College Golf Recruiting Information Guide

Brandi Jackson 3/3/2011

Good Quote from Former D1 Coach

Tournament scores are the first thing a coach wants to see - the more a recruit can post, the more committed the recruit looks to a coach; also helps the coach evaluate them better. High school golf, especially for the boys, means very little to most coaches. Academics are very important, especially for the boys, because of the limited scholarships for each team. Golf coaches like to see recruits who play other sports. Average and tournament average are very different a golfers average score will typically include what they shoot day in and day out during non competition rounds. Tournament scores are what the coaches want to see. It is the only truly verified information for a golfer. Video is necessary but not required to do the initial evaluation coaches will want to see the golfers swing and short game to determine if they will continue to pursue a recruit after seeing their resume. When recruits look at a college roster to see what the players are shooting in tournaments, they need to keep in mind that scores typically go up 3-5 strokes on average because the college courses are tougher, longer and the pressure is much higher. I was a scratch golfer (0 handicap) before going to college and averaged 77 my freshman and sophomore years. Unlike some sports where you have to wait and see if an athlete gets bigger and faster, a lot of freshman and sophomore golfers are already consistently shooting the numbers that coaches want to see. Golf starts at a much younger age than a lot of sports. You only have to worry about them getting burned out.

Key Points

"First, I look at the player's tournament scoring average. High school events are less important, unless they are at the state championship tournament. I mainly look for summer tournaments and see what kind of competition was in the field. Every once in a while I find a diamond in the rough, who hasn't been able to get in a lot of big junior golf events, but has played well in the ones that he/she was in. Next I look at the player's grades. If the player doesn't have the grades to get in to our school, I don't waste my time. I also look for good athletes. If they play other sports on the varsity level, I'm interested. I can't teach athletic ability and if I see a 2- or 3-sport letterman I know they're an athlete.

Mens Golf Recruiting

Scholarships It is very difficult to get a full scholarship at any level because of the limited scholarships available for the amount of team members. A team is typically a minimum of 8 players, with 10-12 being the average team size. Not all programs have all of the available scholarships funded. Coaches are really looking for good academic students. D1 D2 NAIA JC 4.5 3.6 5 8

Tournaments Coaches want to see 36 and 54 hole tournaments (see Tours and Tournaments). The local 18 hole tournaments and high school scores mean very little to most coaches, except local small programs. College tournaments are 36 and 54 holes so coaches want to see that a golfer can back up one round with another good round. Also in order to play at the top level in college, you have to show that you can compete against the top junior golfers in the country (not just in your area). Unfortunately it cost money to travel and play tournaments but that is what it takes to get looked at by top programs. If a golfer from colder states wants to play in warmer states, they need to get out of their area and play tournaments with strong competition or try to play the national tour events that come into their area.

Overview Mens golf is very competitive because all guys would love the opportunity to play in college. They dont mind the commitment because they just want to be on the golf course getting better. Its pretty easy to get a scoring average into the higher 70s but to consistently shoot in the low 70s is tough, especially in tournaments. Usually if a golfer isnt shooting consistently under 75 in tournaments by the summer before their junior year, they wont have a chance for most D1 and top D2 programs. Those programs are typically done with their recruiting or have their prospects picked out during their junior year. Most D1 and D2 coaches want to sign their recruits during the early period in November. Some lower D2 programs and colder climate small D1s will still be looking to fill their rosters later in a recruits senior year and may consider players shooting up to 76-77. In turn, they would have very little scholarship money if any.

Womens Golf Recruiting

Scholarships Females have a better chance to get a full ride, especially at D1, but it is still limited because there are more team members than scholarships. A team is typically a minimum of 7 players, with 8-10 being the average team size. Not all programs have all of the scholarships funded. Coaches are looking for good academic golfers. D1 D2 NAIA JC 6 5.4 5 8

Tournaments Coaches want to see 36 and 54 hole tournaments (see Tours and Tournaments). Some coaches at weaker programs in each division will look at 18 hole tournaments and high school scores but the 36 and 54 hole tournaments have more credibility. College tournaments are 36 and 54 holes so coaches want to see that a golfer can back up one round with another good round. Girls can stay in their area/state and play tournaments and get looked at by top local programs if they post scores in the 70s and low 80s. Most top programs want to see scores played from 6000+ yards. Overview Girls hesitation with playing in college is the commitment level. Golf is a nonstop, minimal time off sport, especially in warm climates. You dont really have an offseason. Girls considering the top programs need to be serious and dedicated. Coaches know that families have realized that golf can be a free ride for girls so they are looking extra hard to find girls that will work hard once they get to college. There are programs in each division where the demands are less and the girls can enjoy the social aspect of school more. That is why it is extremely important for a girl to find the right fit.

General Golf Recruiting

Handicaps and Scoring Averages These are only starting points for coaches. They are both honor based stats, a golfer enters their own scores into a computer to calculate their handicap, so technically they can make their handicap whatever they want. Most golfers will include their practice scores on their home course for both their handicap and scoring average. The only true test of a golfers skill is in their tournament results. A good handicap and scoring will not get a golfer recruited; it will only get the coaches attention then the coach will go straight to the tournament resume to see what tournaments they have played in and what they shot. If the scores dont reflect the handicap and scoring average, they will move on. Coaches are mostly interested in the golfers tournament average. Video Coaches will want to see a golfers video. It is not necessary to do an initial evaluation but in order to decide if they seriously want to recruit the golfer they will want to see the video. They are typically looking for basic swing mechanics, major flaws, short game technique and putting stroke. Some coaches can teach certain swings better than others. Some swing flaws take longer to correct than others. If they are borderline considering a recruit then a good swing, with good mechanics can put them over the edge. The coaches need to see 2-3 swings from the front and side angle of each: driver, fairway wood, long iron and mid iron. Also same angles for 2-3 of each: pitch shots, bunker shots, chips and putts. It needs to be filmed from 8-12 feet away so they can see set-up and grip.

Limits on Majors Golf is a two season sport. Teams will play 4 5 tournaments in the Fall, then 3 4 tournaments in the Spring followed by Conference, Regional and National tournaments. Some majors, especially at top golf programs in each division, will be difficult if not impossible to pursue. Science, engineering and medical fields are tough because the out of class demands with labs will overlap with afternoon practice and travel to tournaments. Some coaches will make exceptions others will not allow it. At top programs players dont get much time off even during the offseason. Coaches are limited by NCAA to what they can require but most will expect the team to be at practice and on the course every day. Size Size isnt a key factor in golf but anytime you have a taller, bigger built male or female they typically have the ability to hit it farther. The biggest challenge going from junior golf to college golf is the length of the courses. You can get away with hitting the ball short in junior golf but you will struggle to keep up in college golf. Its difficult to turn a smaller kid who doesnt hit it far into a long hitting golfer in such a short time period.

Below are the 20 PGA accredited Professional Golf Management (PGM) Programs. A golfer cannot be a part of these PGM programs and play on the golf team. There may be some exceptions but I havent heard of any except the one note below. Because they are PGA accredited you earn Class A PGA Professional status, therefore losing your amateur status. The time demands are also too much for both. The phrase for the PGM program is you better love the game of golf more than you love playing the game of golf. The PGA accredited programs allow a graduate to come out of college and go straight to a managerial position or head pro position. Arizona State University Clemson University Eastern Kentucky University Methodist University Coastal Carolina University Florida State University Campbell University Ferris State University (coach may allow both) North Carolina State University Sam Houston State University Mississippi State University

PGM Programs

Florida Gulf Coast University New Mexico State University Penn State University University of Idaho

University Of Central Oklahoma University of Nebraska, Lincoln

University of Maryland Eastern Shore University of Nevada Las Vegas

University of Colorado, Colorado Springs

There are some non-PGA accredited PGM programs where a recruit can play on the golf team. These are listed below (there may be others). They wont get their PGA Class A status and will have to go through the program after college. They can however pursue another major and minor in the PGM program. This is a great option if they want to play in college but arent interested in immediately becoming a Head Golf Pro or Golf Course Manager. They can pursue other opportunities in the golf business. Ohio State University Queens University Johnson & Wales of Miami California University Alleghany College of Maryland

Junior Tours

National Tours and Organizations

American Junior Golf Association (www.AJGA.org) - The most recognized and top ranked national junior tour in the world. D1 and top D2 coaches like to see these events because the competition is always strong. They can be hard to get into and hard to qualify for though. The travel and entry fees can get expensive. International Junior Golf Tour (www.IJGT.com) - Falls behind the AJGA in recognition. Tournaments are a little easier to get into but can still be expensive. Coaches like to see these events on resumes as well. Future Collegians World Tour (www.FCWTgolf.com) - Another good national tour that falls behind the AJGA and IJGT. Tournaments are easier to get into and look good on resumes. Slightly cheaper entry fees. IMG Leadbetter Junior Tour (www.imgleadbetterjgt.com) (NCSA partner) - A new national junior tour that will take some time to build its credibility. David Leadbetter is one of the most famous golf swing instructors so his name helps with recognition. It just needs time to grow. Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour (www.maplejt.com) Canadian national junior tour Canadian Junior Golf Association (www.cjga.com) Canadian national junior tour Mexico Junior Golf Tour (www.mjga.org.mx) Mexican national junior tour Hurricane Junior Golf Tour (www.HJGT.org) (NCSA club partner) - Southeast Plantations Junior Tour (www.PJT.com) Mid-South and Midwest Southeastern Junior Tour (www.SJGT.com) - Southeast Golfweek Tour (www.golfweekjuniortour.com) West Coast and Mountain Northwest Junior Golf Tour (www.jrgolftour.net) Northwest Mid American Tour (www.ijga.org/majgt/) Midwest Each state has local or statewide tours and organizations. Most of these events are only looked at by coaches within that area or weaker D3 and NAIA programs. The courses are typically played from shorter distances and the competition is weak compared to Regional and National events.

Regional Tours and Organizations

State/Local Tours and Organizations

Junior Tournaments
These are considered the top tournaments every year. They have been around the longest and generate the highest level of competition. Most college coaches will either be at these events or looking at the results. Most of these either have qualifiers or you have to be invited. A few are the Championships to the National Tours mentioned above and you must earn your spot by playing well in their events. Top Boys National Tournaments
Jones Cup Junior Invitational - http://www.jonescupinvitational.com/Content/1000.htm Doral-Publix Junior Golf Classic - http://www.firstteemiami.org/tournaments/doral/ Verizon Junior Heritage - http://www.verizonjuniorheritage.com/ Scott Robertson Memorial - http://www.scottrobertson.com/ FCWT Boys National Championship www.fcwtgolf.com IJGT Tournament of Champions www.ijgt.com North-South Junior - http://www.pinehurst.com/golf_resort_tournaments.asp Hudson Junior Invitational - http://www.hudsonjunior.org/ Toyota World Junior Golf Cup - http://www.wjgtc.org/ Southern Junior - http://www.sgagolf.com/ Pepsi Little People - http://www.littlepeoplesgolf.com/ Texas-Oklahoma Junior - http://www.tojrgolf.com/ Western Junior - http://www.westerngolfassociation.com/ AJGA Rolex Tournament of Champions www.ajga.org International Junior Masters - http://www.internationaljuniormasters.com/ Press Thornton Futures Masters - http://www.futuremastersgolf.com/ Bubba Conalee National Junior - http://www.thebubba.org/ Junior World Championship - http://www.juniorworldgolf.com/ USGA Junior Amateur - http://www.usga.org/ Optimist International - http://www.optimist.org/default.cfm?content=jrgolf/main.cfm Trusted Choice Big I Junior Classic - http://www.trustedchoicebigijuniorclassic.com/ Canadian Junior Boys Championship - http://www.rcga.org/ Junior PGA Championship - http://www.pgatournaments.com/ Bobby Chapman Junior Invitational - http://www.scjga.org/chapman/

Top Girls National Tournaments

Doral-Publix Junior Golf Classic - http://www.firstteemiami.org/tournaments/doral/ Joanne Winter Arizona Silver Belle Championship - www.azsilverbelle.com/ Verizon Junior Heritage - http://www.verizonjuniorheritage.com/ Kathy Whitworth Invitational - http://www.kathywhitworthinvitational.com/ FCWT Laura Diaz Girls National Championship www.fcwtgolf.com IJGT Tournament of Champions www.ijgt.com North-South Junior - http://www.pinehurst.com/golf_resort_tournaments.asp Hudson Junior Invitational - http://www.hudsonjunior.org/ Toyota World Junior Golf Cup - http://www.wjgtc.org/ Pepsi Little People - http://www.littlepeoplesgolf.com/ Texas-Oklahoma Junior - http://www.tojrgolf.com/ AJGA Rolex Tournament of Champions www.ajga.org Womens Western Junior Championship - www.wwga.org/ Junior World Championship - http://www.juniorworldgolf.com/ USGA Junior Girls Amateur - http://www.usga.org/ Optimist International - http://www.optimist.org/default.cfm?content=jrgolf/main.cfm Trusted Choice Big I Junior Classic - http://www.trustedchoicebigijuniorclassic.com/ Junior PGA Championship - http://www.pgatournaments.com/ Royale Cup Canadian Junior Girls Championship - http://www.golfcanada.ca/amateurcompetition/amateur-championships/royale-cup-canadian-junior-girl/ AJGA Polo Junior Classic www.ajga.org Junior Orange Bowl International Golf Championship - http://www.jrorangebowl.com/ Donald Ross Junior Championship - http://www.pinehurst.com/donald-ross.php