with your pace of progress. ... Be accountable and responsible. ... You can choose to be positive or poisonous. ... Respect for the program and the team.

Grades Come First

You might have golf on the brain from dawn until dusk, but when it comes to college golf, let’s not forget the part where you attend classes. Coaches will be checking how you balance school and sports by looking at your GPA. You’ll need to maintain a certain GPA in college in order to play golf.

A Face To Remember

Who will a coach remember more: a prospect that makes an introduction through email or one that’s done face to face? First impressions matter, so if you have the opportunity to meet a coach in person, go for it. Not only will they put words to a face, but you get a chance to show your confidence and character.

Determination Is Key

Coaches urge players to be persistent in establishing communication. If you send one email and don’t hear back right away, go ahead and follow-up. College coaches get bombarded with emails, so sometimes it’s difficult for them to stay on top of all the names. By being persistent, you put yourself out in front of the pack.

How to write a golf resume for college coaches

When you write your resume, you should start with your basic data. This information should include the following:

What are the top skills college coaches look for in golfers?

College coaches look for much more than your performance at high school golf events unless you played in the state’s championship. Coaches pay attention to the scoring average that you have in other tournaments that are more competitive such as junior golf events. Your grades are highly important.

How to get noticed via scouting videos and letters

Most junior golfers submit videos and letters along with their resumes. It is important for you to help yourself to get noticed when you submit these. There is a limited chance that you will get noticed by a college golf coach at a combine. Instead, you have the responsibility of reaching out to them and of making a lasting impression.

What college scouts look for in the golf scores of both boys and girls

The scoring averages that college scouts look for differ depending on the school’s division as well as your gender. If you are a boy wanting to attend a Division I school, you will need to have a scoring average that is 75 or better. For schools in the Top 20, you will need to have a scoring average of about 72.

What the college recruiting process is like

The college golf recruiting process differs from the process for other sports. College golf programs normally do not have large enough budgets to allow the coaches to go on the road in search of players. It is up to you to send in your highlights, resumes and videos.

How to make a good in-person impression with a college coach

When a college golf coach expresses interest in you, the coach may invite you for an in-person meeting. In order to make a good impression, you should practice in advance. Make certain that you are assertive in your answers because it shows self-confidence. Don’t be afraid to express a little emotion to convey your excitement about the program.

How to submit personal highlights

Because college golf coaches are busy, mail sometimes piles up. It is a good idea to submit your materials as attachments to an email in addition to mailing them. College golf coaches may be likelier to open their emails and see your material. Make certain that your personal highlights stand out by using bold fonts.

When can college golf coaches contact you?

The NCAA regulates when college golf coaches can reach out to student-athletes. Generally, contact begins June 15 after sophomore year. At this point, coaches can call, email, text and make verbal offers. NCAA Division 1 and top Division 2 programs usually set the pace for the golf recruiting timeline. Student-athletes may find that Division 3 and NAIA schools become more active during junior and senior year when ACT and SAT scores become available.

How do coaches evaluate golf prospects?

At this point, coaches focus on ranking their prospects and narrowing down their list. National golf tournaments and rankings are essential for them to do this. They thoroughly analyze a recruit’s average golf scores and tournament experience and then make in-person evaluations whenever possible. They also evaluate online profiles and swing videos that student-athletes have emailed to them when they can’t see a prospect play in-person. Beyond athletics, they evaluate how each recruit’s grades and test scores measure up and exclude student-athletes who don’t meet their school’s expectations.

How do high school coaches recruit?

Identify potential recruits: At any point in high school, coaches can send general materials, such as recruiting questionnaires, to student-athletes, and they usually send them out to a large number of freshmen and sophomores to gauge their interest in the program. It’s important to respond promptly to these materials if you receive them, but you can also visit an athletic program’s website to complete them on your own. These initial evaluations help college coaches build their list of interested prospects.

Why do men's golf coaches call their coaches?

So, they call the recruit’s private coach, swing coach or high school coach to get a better understanding of the athlete’s mental toughness, work ethic and behavior both on and off the course. That’s why it’s important to keep your high school and private coach in the loop on which colleges are on your target list.

Why is it important to compete at the national level?

More importantly, competing nationally gives student-athletes a chance to play in front of college coaches and improve their national ranking, while seeing how they stack up against top talent. Student-athletes have a few options to identify national golf tournament opportunities:

What division is golf recruiting?

NCAA Division 1 and top Division 2 programs usually set the pace for the golf recruiting timeline. Student-athletes may find that Division 3 and NAIA schools become more active during junior and senior year when ACT and SAT scores become available. However, don’t read that as “recruiting starts after sophomore year.”.

What is the NCAA eligibility center?

Meet academic requirements. The NCAA Eligibility Center determines the academic eligibility and amateur status for all NCAA Division 1 and Division 2 athletes. Understand the requirements so you can stay on track. Plus, golf coaches are more likely to recruit student-athletes who excel academically.

How do college coaches find recruits?

Years ago college coaches would travel to many tournaments during the summer to find possible recruits, but now with so many tournaments and hundreds of great players, they rely more on resources like Junior Golf Scoreboard to locate the top players. Visit the links below to understand how the rankings are determined and select a tournament schedule that will maximize your ranking.

How to introduce yourself to a college coach?

- Introduce yourself; include a brief personal history and your desire to attend the college. - Include goals in college, golf accomplishments, upcoming schedule, school accomplishments, and other interests.

Why is it important to compete in the top golf tournaments?

Competing in the top tournaments not only gives you more exposure, the experience gained by playing against the best players on the best courses is invaluable. Cautiously select a tournament schedule that is challenging and fits within your budget. Some tournaments, although large and well known, can be very expensive. Ask other players and parents about tournaments they have competed in and find tournaments that are within your budget, conducted professionally and fun. Below are links to a few golf associations that conduct nationally ranked junior events.

What are the steps to prepare for college?

Use the following steps and other resources as a guide in preparing for college. NCAA Guide for Student Athletes. 1. High GPA and Test Scores. A good academic record is more important than a good golf record. College coaches are reluctant to select a player that might have trouble staying eligible, so study hard and stay focused.

Is college expensive?

College can be very expensive, especially if you attend an out-of-state school. Coaches have a limited number of scholarships to disperse and usually they award partial scholarships to players that earn them through performance. Don't assume or rely on an athletic scholarship; apply for academic scholarships, grants, and if necessary, loans. Meet with a financial aid counselor for more specific information regarding scholarships, grants, and loans. Follow the links below for more information on financial aid. Remember to apply early!

How many coaches are on a golf team?

A college golf team will usually have two coaches, the head and the assistant coach. Don’t make the mistake when sending out your intro email to only send it to the head coach. Typically the assistant coach will deal more with the preliminary recruiting matters than the head coach will.

When are golf coaches busy?

During the fall and spring golf seasons, coaches are their busiest and usually won’t have a ton of time to devote to recruiting. Look at their calendar and schedule before contacting a school you are interested in. Avoid a day they would be at a tournament.

When to email college golf coaches?

The best time of the year to send emails to college golf coaches is the summer and winter months. Typically coaches will have more time on their hands to deal with recruiting matters, and won’t be traveling every week to golf tournaments as they would in the fall and spring. Do your best to avoid emailing coaches when they are in season. The amount of travel and tournaments coaches have, it will be difficult for them to get back to you in real time.

When to reach out to a coach?

Usually coaches will be catching up on emails and other office work from the weekend, so it’s best to wait until mid-week to reach out to a coach. Pro tip: sending email between 4-7 p.m. local time in the evenings is typically the best time of day to contact a coach.

When can a coach contact you in NCAA Division 2?

NCAA Division 2 – An NCAA DII coach cannot proactively contact you until June 15th the summer between your Sophomore & Junior years. NCAA Division 3 – There are no communication restrictions on when a coach can proactively contact you. NAIA – There are not communication restrictions on when a coach can proactively contact you.

Can you reach out to a high school coach?

Keep in mind that YOU can always proactively reach out to a coach at any division level no matter what year in high school you are. However, there are rules on when the coach can contact you:

Do college coaches want to see you play in person?

College coaches want to see you play in person but they need you to share your schedule in order for that to happen. If you have a handful of events coming up, be sure to attach your college golf resume and schedule to the email so a coach can plan on watching you play.